Algorithms Offline

Sophie and Emma's beginner workshop aim is to demystify algorithms, by explaining that code and algorithms are just forms of instructions that can be replicated manually in order to create artworks on and off screen.

This workshop will introduce you to the history of computer code, touching on Ada Lovelace and the first computer algorithms using punch cards. It wil then draw connections with fibre arts, for example Anni Albers weaving and knitting pattern instructions.

Once you will become familiar with types of coding functions such as loops, modulo and random(), you will be making you patterns with these functions.

Each participant will leave with their own ‘algorithmically generated’ coaster or small wall/ door hanging. There will be the opportunity to exhibit your creations for the length of the festival too as part of the exhibition!

Experience level

This workshop is suitable for beginners.

The crochet style of making on a plastic canvas is very simple, use a card to trim yarn to the same length and tie yarn onto canvas using a crochet hook. The example video here uses a latch hook but it's the same principle.

Requirements

None.

Bio

Sophie Nadel is a web developer and creative technologist based in London. Her personal work is driven by combining the physical and digital world in order to break down accessibility barriers in tech. In her spare time she is a keen knitter and crocheter.

Emma Crabtree is a London-based artist and illustrator focussing on book design and publishing as creative practice. Alongside personal work she edits and designs a DIY magazine, AYFP, which publishes research-led writing about textiles and craft. She is a keen knitter and crafter and has also worked with quilting and natural dyes.

Sophie and Emma have been collaborating for the past six months on a publication project exploring the relationship between coding and knitting. The project is still in progress, but involves using machine learning and code, written by Sophie, to generate new images and usable patterns for handcraft from existing datasets. Emma will design and produce the publication so that the reader can interact with and move playfully through the material.