5.13.2008

building blocks & baseball diamonds

It was back to the 'drawing board' to get these blocks to fit together without that wonky 3 1/2 in. block & 3 7/8 in. block getting in the way and c.o.n.f.u.s.i.n.g. me. Actually, I don't have a drawing board or design wall & have to lay them out on our bed. For some reason our cats think it is their business to rest their furry little bottoms on each block that I lay out and then scatter them every which way.

So I auditioned the blocks in a billion different positions and *surprise!* when putting them together they formed little baseball diamonds. I did not even try to do that and when I expressed my glee to my husband he replied:
'Ah.......yes dear....it's called geometry.'

'But honey, just look at how these form an actual baseball diamond when sewn together.'

'Uh-huh......it's just simple geometry'

And a stare that he could not believe I did not already know this.

Okay, so I never imagined that math figured into the creative process of quilting. In fact, if I had known that I don't think I would have ever attempted this wonderful endeavor. It would have scared me silly.

But now that I have, I am enjoying this ride. It's exciting. And it's forcing me to finally use the left side of my brain.

10 comments:

jacquie said...

Fabulous! I actually had a dream about designing a whole math curriculum around quilting. The kids and I could make quilts and they'd be whizzes at fractions, geometry and algebra. How about that for a fun math class!

Suzy said...

Your blocks are looking great! You son is going to love his quilt! :o)

Wish I had known about quilting in school when I was learning fractions and geometry. It would have clicked much easier. Gosh, I hated math! LOL!

Anonymous said...

That is so cool! I absolutely love the fabrics you chose, they are so fun and playful.

Dandelion Quilts said...

Geometry shnometry....I think it is cool and I get what you were saying. He is going to love this.

QuiltedSimple said...

Looks great - your son will LOVE it. I love the bright, cheerful colors of it. Can't wait to see it finished!!
Kris

Anonymous said...

These blocks are looking so great! I just love your fabric choice. So bright and cheerful. I know your son will love it for sure. Can't wait for the outcome!!

Knot Garden said...

The geometry involved in quilting is actually interesting geometry, that's the difference, lol! Those prints are so cool, I bet your son loves them.

Gypsy Quilter said...

Perhaps a flannel sheet tacked to the back of a door might help. I've worked small sections at a time that way. Enjoy playing with color, that's what it's all about.

Cathie said...

Oh, I love that!!! And how cool that the diamonds showed up!! Your silly hubby... doesn't he know that you could have arranged the blocks in myriads of ways, and that the diamonds are only one possibility? It's not geometry... it's the quilter's eye and the quilter's art! *grin*

Oh my, the verification word this time is "zoahneah" and that seems to me like it *should* be a real word, lol, or maybe someone's name...

Happy quilting!
Cath

meggie said...

Yes, just fabulous! Your son will love that quilt. I am a dummy at maths too, just dont get it!
Yet I have no trouble with money, quilts, cooking etc.