Math? Who Needs Math?

Math?  Many a kid will ask me why they need math--well, it use to be hard for me to give them a logical answer because when I was their age, I was asking that question too!  But, now I can give the perfect answer!
You use math in every day life--and as a fiber artist, you certainly make good  use of your math skills--just wish I had studied harder in those younger years.

What many of these individuals fail to realize is that math is an integral part of design. In fact, concepts such as patterns,symmetry, positive and negative space, arrangement, and sequence that are so important to design all have a basis in mathematics.  Fractals are repeating geometric patterns that combine to form a whole. In nature, fractals make up leaves, snowflakes, geological structures, and ice crystals. You can even slice open an orange to see the repeating shape of the fluid filled pulp. These are also fractals.

I rather like to weave using this Fibonacci technique--Let's play a quick game. Take a look at the following sequence of numbers and try to determine which number comes next. 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55...

If you guessed 89, you are absolutely correct. The pattern in these numbers is a Fibonacci sequence. Take a look at the numbers again. Each number after the sixteen is the sum of the two numbers prior to that. To begin a Fibonacci sequence, you just need to 'seed' the sequence with a starter number and then double that number to start the pattern.

 

Designers use fractals in everything from clothing design to website backgrounds. Zigzags and paisley are two examples of the ways in which fractals can make their way into design. Here is an example of fractals used for design purposes.  So, you do need MATH!  It can make lovely art pieces!

SSS--Sock!,

Slip Stitch Stripey Free Sock Pattern

Free pattern courtesy of Simple Notable 

Here’s an easy and free sock pattern I worked up for daughter in law Cindee! These fun cuff down socks use the Tweed Rib Stitch Pattern to add a lively texture. The slipped stitches create fun little dashes and dots of color. This pattern would work well to break up unwanted pooling in variegated yarns. I love the effect with self striping yarns!

Welded Quilt?

Little Miss Shabby is hosting a free tutorial for this interesting quilt--Welded is the name!  Although set on point the pattern is easy to follow and will showcase any lovely fabrics you have.

This is the third in the series.  Check out another one of the free quilt tutorials and pattern.
Birchen Quilt

Today We Celebrate--------ME!

Today is my birthday!  But, I'm not telling you how old I am--Let's just say, I'm older than The President, Younger than Edgar Allen Poe-- I was a war baby!  Oh, chuckle all you want--but I was born before WWII ended.  The story goes that my dad, who was stationed in France, named me----I think somewhere along there--maybe nine months before, he had a leave!  Anyway, I'm a war baby!

So today, I'm celebrating me, myself and I!  There will be no big fanfares in the world!  No tooting horns!  Just a quiet time--celebrating the fact I'm here!

So, in honor of my birthday--please celebrate yourself!  Take the time to think about your life!
Then if you have a moment--silently, wish me a Happy Birth-Day!

Knitting Without Needles???

Can you believe--no needles?!  Well, why not? 

Kids have knit with their fingers for years.  Why not knit with your arms or fingers using chunky yarns.  This isn't a review of the book--haven't seen it, but just a concept that might work 

in a pitch if you don't have your knitting needles handy.

Check This Out--Nick Cave's Sound Suits

Many moons ago, I was privileged to see and "hear" Nick Cave's magic exhibit!  At that time, I didn't have the foggiest idea that Nick would be the artist of the era..................Now, there is a stationery exhibit of his sound suits at the Cranbrook Art Museum.

If you have a chance to see this exciting exhibit--take it!  I'm happy I was able to see the Sound Suits; only wish I could see them up close.

Nick Cave is a prolific artist and dancer, famous for his sculptures called sound suits, which he often stages in public spectacle. The artist conceives some as fragile sculptural totems, and others as wearable performance suits designed for sound, mobility, and dance. Though influenced by a vibrant palette of African art, armor, found objects, fashion, and textile design, the origin of the sound suit is rooted in social critique. Cave first created a suit in the aftermath of the Rodney King beating in 1991, envisioning an emotional shield that protected one’s race or gender while still expressing individuality. As Cave’s artwork began to resonate with vast audiences, the artist saw the sound suits as powerful agents to capture the public imagination on a monumental scale. Cave’s artistic practice now advocates the vital importance of collective dreaming, which he actualizes through large-scale performances.

One + One = Pair!

Several weeks ago--who can remember? Not me for sure...............anyway, I had knit ONE sock from this pattern--Mally, designed by Rich (that bald guy that knits).  Yes, only one sock lingered around the house.  I kept putting back in a box but it always turned up again--it was saying, "where is my mate?"

So--it nudged me to knit the second sock!  It took some energy too!

I haven't the foggiest idea why I knit only one sock in the first place.

Knitting two at a time is the way to go.

so, here is the pair--look happy, don't they?

I will never knit only ONE sock alone again!