Fluffbuff

If you are interested in designing tessellations — from simple repeats to complex representational interlocking patterns — this is the book.

I think my friend Lucia in Reggio Emilia will love this book. She used to make modular origami when I was still making cranes and inflatable frogs. I remember some tinsel Christmas ornaments: still making those, Lucia? Although two-dimensional, I think this book would appeal to her and inspire something creative and unexpected.

Designing Tessellations : The Secrets of Interlocking Patterns
by Jinny Beyer
ISBN 0809228661

Book chapters:

1. What Are Tessellations?
2. An Introduction to Symmetry
3. Designing with Two-Dimensional Symmetries: The First Eleven Symmetry Groups
4. Designing with Two-Dimensional Symmetries: The Last Six Symmetry Groups
5. Designing with Linear Symmetry Groups
6. Experimenting with Symmetry
7. The Keys to Creating Interlocking Tessellations
8. Refining Tessellations: Shape and Color
9. Creating Geometric Tessellations
10. Creating Representational Tessellations
11. Metamorphosis

Categorizing symmetries is an example of the systematic approach to designing patterns throughout the book. It's reassuring to see that it's a system so even intricate designs á la Escher become possible.

While the books caters heavily to quilters (all the photographic examples are of quilts), once you learn how to design patterns, you can apply them to any project. I am thinking Fair Isle. :)

Creating Escher-like representational interlocking patterns

If you make something based on this book, let me know!