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-   -   Am I the only one that enjoys the math? (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/am-i-only-one-enjoys-math-t185275.html)

GrannieAnnie 04-09-2012 08:14 PM


Originally Posted by MaryLane (Post 5122254)
It seems whenever I am around other quilters I always hear, "Oh, that involves math and I don't do/like math."

I love that part of the creating. Am I the only one? There has to be another person or two on here that enjoys math. Speak up, please!

I know basic math quite well, so I enjoy arranging my own blocks in whatever size I want. It's hard for me to remember that so many people can't do that. And I can copy almost any pattern that does not involve curves.

GrannieAnnie 04-09-2012 08:15 PM


Originally Posted by Mickey1 (Post 5122354)
I am pretty sure there's only you and a couple of others. LOL!!


Oh, ye of little faith!

GrannieAnnie 04-09-2012 08:20 PM


Originally Posted by Buckeye Rose (Post 5123142)
I don't mind creating my own quilts, but I use the "KISS method" (keep it simple stupid). I've been clear through calculus in college, but that part of the brain is in remission and gives me no assistance when it comes to figuring HST and such. So unless I can find a HST size from another pattern that will work for me, I don't.....I will do something else!


Hey, the beauty of HSTs is that oversized ones can always be whittled down.

GrannieAnnie 04-09-2012 08:28 PM

What I wish is that all the non-math folks would cut a few dozen squares, from graph paper if necessary. Color some as full squares, color some as HST, color some as the next step that I don't have a name for (like an hour glass) and color those. Then go to the table and play with the squares. Maybe find a few of the old faithful quilt block designs and discover there is no MAGIC FORMULA to most quilt blocks. Just simple designs.

I'd guess that most of those folks could ferret out the patterns of many quilts for themselves in very short time.
Oh, and throw in a few rectangles along the way, too.

GrannieAnnie 04-09-2012 08:32 PM


Originally Posted by jitkaau (Post 5125319)
It's not really 'rocket science', so I find it enjoyable.

That's the whole thing, there's nothing mysterious about math. Look at our toddlers. They can Lego all sorts of stuff------------and legos of a specific size are all variations of a single small square unit.

GrannieAnnie 04-09-2012 08:36 PM


Originally Posted by Lori S (Post 5124552)
I do like the math part .... except when I make a mistake( and its always a really simple math one/common sense that I goof) and don't catch it before I am too far into it for a quick solution.

That would have been me today. I was cutting fabric the framing piece of the Warm Wishes quilt. I'd made a note about something else and used that note to cut a couple strips---------------------THE WRONG SIZE.

All is good, I can use them for binding!

bearisgray 04-12-2012 02:06 PM

I also enjoy the "figuring out" part of making a quilt.

Even a bit of trig gets used now and then for calculating angles.

Calculators are helpful - but one still needs to know which buttons/keys to press to get a useful result!

GrannieAnnie 04-12-2012 02:59 PM


Originally Posted by pinecone (Post 5124312)
math is what I do when I can't sleep. I figure how many inches of a color I need for a pattern so I can pick from my stash. If a patterns says 1/4 yard, you might actually need only 6". I go to Keepsake Quilting's tent sale and you can stuff a plastic bag with random sized pieces, I wash, press then write how much is there on the selvedge for future reference. I have oodles of graph paper tablets and use them for writing notes too.
I was on the math team in high school and studied architecture and building in college...not so good in English and history.

piney

I design houses when I want to put myself to sleep. Need math for that!

SharonTheriault 04-12-2012 03:01 PM

Yes... maybe a couple of others.

sewmanyideas 06-03-2012 08:24 AM

any one know how many hst's I will need to make a 40x60 rainbow "Roy G Biv" quilt?


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