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March
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IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ I have a system of frames in this article that seem to work for some and not others. For me, they work in Netscape versions 3.x and 4.x and Internet Explorer versions 3.x and 4.x. If you try the below link test and it does not work for you or is too confusing, click here for a regular page that uses more traditional navigation methods. The off-site tutorial links I have included in this article will open inside the BOTTOM frame** you see at the bottom of this window. Click here for a Test Page Link that will appear in the bottom frame. Follow instructions in the bottom frame. The two frames** stacked here ARE resizeable see instruction in the BOTTOM frame for how to do this. OK, too confusing? the frames are not working for you? then click here to open a a new window for just this article without frames and use the back button to navigate back and forth between my article here and the off-site recommendations. |
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Table of Contents for How to Create Tessellations using your Quilt
Software: FYI: the Table of Contents Links will NOT appear in the
bottom frame, they are links to sections of the articles in this frame.
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Open your favorite quilt or graphic program, then follow the PICTURES in the tutorial below to create on the computer screen a tetrahedron triangle design using "tessellation lattice" holding together the design.
HINT: Try this idea with other shapes like a diamond, hexagon, octagon, even the tried and true square and rectangle or any other shape you can think up. THINK "Transformation" and tessellation quilts become original very quickly.In the following tutorial , you will start with a "Tessellation Lattice" using a parallelogram. Then you will transform the parallelogram into an irregular shape. HINT: Think of the parallelogram as the basic underlying grid (Tessellation Lattice) and then work your transformation from there. Remember: "Lattice" when referred to in a tessellation is actually the outside line of the original shape in this case the parallelogram, when you see the tutorial, you will instantly know what I am talking about. The ideas shown in the tutorial Tutorial for Geometer's Sketchpad written by Cathi Sanders (Punahou School in Honolulu, Hawaii) and posted at the Math Forum below can be applied or adapted to work in our quilting software.
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The ideas used: Use a line tool to draw the shape and then the lines are joined to create a new single shape/patch that can be filled with a paint tool. Also try the tutorial techniques working with a Square, Rectangle and Triangle shapes. Quilt-Pro 2 and 3 have a drawing tool that just makes lines and a Join function under the Effects Menu that work similar to what you are seeing in the Geometer Sketchpad tutorial and would be the program that works the most like the tutorial example.
The following Quilting Software: Creative Impulse, Electric Quilt, QuiltSOFT, PCQuilt and VQuilt have a Block frame setup to draw the patches for the block. When saving the block, the outline of the frame and everything inside the frame becomes part of the block. This makes creating a single-stand-alone-irregular patch block impossible to create without a work around. Don't despair, I will give you the work around next. Instead of thinking of this limitation as a defect, think of the the outside of the block drawing frame as the "tessellation lattice" using a square instead of parallelogram.
HINT: To see different variations of the block setting, select an on-point variation using rectangle blocks. Try several different block size variations. In EQ there is an additional setting called Baby Blocks that creates 3-D like variations. Also try different color variations. HINT: Okay, now you have the idea of how to approach a workaround transformation from a Square. What about other shapes? Create your block using rectangle measurements like 6" x 10 1/2" block. Experiment with a rectangle block created from half square triangles to get diamonds and triangles. Then add transformation for interest. FYI: The ideas
and information in Barb Vlack's book, EQ4 Magic, could easily be applied
to other quilting software, excluding the specific step-by-step instructions.
EQ4 Magic, chapter 2 covers creating quilts that could be used for tessellation
ideas like a Thousand Pyramids Quilt, Hexagon Stars, Doodle Quilt and other quilt
designs. If you do not have this book yet and want to learn more about pushing
the EQ4 or your quilt software capabilities for creating tessellation blocks and
quilts and much more, it is well the purchase because the book helps you think
past the obvious. (We have
the book in our Electric Quilt Product line at a discount price if you are interested
in ordering it. ) "Transform" a Square "Tessellation Lattice" using freeform curves as the edges.Develop a quilt using variation by transforming a block. Sound a bit familiar? Remember THINK transformation? The following tutorial is a variation of the previous exercise. The ideas shown in this tutorial can be applied or adapted to work in our quilting software. "Freeform tessellation created in Claris Works" by Suzanne Alejandre at the Math Forum.
