Writing and being written about . . .

I am writing a book . . .

No, I have written a book . . .

No, I have written THE book . . .

Yes, I've written the book about my design system . . .

Years ago, I read Peter S. Stevens' "Handbook of Regular Patterns: An Introduction to Symmetry in Two Dimensions." That's where I learned about the four operations of symmetry: translation, rotation, reflection, and glide reflection. That's where I learned about the 17 wallpaper groups, a mathematical classification of two-dimensional patterns developed by crystallographers. But, crystallographers are not necessarily quilters . . .

Then, I read Ruth B. McDowell's "Symmetry: A Design System for Quiltmakers," and Jinny Beyer's "Designing Tessellations: the Secrets of Interlocking Patterns." Both books used the same crystallographers' classification. But, quilters are not necessarily crystallographers . . .

I used the same classification system in designing patterns. As an aid, I drew a chart of the symmetries, using groups of four squares. Looking at the chart, I discovered two things: the 4-patch blocks were basically two pairs of squares placed beside each other, on top of each other, or diagonally from each other; and, in all but one instance, the squares were right side up or upside down, but never sideways. Granted, the crystallographers' system was based on what they observed in nature.

I propose a new method of designing 2-dimensional patterns, ignoring the operations of symmetry, and using more "sideways" squares. Considering the crystallographers' system is based on what they observed in nature, my system would have to be considered "outside" of nature and "beyond" symmetry. "Beyond Symmetry" is the working title of my book.

The book chronicles how I saw what everyone else missed . . . it presents a square, and a set of "design cards" to play/experiment with . . . it methodically works its way through 4-patch and 9-patch blocks to patterns . . . it shows how to design other original squares (there are literally millions of 'em to be made), and presents a set of multi-use templates for the patterns in the book. Finally, it presents a section outlining my oft-requested "ribbon" quilt (which just so happens to be among the infinite patterns the templates can make). I'm currently writing the last section.

The book will be about 40 pages, at best. For now, I intend to have a dozen or so booklets made up at the local copy shop to have on hand for a local lecture in a week and a half. After that, I'll delve into the realm of "print-on-demand" and offer the book on my redesigned website.


So much for writing . . .

Earlier today, I was interviewed via telephone by Joe Cunningham (www.JoetheQuilter.com/). Joe is writing a book about male quilters, and wants to include me. I must have talked for an hour and a half (it WAS his dime, after all)!! It was a great interview (when I let him get a word in edgewise to ask a question, that is). He learned about me, and I learned about him . . . we both learned what we have in common.

Joe promised to pick out the juiciest, most salacious, sexy, and gossipy parts of the interview to include in my 3-4 page chapter (the real challenge will be to find the parts that AREN'T)!! I'm willing to bet that statement alone drives up book sales!! LOL!!

I eagerly await my "15 minutes of fame" . . . WooHoo!!