Arithmancy Ideas

This month, our Arithmancy profs want us to show off our mathematical knowledge by creating an HPKCHC acceptable project that uses any Mathematical or Arithmantic system as the inspiration. However, no just turning it in with a picture and saying  " I made a toaster. " Make sure you state what math system you used and how it relates to your project. 

The profs have been gracious enough to give a few ideas of their own for systems to use.  So, for this class I will give a few suggestions for each of the ones they list, as well as any of my own.

The first recommendation I have is for anyone interested in doing this class to visit the Wooly Thoughts website.
99% of their designs are mathematically inspired and often illustrate complex (and simple) mathematical ideas in a creative manner. Website is here: http://www.woollythoughts.com/
 The Ravelry group is here: http://www.ravelry.com/groups/woolly-thoughts

Now, onto the patterns!


The Fibonacci Sequence (1,1,2,3,5,8,13… where the next number is the sum of the prior two numbers) can be used to determine the number of rows in a striped scarf.

 K fibonacci-felted-bag
  fibonacci-pea-cap
hogwarts-fibonacci-scarf
double-knit-fibonacci-boomark

 C:
robbys-fibonacci-afghan  
fibonacci-scarf-3
hogwarts-fibonacci-scarf 
Vertical-fibonacci-scarf


Pascal's Triangle is the Fibonnaci sequence involving more than 2 numbers in any given row. Easiest to show a picture than to explain it in words:

 
Phi is a creates a natural spiral – take a rectangle with a ratio of 1/1.618, draw an extra line so you have a square and a smaller rectangle – the smaller rectangle will also have a ratio of 1/1.618.  This is also known as the Golden Spiral. You can see this shape in the curve of a nautilus shell, the intersections of a flower’s center or the spines on a pineapple.

This afghan by Wooly Thoughts shows s a perfect Golden Spiral ($)  (C)

These take the "nautilus" form in nature, which is a Golden Spiral. (both K) 
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/chambered-nautilus
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nautie

These patterns are free, but not exactly Golden Spirals (although the brainwash bag comes close). The first two are C, the last K.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/stir-me-up-potholders
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pinwheel-candy
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/brainwash-bag

Pi is a mathematical constant whose value is the ration of any circle’s circumference to its diameter – 3.141593… this is a non repeating decimal. You could use the numerical value to create stripes or be inspired to create something that is circular. If you think Pi is apple or cherry… convince us! (NOTE: Profs are really not going to be happy with just a pie slice that you made, without a cool story. Needs to show the math, have the symbol stitched on it somehow...)

C:  amigurumi-pi 
bowtie-pi shawl

K: EZ-100th-anniversary-pi-shawl-gull-wings    
ode-to-pi-toque-2
apple-pi
math-geek-hat
Pi-socks---a-receipe



Binary is a numeral system using only two digits (usually 0 and 1) – you could make something that has two pieces, or use binary cables to spell words like someone’s name or something funny like “mine!” two pieces isn’t two items ie: two dishcloths are not to pieces just two items. Two pieces would be mittens, socks, top&bottoms baby outfit, etc…

 K: binary
binary-cable-hat
binary-ass-hat
hot-geek-coffee-sleeve


C: Sorry, crocheters, no ready-made crochet patterns here! But keep in mind that things made with a single set of House colours are binary, as are socks, mittens... 
Also, check out this site for a list of letters and numbers in binary: Binary Alphabet

 Other methods for assigning numbers to letters are the Agrippan and Chaldean method – check out Wiki… you know you want to! ;-)

The Droste Effect is a special recursive picture where a smaller version of the picture is embedded within the original picture where you expect it to be, and an even smaller picture is embedded, etc. An archery target could be an example of the Droste effect because of the smaller and smaller circles one inside the next.

