1st Edition
Crafting by Concepts Fiber Arts and Mathematics
From the editors of the popular Making Mathematics with Needlework, this book presents projects that highlight the relationship between types of needlework and mathematics. Chapters start with accessible overviews presenting the interplay between mathematical concepts and craft expressions. Following sections explain the mathematics in more detail, and provide suggestions for classroom activities. Each chapter ends with specific crafting instructions. Types of needlework included are knitting, crochet, needlepoint, cross-stitch, quilting, temari balls, beading, tatting, and string art. Instructions are written as ordinary patterns, so the formatting and language will be familiar to crafters.
Introduction: Welcome Back
Prologue
Chapter Structure
Research Update
A Note for Educators
How to Use This Book
Conclusion
Knit Knit Revolution
Overview
Mathematics
Teaching Ideas
Crafting Revolutionary Hats
Generalized Helix Striping
Overview
Mathematics
Teaching Ideas
Crafting a Helix Striped Spiral Nightcap and Bed Socks
A Knitted Cross-Cap
The Math and Motivation behind the Pattern
Crafting the Knitted Cross-Cap
Fashioning Fine Fractals from Fiber
Overview
Mathematics
Teaching Ideas
Crafting the Sierpiriski Triangle
Diaper Patterns in Needlepoint
Overview
Mathematics
Teaching Ideas
Crafting the Symmetry Cube
Group Actions in Cross-Stitch
Overview
Mathematics
Teaching Ideas
Crafting the Two-Color Symmetry Sampler
Perfectly Simple: Squaring the Rectangle
The Math and Motivation behind the Pattern
Crafting Perfectly Simple
Spherical Symmetries of Ternari
Overview
Mathematics
Teaching Ideas
Crafting Three Temari Balls
Quilting Semiregular Tessellations
Overview
Mathematics
Teaching Ideas
Crafting Semiregular Quilts
About the Contributors
Credits
Fiber Arts Bibliography
Index
Biography
sarah-marie belcastro and Carolyn Yackel earned their Ph.D.s in mathematics from the University of Michigan. Carolyn Yackel is an Associate Professor in the mathematics department at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, specializing in connections between mathematics and art. sarah-marie belcastro is a Research Associate at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts.
The beauty of the visual patterns of mathematics is highlighted in this engaging book. The mathematics is carefully laid out, but following every detail of the mathematics is not necessary to create the patterns of the crafts projects presented. … Excellent photographs throughout amply illustrate the use of mathematics … I highly recommend this book to teachers looking for beautiful projects for their students or to anyone who loves or is curious about circles, spirals, helixes, cross-caps, fractals, diaper patterns, symmetry groups, squaring the rectangle, and tiling spheres or the plane.
—Marcia Weller Weinhold, Mathematics Teacher, November 2012There is something in this book for everyone from crafters to mathematicians to educators and students. … This book has a lot to offer for mathematicians and non-mathematicians, presented in a beautifully illustrated and well-organized volume.
—L’Enseignement Mathematique (2) 57, 2011If Crafting by Concepts does nothing else, it should help non-math-geek knitters to understand there’s nothing to fear in the typical math of a knitting pattern. It also illustrates that a little mystery can be a lot of fun.
For knitters who are into mathematical knitting, this book offers a lot of interesting things to think about. … Crafty math teachers will enjoy the teaching suggestions that will allow them to use these projects and concepts in the classroom, hopefully bringing up the next generation of crafty mathematicians. And these projects take geek craft to a whole new level, which is pretty cool.
—Sarah E. White, About.com KnittingI stumbled over this book and simply had to buy it … The authors’ interest is in linking mathematics and craft …
—Cally Booker, chairman of the Journal for Weavers, Spinners and Dyers, on her blog, August 2011The editors have collected nine projects from various authors and have presented them attractively in this beautiful book. … The book is wide-ranging, covering many mathematical topics and many craft ideas. … This book would be a great present for a mathematician interested in craft or a craft enthusiast open to thinking about mathematics.
—Vicky Neale, Plus magazine, August 2011Fiberarts and mathematics in a marvelous union to not just create but to understand applications in Temari, Quilting, Knitting and ever cross stitch.
—Lacis Tools & Materials