My essay as well is below the Graphic Organizer. I hope you all enjoy!
Personal Blog Post
1 min read
During the time of COVID-19 I have realized how important it is to have social interaction. In the past couple of weeks, I have missed being on campus with all my friends and especially roommates. Something I have tried that may be helpful to others is take an hour or two out of your day to be in contact with the people you can not hang out with. For me, it has helped to take that hour to catch up with what's going on as well as listening to others. I have come to understand that it helps me not feel alone during this social distancing but feel connected even if it is over the phone. I would encourage all to try this if you're having trouble with the COVID-19 new rules. I hope all everyone is healthy and safe and is doing well with school.
Learning Update #3
2 min read
In my third design, I have challenged myself to make a heart design. To start this bracelet off you will have four colors again and make a loop at the top with a knot. This bracelet will be set up like the chevron so there will be eight total strings after you make the loop knot. To start with string #1 on the left side and make a "4" and pull up tight to make a tight knot and go on till you get to the 4th string. You will do the same thing on the right side starting with string #1 and now make a "D" and pull up tight to make a knot this will start the top of the heart. To make the color inside the heart you will start with string #2 and make a tight knot all the way to the 4th string to finish the inside color of the heart. Then you will start with the third color string to finish the inside. To finish the outside of the heart using the same color you used to form the top of the heart. This video will guide you step by step to finish the heart. This was one of the toughest patterns I have tried but one that I really enjoy making. Keep going with the bracelet to finish the pattern until the end. If there is any confusion I would relate back to the video to have a better understanding of how to form this pattern.
Learning Update #2
2 min read
For another pattern I have learned is called the Chevron. For this pattern, it is a little more difficult but it is another interesting pattern. To start this bracelet you will need four different colored strings to complete the pattern. Depending on how much string you have you can either measure or guess how much you will need. When you have your four colors fold them so all ends are together on the bottom and there is a loop on top after you make the knot. There will be eight strings all together but make sure string #1 on both sides match up and same with strings 2, 3, and 4 all match up so there should be two strings for each color. The video below at point 1 minute will show you how to set it up. There will now be 4 strings on both sides will all colors matching up. Take string #1 and make a "4" over the second string and pull up tight to make a knot, and so on till you get to the 4th string then stop. Then you will take the same colored string #1 on the right side and make a "D" over string #2 and pull uptight and so on till you get to the 4th string on the right side. The next step will be is to take strings #2 and complete the same steps on both sides. In the end, there will be a visual view of each color looking like a "V". The video below will give a better visual representation of each step as my steps may be confusing because this bracelet is a little more confusing.
Learning Update #1
2 min read
When I first said what I was going to learn I talked about friendship bracelets with the thing string. The reason I wanted to learn more patterns was to become more crafty and also help with the social distancing with COVID-19. The first pattern I learned after only knowing one is called the Chinese staircase. I have come to love this new pattern because it is different and has a nice design to it. This design to some people may be challenging but is interesting while going through the motions to get to the end. When trying to make this bracelet you can see three to five pieces of string. If you use three strings the design will come out a little smaller than you may want but will still look interesting. For my Chinese staircase pattern, I have used five strings to be able to show the design a little better. When starting off your bracelet you will need to make a knot at the top and tape the knot to a hard surface so you have control of your bracelet. The next step will be to decide the color you want to start off with and then followed by each color you will want to use after. To make the design you will make a "D" with the first string. Step by step take the first string and bring it over the four other strings laying flat so the end of the first string is over the others on the left side. Bring the string you brought over to the left side and pull the string up to make a knot. To get the correct pattern make sure you pull the string up tight so it doesn't get loose. To continue the bracelet keep continuing the same technique even when you switch colors. The video below will also help these steps be more clear if these step by steps are confusing.
What I plan to learn
2 min read
- What I plan to learn: I have worked at a summer camp for the past 5 years now and we have always the string to break friendship bracelets. This is something I have done as a kid where I was upset at times or when I had many many concussions. Making these bracelets would help me destress and just gather my thoughts. I know many different ways to make different patterns but what I want to learn is how to make difficult patterns using small beads to add into the bracelet. During this time of the COVID-19 and all classes moving to online for the rest of the semester, this is something I will be able to do in my free time to stay active in a different way for me.
- Days and Hours: I will try to give myself some free time of 2 hours per day during the week. I have only chosen 2 hours because I still have a lot of work to do for my classes but enjoying free time is important to everyone's daily life.
- Materials: Friendship bracelet string, Clear tape, a hard surface to tape the string to the surface, scissors, beads.
Day Seven Photo Challenge: A Picture That Tells a Story
1 min read
This picture tells my story because, my family is the most important thing in my life. This is our familiy quote " Live The Life You love, Love The Life You Live "
I tell people all the time when they ask how we get more women and tech, encourage everyone to braid, be it hair or bracelet. Code and poetry, both about patterns. Both taught through braiding.
In fact I am starting to use weaving and quilting more and more as a metaphor of learning...You know only a man would define history by weapon, bronze and iron ages. But advances and textiles just as important to the advance of humans across the globe and over and under each other.
Dr. McVerry, Mar 25 2020 on edu106.jgregorymcverry.com