Sunday, February 03, 2008

GET SCHOOLED: hyperbolic crochet workshop at the knit cafe


Orange psuedosphere by Becky Johnson


The mysteries of Hyperbolic Crochet revealed in one easy (well at least fun) lesson!

Join queen of crochet math Becky Johnson for an afternoon class at the Knit Café.

For class bookings call: 416-533-5648
email: theknitcafe@hotmail.com

Hyperbolic Crochet
Class: Sunday February 24, 12-3pm $35
Level: Beginner and up
In this one-day class, students will cover basic skills involved with crochet-in-the-round to create a pseudosphere (or the hyperbolic equivalent of a cone). We will cover basic crochet topics such as yarn selection, gauge and hook matching and even stitching techniques as well as delving into the possible variations of hyperbolic models. Mathematical materials, books and articles will also be on hand for reference (although, make no mistake, your instructor is much more knowledgeable in crochet than higher mathematics) and discussion of hyperbolic possibilities is encouraged. From this course, students will leave with the skills to make as many hyperbolic cones as they should ever want with infinite mathematical variations. The course also teaches the basic skills for crochet-in-the-round, which can also be used to make simple hats, potholders, tea cozies, slippers and other round things.

Note: this workshop is almost full so a second date has been added: Sunday April 13, noon-3pm

Here’s a blurb from the Knit Café’s website for some more background on HC:

At first glance Becky's colourful crocheted blobs seem like flowers, or is it ocean coral, or are they brains, what are they? What they are, are the three dimensional representations of a geometrical theory. I bet you didn't expect that! Hyperbolic crochet is the brain child of Dr. Daina Taimina who was the first to successfully represent the theory of hyperbolic space in an actual model that you could see and touch. Aside from demonstrating the graceful mathematics of nature, the models are used as teaching tools in advanced mathematics. These crafty-clever models represent a branch of mathematics long thought to be impossible or insane. Hyperbolic geometry disproves Euclid's parallel postulate and consequentially brings into question everything we used to believe about geometry. They are also gorgeous, curvy and lush like ruffling lettuce leaves, and we thank Becky very much for sharing them with us.

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