In observing my crafting tendencies, Myria tells me that she thinks I am trying to follow the thread of the universe to see how it works and how it shapes everything and that my pursuit of that, whether through beading, crocheting or knitting, is deeply mathematical.
Initially this came as quite a surprise. I didn’t think of myself as a math kind of person and, in fact, had done abysmally in highschool geometry and algebra. But, over the weekend, I fell over something that helped me to understand what she was getting at. And it was the consideration of these types of patterns, dishcloths which incorporate a clever use of knit and purl to create a picture, that sort of illuminated things for me.
First of all, I doubt that I could have come up with anything as nice as some of the patterns I’ve seen - from things as simple as an apple to as complex as an Army Eagle. But I realized as I was looking over the patterns that they are really very simple. It’s simply a matter of knowing whether a stitch is a knit or a purl (which, of course, the patterns tells you). There’s no math to it - just counting.
On the other hand if you take a look at some lace stitch patterns, you’re dealing with math all over the place - increases countered by decreases, symmetry, balance, shifting stitches, half-drops and so forth - it all has to be worked out properly - pattern on pattern from row to row - in order for the final fabric to look pleasing to the eye. And hopefully, not just pleasing, but drop-dead gorgeous :)
It’s the pattern of the working that does it for me - the actual rhythm of the needles doing this and that in a regular, sequenced fashion. I am in no way minimizing the validity of the dishcloth patterns, the picture knit/purls - I certainly couldn’t have designed them and many of them are quite lovely. But I would have a difficult time working them (or picture lace, for that matter) because there’s no pattern to the working; I wouldn’t be able to focus on it and would never be able to keep my place without a dozen markers and a clout over the head :)
But give me something complex, cables or lace where there’s a real rhythm to the working and it’s like dancing - and I’m happy as a clam :)
Just how happy is a clam, anyway?
I have decided to go forth on a rather large project that I’m not going to discuss much for now - except for pieces now and again. I promise that if I actually manage to pull it off, you’ll be the first to know :) It’s a lot of work, but it’s also fun - in a breath-taking, wet-your-pants kind of way. These are what I’m setting up now:
This, however:
No trackbacks yet.
if i remember correctly, you’ve told me that you always wanted to dance- now you are doing just that and i say congrats!! a dancy mind and fingers is a fabulous concept, and it’s one that can take place far from the so-called ‘dance floor’ or the barre-
geez, you are still astounding me with your brand of *thoughtful* knitting, and i can’t wait to see what you’re going to amaze us with next- since my level of production is stalled due to other obligations right now, it’s a joy to see your accomplishments- 3 cheers for robbyn!!!
stay happy-
Barb - That’s how I think of it - as dancing. Even if I can’t put one foot in front of the other successfully three times in a row :) My needles are more graceful.
I thank you for your nice words but really, I have no control over the things that sleet through my brain. But some of those things are interesting and I’m profoundly grateful to be able to pursue them once in a while.
Hi Robbyn, I dunno, it looks to me like there is rhythm to be found in that first lace pattern too. 
Rob - You’re right, there is some because the pattern is more or less symmetrical. Maybe bearing that in mind will help me in the working of it - thanks!
I’m excited to see what will transpire. I like what I’m seeing so far! Dance away!!
Your making my head spin, I evidently am not math inclined.
Keep dancing.
Vicki
Ev - Even I don’t know quite yet what exactly is going to transpire so I’m looking forward to it too - LOL! In the meantime, more standard items will go forth - small ones though, most likely.
Vicki - Hey - spinning can be fun :) I remember when I was a kid, spinning until I fell down. I loved it!