And anyone who has seen the Stephen Colbert painting he recently auctioned off for charity has seen an example of the Droste effect: 

This was covered in Arithmancy in January 2010. A link to that class is here: Arithmancy January 2010
Take a careful look at the header for examples and page through the class submissions.
Here's a few ideas in addition to that:
C:
lyns-round-ripple-baby-afghan
pretty-in-pink-beret
spiral-dishcloth-2
spiral-hackysack

K:
vortex-5-dishcloth
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/posey-2
raisin-beret
chevron-lace-beret

Geometry – make something that is inspired by a geometric shape and explain to us more about the shape.

Okay, basic geometry you learned in school. Two kinds of geometric forms out there: Regular polygons, where every side has the same length and angle between them, and non-regular polygons. For the sake of my sanity, and to keep from busting the server, I'm going to limit our examples to regular polygons only.

Geometric shape names: triangle, square, rectangle, diamond, circle, sphere, hexagon, octogon,  dodecohedron, heptagon, pentagon

Triangle: C: triangle-hair-scarf       K: ostrich-feather-lace-kerchief

Square: C:  arches-square            K: circle-takes-the-square hat
granny-square-market-bag              colorful-squares-scarf

Rectangle C:  perfect-purse          K: Rectangle-hat-knit

Diamond: C: diamond-granny-bag   K: diamond-fingerless-gloves

Circle: C: spiderweb-table-topper   K: felted-coasters-hot-pads-and-beverage-jackets

Sphere: C: deal-crochet-sphere  K: oh-balls

 Hexagon: : C:  phazelias-laptop-case K: coaster-2

Octagon: C: lotus-flowers-cuff K: victoria

Dodecahedron: C: celestine-crochet K: doddy ball

Heptagon: C: jewel-heptagonal-potholder K: heptagonal-wash-dish-anycloth

Pentagon: C:  amiga K:soccer-ball-2

Spinterview with darahmartin!

Bursting with pride darahmartin flounced in to the common room for her first spinterview with me, CherrySprinkle, Gryffindor's resident roving reporter. Over a large plate of lion cookies and a few tall glasses of butter beer I got all the juicy details about darahmartin's spinning hobby! She's a relatively new spinner but eager to learn more and we are all eager to see her finished wheel and a lot more yarn photos! Thank you for taking the time to sit down with me darahmartin, I had a great time getting to know you through our interview!

CS: What attracted you to spinning? How did it all start?
DM: Looking at all the beautiful fibers everyone else was spinning. I remember getting a spinning lesson in 8th grade at a “Pioneer Days” we had at our school. The instructor said I had very even tension and was impressed that I had never spun before.

CS: Was it difficult for you to learn to spin? Did someone teach you?
DM: YES!! I just watched a TON of YouTube videos and my DH helped calm me down when I couldn’t get it to work. Eventually it just clicked.

CS: Do you have a wheel or are you using a drop spindle?
DM: I started with a drop spindle because I was trying to save us money. I really wanted a wheel, but knew we couldn’t really afford one. 2 months later it was my birthday, so I begged everyone for one that I found on Ebay….and I got it!

CS: Do you prefer single or double treadle and why?
DM: Double, ummm…more evenly toned legs?

CS: Do you care to share with us where you purchased it?
DM: Ebay! (It’s a Kromski and I got all the contact info for New Voyager in case I have any problems…so it’s all good.)

CS: What is your favorite spinning fiber? and why?
DM: So far I’ve only been spinning on the wool log my DH found for me. It’s my free practice log until I get good enough to trust myself with the “expensive” stuff I got for my birthday.

CS: What do you like most about spinning yarn? How do you feel that handspun yarns compare to commercially available yarns?
DM: I like the creativity of creating my own yarn. It may not be as beautiful or as even (yet) as most of the commercial yarns I have in my stash. But I made it. There’s not another skein out there like it. I just love the personality and individualism that comes from handspun yarn. And anything homemade.

CS: What is your favorite spinning method? long draw, park and draft, etc.
DM: I’d like to learn to long draw, but right now I’m still on park and draft or my singles get really really thick!

CS: What about spinning has been the most difficult for you?
DM: That first day was awful. I was ready to chuck my wheel out the window because I couldn’t get the bobbin to take up. I just packed it up after about an hour and didn’t touch it for 2 days. Finally I was determined to conquer the beast and just went really really slow. Turns out I guess I was just treadling to fast so my singles were to thick to get through the orifice. Doh!

