My husband thought it was so cool that you can actually stitch a fractal, so I thought I would blog about it and see if anyone else was equally excited. For me its too painful to think about actually stitching. Though they make bookmark size ones these are very large averaging around 350 stitches square. To make it even more “challenging” it is suggested they be stitched on black. Next thing they’ll recommend that you stitch these holding the needle between your toes, or maybe stitch by the light of a candle? All kidding aside they must be popular because there are dozens to choose from. . I’m currently stitching on 40 count gauze so I’m sure by some standards this is kind of crazy but it is only 75 stitches square (a lovely piece by Ute Senkel Weinberg). Actually maybe I’m just a stitching wimp, as it only has 2 different threads. Most of the fractals approach 100 different thread colors. Anyone up for a fractal?
Fractal definition for geeks: A fractal is generally “a rough or fragmented geometric shape that can be split into parts, each of which is (at least approximately) a reduced-size copy of the whole,”[1] a property called self-similarity. Roots of mathematical interest on fractals can be traced back to the late 19th Century; however, the term “fractal” was coined by Benoît Mandelbrot in 1975 and was derived from the Latin fractus meaning “broken” or “fractured.” A mathematical fractal is based on an equation that undergoes iteration, a form of feedback based on recursion.[2]
Fractal Trivia for us simpletons: Fractal patterns have been found in the paintings of American artist Jackson Pollock. While Pollock’s paintings appear to be composed of chaotic dripping and splattering, computer analysis has found fractal patterns in his work.[7]
Decalcomania, a technique used by artists such as Max Ernst, can produce fractal-like patterns.[8] It involves pressing paint between two surfaces and pulling them apart.
Fractals are also prevalent in African art and architecture. Circular houses appear in circles of circles, rectangular houses in rectangles of rectangles, and so on. Such scaling patterns can also be found in African textiles, sculpture, and even cornrow hairstyles.[9]
Approximately 350 x 350 stitches