For the beginner user of Claris Works, Suzanne includes a get started tutorial to help you.
The tutorial uses a Lasso Tool to carve away the block sides.
In Quilting Software, careful use of some of the drawing tools found in the software "may" and the operative word here is "may" produce similar results. Here are some ideas of what to expect in tools in the quilting software. The drawing tool that will replicate a similar look and feel of small indented curves is different for each program.
"Transform" a tessellation using Black and White coloring. Also known as positive negative.The below tutorial has a wonderful face example that really impressed me! This is a variation of the previous exercise. Remember, repetition is the key to learning! The following ideas can be adapted to our quilting software. These images are created in a tutorial for HyperCard by Suzanne Alejandre at the Math Forum.
If you have HyperCard, here is are tips to getting started in the program by Suzanne Alejandre at the Math Forum.
This tutorial also uses a Lasso Tool to carve away the block sides.
NOTE about little patterning details on the face: The only quilting software that will allow you to add lines or curves that are not connected is Quilt Pro 1, 2 and 3. All the other quilting software will require a closed patch of some sort (the small circles will be easy) but the hair, ear and mouth will be tricky to simulate unless you add them later with a pencil or pen to the printout. NOTE: This example could also be completed using straight line shapes that are available in all the quilting software programs. |
Okay, THINK "Symmetry", it plays a big role in the Tessellation Quilt!Symmetry is at the very core of quilting and the creation of tessellations. Look at the symmetry behind the tessellations in these two articles listed below from the Where's the Math Series by Dr. Susan Addington. Play with the ideas presented here in your favorite quilt program and you will be well on your way to thinking and designing tessellation quilts. HINT: Think graph paper and pencil when you approach tessellations on your computer screenThe Four Types of Symmetry in the Plane by Dr. Susan Addington.
Repeated Reflections of an "R" by Dr. Susan Addington. The alphabet is a strong design principle, doing this exercise might be the seeds for a new quilt design.
The next set of tutorials will give you the opportunity to use Rotation and Glide Reflection in your tessellation designs. THINK "Rotation" in Escher-like Tessellation Quilt Designs.Transform a Tessellations with Rotations created using Freeform lines. NOTE: These examples could also be completed using straight line shapes. The following tutorial is Curved Freeform line rotation examples. These designs take on a Celtic Feel, created using Hyper Card by Suzanne Alejandre at the Math Forum.
Most Graphic software programs have a tool that will allow freeform lines to be drawn. In quilting software, Quilt-Pro 3 is the only software that has a line and curve tools that does not require a closed patch. In Creative Impulse, Electric Quilt, PCQuilt and VQuilt, design a tightly designed curve patch that is CLOSED. QuiltSOFT users may find a drawing slim closed patch difficult because of the large grids used in the drawing screen. Freeform line rotation example with closed curved patch created using HyperStudio by Suzanne Alejandre at the Math Forum. NOTE: This example could also be completed using straight line shapes. Click on the following underlined links to open in the frame below. Tutorial by Suzanne Alejandre at the Math Forum. (Resize frame for better viewing) NOTE: If the link page does not show in the frame below, OR for those without Frames OR to open the the tutorial link in a NEW window for easier printouts, click on the next underlined link. FYI: Netscape new browser window remains the same size and cover this page. Resize the Browser Frame and you will see my tutorial behind it. Tutorial by Suzanne Alejandre at the Math Forum. HyperStudio & Tessellations with Rotations Directions by Maureen Grant. VERY intricate. Click on the following underlined link to open in the frame below. Tutorial. NOTE: If the link page does not show in the frame below, OR for those without Frames OR to open the the tutorial link in a NEW window for easier printouts, click on the next underlined link. FYI: Netscape new browser window remains the same size and cover this page. Resize the Browser Frame and you will see my tutorial behind it. Tutorial. NOTE: This example could also be completed using straight line shapes that are available in all the quilting software programs. Most graphic software have this type of tool. HINT: Think applique here. Check out your Quilt Software Applique libraries for suitable shapes. Electric Quilt, Quilt-Pro and PCQuilt 2 have excellent Applique blocks and shapes in their block libraries. Electric Quilt 4 has the perfect drawing tool here. After completing your initial shape, use the Wreathmaker to automatically Rotate your design for you around the center axis! Wow, yes it is that easy, click, click, click for a shape and then tessellate around the a center axis!!!! A curve tool could be used to create this example, refer to previous examples for additional details. Curve tools are found in Creative Impulse, Electric Quilt, PCQuilt, Quilt-Pro, and VQuilt. NOTE: This example could also be completed using straight line shapes that are available in all the quilting software programs. THINK "Glide Reflection" in an Escher-like Tessellation Quilt Design.Transform a tessellation using Glide reflection to turn a triangle into a real tessellation surprise! HyperCard & Tessellations with Glide Reflection by Suzanne Alejandre at the Math Forum.
