Dear Maureen, et al, >I can't add, subtract, multiply and divide worth anything. I can do it, but I >don't like to. I thank God for calculators. In my opinion they spoil math by >putting numbers in. But it does seem to me that there are a lot of math types >making lace. Whether their lace is better or worse due to their skill in math >is an open question, in my opinion, yet they are drawn to lace. It draws us >for all sorts of reasons. There is room at the lace pillow for all types. > >There is, I think you will agree, a mathematical aspect to lace. Doesn't mean >you have to be a math expert to do it. Your drawing on graph paper, and using >a computer program for lace design can be considered mathematical. One learns >a lot of things making lace, from the proper winding of bobbins to solving the >puzzle of why there is an extra pair where it doesn't belong. I suspect that >some of these skills require the same brain functions as math. Especially >things like topology, logic. Being able to visualize the flow of threads in a >Flanders or Torchon pattern. I think of these as included in math skills. I >don't think a lot of people realize that. Einstein's theory of relativity >doesn't involve numbers until it is applied. I think. Not sure about that, >but I think so. > >In another discussion a couple years ago, someone mentioned the lack of >Alzheimers in lacemakers. Personally I believe that is so for the same reason >that there are very few people who work on crossword puzzles with Alzheimers. >We exercise our brain solving the puzzles and problems related to lace. > >Maureen wrote: >>As a non mathematical person I feel I must comment from those of us who are >>mathematically challenged. I like to think I am a reasonable lacemaker, I >>can draw out patterns on graph paper and use a lace design programme and I >>teach students how to draw out patterns to help understand the working of >>lace. But I cannot add up for toffee and some maths completely confuses me. >>I admit I am better with floral type laces, Bucks, Honiton etc but I don't >>like to make mistakes and teach accordingly. Please give consideration to >>non mathematical Lacemakers as well. There is a place for us all. >> >>Regards Maureen >>
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