Project Run and Play Sew Along Week 1: Inspired by Art

Let me start this post with a confession...
I'm a math geek at heart.
It's true.
I like math.  Not just numbers either.  But math concepts...patterns, geometry, problem solving...
I especially like using math in sewing, crocheting and designing.

So, what does this have to do with Art?
There can be math in art, too!
One of the masters of applying  mathematical concepts in art was the dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher.  My favorite pieces of his are the ones that use tessellations.  A tessellation is a repetition of a shape that has no overlaps or gaps.  Like tiles that fit perfectly together.
Here is my favorite of Escher's woodcuts, Sky and Water (1938):

I love how the shapes remain the same, but the level of detail in each row makes you see something different.
And here is another, Smaller and Smaller (1956):

Who knew little lizard creatures could be so beautiful?!?!
My sew along design is inspired by MC Escher and his amazing mathematical artwork.

I started by creating the fabric.

I pieced together triangles into a simple geometric tessellation.

I varied the colors in a way that, to me, is reminiscent of Escher's Sky and Water.

Then I used my triangle tessellation fabric to make the pants.

I didn't want the pattern on the pants to be too overwhelming, so I used it only on the front and chose a solid black for the back.

I lined the front of the pants so that, first of all, they would be more comfortable to wear and, second, I didn't have to finish ALL of those seams. I just pressed them flat and covered them up.

I added rear patch pockets with triangle details, a knit waistband for comfort, and I top stitched with orange thread for just for fun.

The shirt is a simple raglan sleeved knit tee with more orange top stitching and a stenciled "math" phrase for my cutie pie (ha-ha, get it Q-T-Pi)!

It was upcycled from an old blue tank top and a grey, long sleeved t-shirt.

You can see all of the art inspired sew-along looks here, and go to PR&P on Friday to see what the All-Stars have come up with and vote for your favorite!

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