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Tutorial by Suzanne Alejandre at the Math Forum HyperStudio & Tessellations with Glide Reflection directions by Suzanne Alejandre at the Math Forum.
The cutting technique using a lasso is found in most quality graphic programs. This effect could be simulated with care using the tools found in our Quilting Software. Since quilt programs do not have lassos or effective cutting tool, think about creating the concept as separate patches and then completing the design in the order outlined in the exercise. NOTE: This example could also be completed using straight line shapes that are available in all the quilting software programs. More inspiration and variation in tessellations on the Internet:NOTE: To those with frame capable browsers, the tutorial will appear in the frame below, if not it will replace this window and you will have to use the back button to return to this tutorial. Okay, you now have an ideas and shapes behind THINK tessellation in place. Lets go on and check out more ways to create variations for Tessellations. Tessellation in the round examples: otherwise known as hyperbolic tessellations -- don't you love those math words -- don't let the math of all this scare you away. Instead think of Mariner Compass and Kaleidoscope quilts as complex examples of a tessellation in the round. When on this page, keep checking under the link examples because there is a hot bed of examples available for inspiring you to create quilts in a new and fresh ways.
Now that you have the ideas behind tessellations, look at this very interactive Aytech Java Applet based on triangles, rhombus, trapezoid, to see some of the shapes that could be used together to develop tessellations quilts -- remember to think of the outside of the line as the lattice frame for the design. Remember that each shape can be transformed with rotation and glide reflection as shown in the above exercises to create a traditional or innovative tessellating design. NOTE: Tessellations are NOT limited to the shapes in the Applet, as you have seen in the above tutorials. To use the following Java Applet, your browser must be Java enable. Instructions for this are listed below.
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For instructions
on how to use the Pattern Java Applet, go here.
NOTE: Your browser must be Java Enabled, the following browsers are capable of running Java. NOTE: If you are using one of the below mentioned browsers and the Java Applet does not work, go to the Aytech page to see what settings you need to change to use it.
See
how tessellation can play a role in creating Border and for Quilting Lines for
a quilt by drawing a border type design using the following Java Applet. (Your
browser must be Java enabled to use this, refer to the above information for additional
instructions if needed) Jump on over to BorderLiners done by the Long Island Children's
Museum. Below is an example of the screen.
Ideas on how to use your printer to created FOLDED Tessellations otherwise known as OrigamiBelow are links to Origami tessellation examples by Alex Bateman created out of tissue paper that look VERY fabric like. Folded Examples: Circles Twist, Honeycomb, Octagon, Octagon 2, and Square Dance
Folded examples: Hexagonal star, Tessellation based on 6.4.3.4 geometry, Bifurcating Trees, simple crease pattern, new tessellation
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Folded Examples: Cool spirals based on Voderberg's tilings, several geometry based designs and a dodecagons (looks like circles out of folds, amazing!)
Alex has created some download .ps files that you can printout to do some folding on your own.
Check out Alex's start page for additional examples by other origami designers: Click on the following underlined link to open in the frame below. More examples. (Resize for better viewing) NOTE: If the link page does not show in the frame below, OR for those without Frames OR to open the the tutorial link in a NEW window for easier printouts, click on the next underlined link. FYI: Netscape new browser window remains the same size and cover this page. Resize the Browser Frame and you will see my tutorial behind it. More examples.
Shareware
and demo software, aide to help explore how to design Tessellations
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