Crafting Conundrums

This beautifully illustrated book is a delight for both the bead crocheter and the student of mathematics. It can be enjoyed by the crafter without exploring the mathematics or the mathematician without trying the craft. But it will entice the crafter to do mathematics, and the mathematician to crochet tangible displays of her work. Mathematics at its essence is the study of patterns and bead crochet is a beautiful medium for making tangible objects to display patterns. Here we have an extensive study of the possibilities for bead crochet by two knowledgeable mathematicians. Starting with a simple hexagonal grid, a wealth of possibilities emerge. The surprising complexity of this medium is explored in depth. Readers can chose from clearly illustrated patterns or design their own while learning about the underlying mathematics. With ideas from topology, tilings, graph theory, knot theory, and group theory, an entire liberal arts mathematics course can be designed around this text. Whether you are looking to introduce mathematics topics into your arts curriculum, generate enthusiasm in your mathematics courses, or simply create stunning bead crochet, you will find great ideas for exploration. -Eve Torrence, Professor of Mathematics, Randolph-Macon College This book is a collection of wonderful tools for mastering geeky and beautiful projects that in a tactile and creative way explore notions like universal covering space, four color theorem, wallpaper groups, and seven color tori that unfairly seem to be reserved for mathematicians only. Crafters, puzzle lovers, and pattern designers will be delighted to find clear instructions on how to do the projects. I hope that non-crafting mathematicians will also peek in the book to see how mathematical concepts can be expressed in amazingly visual ways. It is indeed written with experience and love of both math and craft. -Daina Taimina, Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Mathematics, Cornell University This is a must-have book for anybody interested in bead crochet bracelets and cords. It provides a perfect balance between the design and construction of bead crochet, and the underlying mathematics that dictates what is and is not possible within this art form. -Gwen Fisher, beAd Infinitum This delightful book will give readers a visual understanding of mathematically inspired designs in bead crochet ropes. It is a well-written book that straddles the fence between mathematics and craft. The theory, patterns, projects, and instructions are presented in a clear and concise manner. If the technical aspects don't interest you, then skip ahead to the pattern pages for a full library of designs. This book will keep the experienced bead crocheter busy for a long while. -Judith Bertoglio-Giffin, www.beadline.com