Dear Lynn, et al Thank you for your email. I was not suggesting that there is not a mathematical aspect to making lace, only the following comment is, I think unfair.
'The best lacemakers are computer programmers, maths graduates and architects and anything that develops judgement of space and line is bound to help.' Lyn wrote: >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. > I agree that maths logic helps the lacemaker to work out where the threads go, which part of the pattern to work next etc., but it also takes skill to visualise the lace whilst designing it and although maths and drawing helps with the skill of designing a piece of lace, the designer needs to have the insight to envisage what the lace will look like once made. The skills of drafting out a lace pattern was taught to me fairly early on in my lacemaking life and I teach it to students so that they can understand the direction that the threads should go into. Practice in working lace helps the understanding and also goes a long way to make a good lacemaker. >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. >> > So as someone said later, there is a place for everyone with all level of skill. I just would not like to see someone discouraged and made to feel that they are not good enough because they are not a maths grad, architect or computer programmer and then give up. Although hopefully there is no one on this list who would feel that way. Maureen E Yorks UK - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