CS: How long does it usually take you to spin 4oz of roving or a 4oz batt?
DM: A couple hours (as long as the kids and the cats leave me alone.)

CS: What is your favorite handspun project? And what’s your favorite handspun yarn?
DM: I still haven’t made enough of a yarn that I think is good enough to make a project. I will be working on a hat for my first project eventually though. Darah’s First Yarn.



CS: Do you put any planning into your spinning ahead of time or do you just spin and what you get is what you get?
DM: I have BIG plans for my 2 nice batts, my practice log is just spinning for practice. I work on my tension and everything, but don’t stress if it’s not perfect. Plying makes everything better!

CS: Do you have a dream wheel or spindle?
DM: My wheel once it’s all decorated and finished. Hopefully my DH will finish it soon! (I was to impatient to wait to spin until he finished it first, and now he can’t get it away from me long enough to finish it.)

CS: Do you have any tips or tricks to share with us about spinning?
DM: Patience, and Practice. It’ll all work out in the end. And it’ll be beautiful!

September Transfiguration IDeas

Hi all !
It's September 6th, Labour Day. Hope you all are able to take it easy as much as possible today, and what better way to spend the day than by crafting some stuff for HPKCHC?

This month, Transfiguration is taking us all the way back to the beginning. Back to...the beetles! Yes, your assignment is to convert beetles into buttons. There are 3 methods by which this can be done for points this term.

Option 1: Knit,crochet, weave or felt an item which uses one or more buttons for closure. This means that both button(s) and buttonhole(s) will be present in your item. Possible patterns to use for this will be:

K: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/button-up-boxes
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/saartjes-bootees
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/modern-cabled-baby-bib
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/presto-chango
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/celtic-cable-neckwarmer

C: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/crochet-one-button-bolero
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/button-up-book-cover-with-bookmark
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/could-it-be-any-easier-neck-cozy
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/shroom
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/little-acorn-project-bag
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bevs-hexagon-baby-jacket

Option 2: Knit, crochet, weave, or felt an item which incorporates one or more decorative buttons into its design. This means that the button is called for in the pattern. The profs want to avoid someone just tacking something onto an object, without reason. Possible Patterns to use for this will be:
K: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/big-button-hat
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/button-bands
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baby-cables-and-buttons 
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/button-key-ring
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/all-buttoned-up-decorated-cap

C: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/button-bedecked-headband
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/durango
 http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/so-simple-baby-bibs
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/monster-pouch
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vintage-bib-necklace
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/easy-peasy-crochet-flowers

Option 3: Spinners have the option of working with tiny beetles to produce beads or sequins instead of buttons. Once you have done so, incorporate them into an art yarn. What you want the end result to look like is something like this:

This example is from rsuntop's collection on Ravelry. Other Ravellers worth checking out for inspiration include Weird, Velmalikevelvet, Jazzturtle and JoTanDesigns.

Last but not least, is the area of bonus points. The profs have expanded their list of ways to get bonus points this month to include showing a picture of the beetle(s) prior to being transformed. Easy peasy!
Copy some of the images I've included below, or look on the internet for more (wikipedia is a good source).

Roar Roar GRYFFINDOR!!!!

Every term NQFY's shuffle into the sorting ceremony looking to join in the fun of the HPKCHC. Sadly some never participate for whatever reason.

Then you get a standout first year like OfAvalonia.

In her first week of being a Gryffindor she has already handed in assignments for six classes! That means she has already earned us the full amount of base class points possible.

Herbology homework:


Transfiguration homework:


DADA homework:


Potions homework:


HoM homework:


and last but not least (especially since it fits our house unity project this month)

Flying homework:


Did I mention she is planning on submitting an OWL as well.... and already has some fingerless mittens on the needles for qudditch? Yeah.

This is Jaclyn Bailey, Your Projects Highlighter signing off to get to work! (since I feel like a slacker now!)

