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HACKTASTIC Blog

A blog about design, math, and failure

December 1, 2022

Cutting Knitting Machine Punch Cards with the Cricut Joy

Cutting Knitting Machine Punch Cards with the Cricut Joy https://mathgrrl.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/cricut_punch_fit.jpg 2016 1512 mathgrrl mathgrrl https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/de00911e0a27aa527aae53a60fc5b663?s=96&d=retro&r=g December 1, 2022 December 16, 2022

In this post we’ll walk through the process of cutting knitting machine punch cards using the Cricut Joy mini craft cutter. The Joy is somehow *exactly* the right size for cutting directly onto blank machine punch cards! Well, almost… We will walk through the alignment and dimensioning process to make it all work out.

November 19, 2022

KH-260 Field Notes 2: Ribber Tube

KH-260 Field Notes 2: Ribber Tube https://mathgrrl.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/tube_knit_purple.jpg 2016 1512 mathgrrl mathgrrl https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/de00911e0a27aa527aae53a60fc5b663?s=96&d=retro&r=g November 19, 2022 November 30, 2022

This is part 2 of our notes as we work through the basics on a Brother KH-260 knitting machine. In part 1 we dusted off the machine and made a quick fair isle Trash Swatch. This time we’ll review how to get the ribber bed adjusted and lubricated, and then create a piece of circular knitting that is open on both ends.

September 24, 2022

KH-260 Field Notes 1: Trash Swatch

KH-260 Field Notes 1: Trash Swatch https://mathgrrl.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/field_notes_1_cover.jpg 2016 1512 mathgrrl mathgrrl https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/de00911e0a27aa527aae53a60fc5b663?s=96&d=retro&r=g September 24, 2022 November 30, 2022

This is the first of a series of blog posts that will catalog our adventures with a Brother KH-260 knitting machine. We’ve set up the machine and know the basics of using it in various ways, but what now? In this “Field Notes” series we’ll share quick notes about what we learn as we go forward. Nothing fancy, just a day-to-day journal of what works and what doesn’t. Like everything we post here at Hacktastic, we’ll talk a lot about our failures and problems, since that is where learn the most!

August 26, 2022

Crochet Rainbow Blanket

Crochet Rainbow Blanket https://mathgrrl.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/rainbow_blanket_1-scaled.jpg 2560 1920 mathgrrl mathgrrl https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/de00911e0a27aa527aae53a60fc5b663?s=96&d=retro&r=g August 26, 2022 August 27, 2022

This very simple blanket pattern is great for using up yarn scraps (or to give you an excuse to purchase more yarn, let’s be honest). The pattern is very forgiving about yarn thickness, and gives you a chance to play with color transitions. The finished piece is comfy and casual. The holes are fun to push your fingers through, and make the blanket airy and cool. Based on the Vintage Vertical Stripe Crocheted Blanket Pattern from Bella Dia, except with two rows of each color and some attention to detail at the edges.

June 30, 2021

Space-Filling Terrazzo – Getting Started

Space-Filling Terrazzo – Getting Started https://mathgrrl.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IMG_5906-1.jpeg 640 480 mathgrrl mathgrrl https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/de00911e0a27aa527aae53a60fc5b663?s=96&d=retro&r=g June 30, 2021 August 27, 2022

This is the first in a series of posts about a space-filling riff on Tinna’s Terrazzo Afghan. Our design is going to start off looking like one of Tinna’s Terazzo squares, but it’s going to continue as a larger and larger square, with lots of different but “space-filling” patterns along the way. It won’t be ONE space-filling curve (sorry, math geeks), but it will fill space efficiently as we build the pattern out from the center.

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