The Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef – A Woolly Wonder
This exhibition is a must for all textile enthusiasts, mathematicians, scientists, science fiction buffs, etc. It really is spectacular.
Back in October I wrote a brief blog about the Crochet Coral Reef Project. At that time the invitation was made to participate in working on the Irish Reef part of this worldwide endeavour. I didn’t find time to participate but now I was delighted to see the completion of the work by some of my textile friends.
A few weeks ago I wrote a blog about a weird book title award. The winning title for 2009 was Crocheting Adventures with Hyperbolic Planes. I couldn’t find any mention of this book at the exhibition but I had better luck over at Hodges Figgis. They looked it up on their computer but couldn’t find it – I went off and searched in the crochet books and lo and behold there it was. It was quite expensive but I couldn’t resist buying it. It is a wonderful book. I suggested that the man should give it to me free since they didn’t know they had it but he wasn’t buying that idea. Nevertheless I am delighted with my purchase, particularly when he told me it is now out of print.
Just a few photos for you of bits of the exhibition
From the upstairs part of the exhibition, I could look down on the bicycles for the Dublin Rent-a-Bike scheme. Hmm, I thought – those bikes look easy to ride – should I rent one and cycle the streets of Dublin – here was my chance! But, alas, the streets of Dublin are quite daunting – particularly the big buses. So I made my excuses, no helmet etc., and missed my opportunity. Maybe I’ll be better prepared next time and I’ll choose a quiet Sunday morning. Meanwhile I’ll think fondly of my Dutchie bike waiting for me back in Seattle. Isn’t she a beauty.
my Seattle bike, with blue helmet
Janet's thread 
Just wanted to update you and your readers — crocheting adventures with hyperbolic planes is NOT out of print. You can get it direct from the publisher at http://www.akpeters.com (http://www.akpeters.com/product.asp?ProdCode=4520) or many resellers, including Amazon.com, BN.com, and more, also globally.
Thanks!
Thank you for your comment on my blog. I’ll have to go in to town again and speak with that man in Hodges Figgis. Also, yesterday there were 2 copies left in Hodges Figgis and I urged the man to make a point of displaying them in conjunction with the Coral Reef exhibition. That exhibition is happening very close by at the Science Gallery in Trinity. And I feel that the book would sell well at that gallery also – they had quite a few books but not that one.
Hi Janet, I tried to buy a bike when living in Dublin, but didn’t want to get a new one, and couldn’t find a good used one, but later, I decided that riding there would be taking my life in my hands. The buses are the worst, but everything else, including looking the wrong way at crossings, seems pretty scary. I rode through London once with no problems, but Dublin seems to have loonier drivers.
I wouldn’t use my bike on the inner city roads in dublin! not even with a helmet – it’s mayhem and I always wonder how those couriers stay alive! plenty of busses or the luas – it might be cramped, but at least it’s not that dangerous:))
I’ve never seen anything like this crocheting, it is extremely cool! And very inspirational – thanks for sharing!
I keep thinking that I don’t like crochet until I see it like that. I guess I need to amend my thoughts to, I don’t like to “wear” crochet, because that stuff is fabulous!