Common Room Recap pg 20 - 38

Time for another CRR and boy is it a big one!

I started off sharing my progress photos of my mittens & hat! Don't forget! If you're a Kromski spinner, we have a project thread for you! in which frick already completed a hat for! Mauri is asking for advice using elastic thread and socks.. Kate1138 has brought goodies again to the common room, this time its lion cookies, yummy coffee, & tea! Reminder that all Gryffindor students that wish to submit an OWL needs to fill out the form at the top of the OWL thread. PennyIA shared her OWL proposal with us. I found a hat that would be perfect for TheKnittedJuggler!

autumnleaf77 shared that she is expecting another little Gryffindor! Go and give her some love and encouragement! Aras has shared with us her plans and OWLs. OneKnittyChick let us know that the mallet of sanity is still doing its job! OfAvalonia has turned in her Herbology homework! Angiejude is still looking for some of that baby water, so if you have any, please give her an extra big glass. But autumnleaf77 suggested those who do not want to have the baby water, might do better drinking from a flast like Professor Moody... and stuartsmom is wondering if the lion cookies could possibly be the cause of the Gryffindor baby boom? But Kate1138 assures everyone that the cookies are in fact fertility-free cookies and USDA approved.

Aras is looking for some advice on how to match up hand painted yarns for her cardigan, while TheKnittedJuggler is learning trick juggling, stitchywitchy shared that she juggles time! and stuartsmom found an image to support her proclamations! and brought some butterbeer from Hogsmeade to share with us all. OfAvalonia has started a project for Quidditch, and look who made an appearance in her photograph and her ravatar! Does Vertigo1414 know about this?? and then OfAvalonia shared a picture of Gerard in some awesome knit wear!

naturallyknitty has just gotten her pattern published at KnitPick's! RayOLR is wondering if cotton and bamboo require blocking? lupingirl is asking all of Gryffindor to keep the OWL thread clutter free, and if you would like to comment on someone's OWL proposal, please post it in the Gryffindor common room and earburn them so that they know to read your post! :) Vertigo1414 proved that only Gerard can make a mullet look hot.

Jajigirl shared a photo of something she is making and its beautiful! derricksdoll has suggested to me that all Kromski owners should share a photograph of their wheels with the Kromski train group, and you can do that here. lisakbye and I have shared ours. Because I was on vacation, the first offical Lion Chat movie will take place next Thursday (Sept 9, at 8pm EST/ 5pm PT). I found another hat for TheKnittedJuggler and continued to enable her some more. lupingirl shared an awesome shawl pattern and she isn't even a shawl person!

jedimeg16 let us know that there is a broadway musical swap going on in the odd ducks of ravelry group. OneKnittyChick reminds us that with the holidays coming up larger projects can be used as an HoM OWL which will earn a lot more points than turned in for classes and lupingirl is curious about how you say the word "pudding" and then she shared some news about Cascade 22o Sport! derricksdoll shared her monthly plans while Kate1138 shared some more cookies, coffee, and tea for us all.

lupingirl let StarKnits know that the answer to life and everything is 42. Vertigo1414 has let us know that there has been a small update at the Owl Post Office regarding allergies.

In Lion Chat on Thursday (9/2) the subject of Ravelry's wishlist came up and we are encouraging all Gryffindor students to fill out their wishlists. spartyliblover shared her OWL progress, some fabrics intended to be needle cases, and some really yummy food! cre8vladyb is wondering why her yarn splits a part while she knits, can you help her figure it out? frick was awarded the first roaring lion badge, congrats frick!! and last but not least.. CrochetByClare shared an amazingly adorable transfiguration project!

Sep 2010 Inspirations

Hello Everyone

WoolenHorse here for the first time as your Project Expert for Herbology, History of Magic and Potions, I have really enjoyed the process of putting this list together although it has been harder than I had imagined. I hope to be a little faster next time but for those of you still struggling for inspiration here are some thoughts.

