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Bring on the math!

Remember when your high school teacher told you that math was important, and that you’d use it in your daily life when you grow up?

I have reached the point in the pattern where I am supposed to decrease until I get to the correct number of stitches which can be determined by a mathematical equation. (Don’t be scared by the math. It is a very useful calculation which I have tried to explain)

getting bigger!

getting bigger!

Let S be the correct number of stitches in the brim

Let R be the number of stitches in an inch

Let H be the circumference of your head (in inches)

S=R x (H-2)

What is (H-2)? We subtract 2 inches to create “negative ease” so the hat must actually stretch to fit on your head, and will fit snugly.

How do I determine H? I wrapped a piece of string around my head, and then used a ruler to measure the length of string. H=21 inches.

How do I determine R? I counted the number of stitches in 2 inches and divided by 2 to give me the number of stitches in one inch. R=5.5 sts/inch

Nukariik

The hat came with me to watch Nukariik, a throat singing duo. Click on the picture to see them in action!

Substituting into the equation

S=5.5 stitches/inch x (21 inches-2 inches)

S=5.5 stitches/inch x (19 inches)

S=104.5 stitches

The pattern then says to adjust this number to the nearest multiple of 8.

That’s easy, 8×13=104.

I currently have 120 stitches on the needles, so I will need to decrease a total of 16 stitches.

I am decreasing 8 stitches each row, so I will need to do 2 decrease rows. Logical, right?

these are the real colours in the sunlight

these are the real colours in the sunlight

I finished the hat tonight after singing a choir concert (another art form that I have enjoyed for most of my life). Here I am trying the hat on and attempting to take a decent photograph.

not so slouchy, but it is done!

not so slouchy, but it is done!

I’m currently blocking the hat around a dinner plate. I like how the circles of colour are so clear.

blocking the hat

blocking the hat

I have arranged with a friend to have a proper photo shoot tomorrow. Hopefully it will be a nice day!

Thanks to all who have followed the creation of this hat. I hope you are enjoying my daily art as much as I am. I’m looking for inspiration for tomorrow’s post. Is there anything you want to know?? Any good crafts I should try??

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This entry was posted on Sunday, November 8th, 2009 at 1:03 am and is filed under Art Every Day Blog Challenge, knitting. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

  • Neet
    Thank you thank you thank you. I am at the decrease now and got so stuck! but you explained it all and the math was painless!
  • Cassie
    I love the colours!!! And the math equation is definately going to be put to use for me :)
  • Wow, amazing! I am always amazed how people can keep track when knitting...I lose count even on the simplest stuff! :P
  • So lovely... those circles of color are so gorgeous. I'm in awe of your talent and skill! Congratulations on making something so beautiful and useful :)
  • Great hat! Yummy colors. I am totally amazed that you finished it so quickly.
  • julieannshahin
    Oh this is beautiful and fabulous, I can't wait to see another photo of it when your friend takes it!!! Give us a good smile.

    Another craft to try? YES! Check out the challenge at Project 52 which will be posted at MIDNIGHT Pacific tonight at http://wendyrago.typepad.com/project52 where I am the Lead Designer! You'll have so much fun!!! I can't give you a hint but it will be mixed media.
  • Ana
    Wow looks amazing and I love how you have worked out the decreasing points. Shows the enthusiasm and determination for this such beautiful creation of yours.
  • When I was growing up I was told math was important but not really why. I never really got why I would need much more than the basics. Also, as many of you may know, girls are often conditioned to believe they aren't good with numbers. Over time I have learned that the universe is built on math. The guy who invented algebra also invented the muscial scale. Art has the "golden mean" where all proportion is based on the same mathematical formula, etc. and so on. Now, I find myself often at a disadvantage for understanding certain things because my math is still basic. Probably one reason why I don't knit but appreciate those who do! Great job!
  • Algebra in art! :-)
    Very cool.
    Great beret!
  • So awesome to be a part of this process!!! And knowing Math is IMPORTANT! (Need to remind my daughter! LOL)
  • Hey! Well done. It looks cute :-)
  • I´m saving your blog posts for future reference. Knitting is something I have in my "things to learn in 2010" list. :) You are very clear and detailed.

    Thanks for the throat singing video. I had never heard of it and spent a good half hour watching different examples.
  • swatchless
    I'm so glad you find them helpful! When you pick up the needles, let me know. I'd love to see your work.
  • Nice! And thanks for the lesson!
    Lisa
  • So pretty! I like the knitting math. :) will it be slouchy after blocking?

    Tomorrow you should make friendship bracelets! You know the kind surely- the ones made out of lengths of thread in stripe-y or zig-zag patterns. A summer camp classic.
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