This is Chapter 3 of Figuring Fibers, edited by
Carolyn Yackel and sarah-marie belcastro.
This self-contained chapter contains directions for a complete
project in a downloadable PDF file. You may also purchase the entire
volume or see
a list of all chapters available for individual purchase.
Background for crafters:
In this chapter, we walk the reader through a close examination of
a knitted square lace pattern called the Templeton square. By
thoroughly understanding the pattern's structure, we are able to
create sets of related modified patterns for squares of certain
sizes. In the mathematics section, we count these sets. In the chapter,
two sets of Templeton square variants are explicitly given: one for
squares with thirteen rounds and one for squares with twenty-one
rounds. Four patterns from a set of squares with twenty-nine rounds
are incorporated into a pattern for a stole.
About Figuring Fibers:
Pick up this book and dive into one of eight chapters relating
mathematics to fiber arts! Amazing exposition transports any
interested person on a mathematical exploration that is rigorous
enough to capture the hearts of mathematicians. The zenith of
creativity is achieved as readers are led to knit, crochet, quilt, or
sew a project specifically designed to illuminate the mathematics
through its physical realization. The beautiful finished pieces
provide a visual understanding of the mathematics that can be shared
with those who view them. If you love mathematics or fiber arts, this
book is for you!
Pick up this book and dive into one of eight chapters relating
mathematics to fiber arts! Amazing exposition transports any
interested person on a mathematical exploration that is rigorous
enough to capture the hearts of mathematicians. The zenith of
creativity is achieved as readers are led to knit, crochet, quilt, or
sew a project specifically designed to illuminate the mathematics
through its physical realization. The beautiful finished pieces
provide a visual understanding of the mathematics that can be shared
with those who view them. If you love mathematics or fiber arts, this
book is for you!
Individual chapters are also available for purchase. Each
self-contained chapter contains directions for a complete project in
downloadable PDF format. See a list of all
chapters.
Undergraduate and graduate students and researchers interested in mathematical themes in needlework and fiber arts (e.g. crocheting, knitting, quilting).
'Figuring Fibers' is a welcoming book showing just how rich and beautiful the intersection of mathematics and fiber arts can be. The mathematics is interesting, the crafts are intriguing, and the exposition is well done.
-- Sara Jensen, Carthage College
Whether you are looking for a mathematical text to motivate your inner artist or to inspire the mind of a creative student, I would highly recommend this book. The mathematical arguments are sound and the patterns are well-written.
-- Mckenzie West, MAA Reviews
"Figuring Fibers" offers eight mathematically and artistically beautiful chapters through which a reader can explore and learn quite a bit of mathematics and fiber arts...The writing is clear and connects precise mathematical definitions and theorems to the making of fiber art objects: objects to touch, to explore, and to ask mathematical questions about.
-- Maria Shea Terrell, Mathematical Reviews
I have long wondered whether it was possible to create art that expressed the beauty of science at a deep level. Most of the art I've seen celebrating science has lain strictly at the surface — mostly, images of scientific concepts that happen to have aesthetically attractive representations...Until someone told me about "Figuring Fibers." "Figuring Fibers" is a compilation of articles that demonstrate mathematical principles using fiber arts in a deep, thoughtful manner. It's unique in that it's written with mathematical rigor, yet is readable by the sufficiently bold layperson; and each article covers a deep, interesting mathematical idea and then demonstrates it/extends the idea using a fiber art technique.
-- Tien Chiu