First off Herbology

Think tidy but remember you need to be sticking to either gardening or yarn craft in your tool care. This is where my train of though led me. First there is that long list of needle cosies on the linky for you to peruse, then the pot cosy caught my eye and made me think "Mmmmm tea!!!", well I am English! So I thought cup cosy after all you need to keep warm outdoors so I found this for a Hoot! (K) perfect if you are looking for a pride project or the very pretty Patty (K) and remember it can always be used as an emergency mandrake warmer. Then for a bigger project I spotted a proper Garden Bag (C). Then going back off the wall again I saw this great Slug (K), my story is "You have terrible trouble with Flesh-Eating Slugs and have resorted to luring them to their doom with this pretty lady". Back on track again I found some lovely Mitts (K) and some even better Gloves (K) if your feeling brave. But for me it will be a fab perfect little Project Bag (C) which also has a version for Knitter's. For the DYERS out there you have a couple of choices but I have one word for you "Rhubarb!". And if you spin well String String String that has to be justifiable.

Next up History of Magic and my has this caused a lot of consternation!

I think the key here is that most things can fit if you think carefully but stick to the castle's magical interior. Moving stairs were the first thing to catch my imagination and the esteemed Escher (the man must have been a wizard) so how about some Escher inspired Socks (K) or even just a simple Staircase (K) pattern. Then there was the Great Hall where the roof may be Stormy (K), full of Stars (K) or dark as the deepest shadow with just one Evening Star (C). For all those hidden things secret passages or the room of requirement why not try your hand at a touch of Illusion Knitting (K) or for the Incurably Brave (K). Finally the pictures and a little lateral thinking brought me to a Moving Picture (C) or a Very Headmasterly Cap (K). I meanwhile will be Hedwiging (K) it to my pride project.

And finally to Potions ..............

........excuse me just taking a moment to remember the Dreamy Mr S! Where were we?

Well on this one it is a real case of anything goes you can fix and embellish or make a new and beautiful thing so I will just list a few things I find lovely. Dyers and spinners meanwhile the world is your Oyster.

Small, Little Flowers (C), T-Shirt (C),
Book Crazy (C), Sew Sweet (K), Winter Baby (K), or A Bit of Flare (K).

Large Scarflette (C), Loving Lace (K), Floral Fantasy (K), Cuddly Cowl (K), old Style Christmas (K) or Sexy Socks (K).

And what better to beautify your little corner of the tower than A Lovely Lion (C).

Hope that helps!!! Good Luck

Common Room Recap pg 1 - 19

Wow, Gryffindor sure is a chatty bunch on the first day of term! Time to get started with the first CRR already!

Things stared off with the usual meet & greets and the sharing of class project ideas, until stacylovesyarn brought out the mallet of sanity to using it to thwack OneKnittyChick's & noonee's coworkers! Our fitness guru Jajigirl has a fitness challenge thread going in Lion Pride here, and she's welcoming everyone to join here. Jedimeg16 shared an absolutely adorable photo of her little boy here.

Kate1138 brought some delicious goodies to the common room to share with everyone! Cathymimi has joined us again after a brief hiatus and we are thrilled to have her back with us! Jedimeg16 is blaming me (CherrySprinkle) for her new spinning abilities ... I take my job very seriously as house enabler you know! I outlined the Wednesday chat times here.

MINDYSUE gave us an update about Quidditch including extra points here! I shared a photo of my Divination OWL swatch. stuartsmom gave us an over-view of the Quidditch rules to help you answer some questions you may have. KrazyQuilts was wondering if using Pi would be ok for Arithmancy and the answer seems to be yes!

Covington shared a photo of her beautiful blue dishcloth square and earned Gryffindor 15pts! and she is looking for some help fitting a project into classes. Madeleine reminded us that Gryffindor has turned in the first FOUR homework assignments here! Way to go Gryffindor!!

Mauri shared her awesome NEWT mittens. naturallyknitty shared her amazing handspun for her NEWT! lupingirl is asking Gryffindor to honor our fallen and is asking you to please consider honoring Hedwig by turning in an OWL themed project this month or referencing the Owlery, an OWL cable, etc.

.. and that should catch you up on what you missed on your first day in the Common Room!