Harry Potter, yoga and the culture of Disney are all Winter Term classes renowned for their uniqueness, but for the past two years there has been another interesting class in the long list of options: quilting.

This class focuses on the history and culture of quilting, and encourages students to appreciate the geometry and patterns involved in the art.

Professor Jan Mays was inspired to start a quilting class after discussing her favorite pastime with fellow math professor, Alan Russell. In past winter terms, Russell has taught origami to fill the need of an upper level GST mathematics course. He encouraged Mays to fill out a proposal for her class.

Mays began quilting 23 years ago. She claimed it was the mathematical aspects of the designs that sparked her interest in the first place.

“The geometry and contrasting elements are really what drew me to quilting and I want students to appreciate that geometry and symmetry,” Mays said.

Although math is an important part of the class, she also wants the students to have “an appreciation for quilting as an art form and an expression of culture.”

The class began with an examination of the history of quilting. Students will also look at the geometry involved in making a quilt, such as tiling and tessellations. By the end of the semester every student will complete one pillow sized quilt. Larger quilts take more time than can be afforded during winter term.

“If it was a full semester class I might have them do a full quilt, but there just isn’t enough time,” explained Mays.

“I didn’t know how much time it actually takes,” added Brad Nock, a junior currently in the class. “Sometimes it even takes years to finish a quilt.”

Despite the time constraints, Mays said she still wants students to get the experience of making their own quilts.

“I really want them to experience quilting as a social activity like it was for women in the past.”

Although students have only just started cutting patterns for their quilts, many have expressed interest in the other aspects of the class.

“I’m actually surprised by how interesting some of the history is,” said Nock. “I never realized what a big deal quilting was in the past.”

Nock was also stunned by how difficult quilting actually is.

“I thought it was going to be way easier than it is, but there is actually a lot of work involved.”

Mays thinks that the work involved will help students appreciate their old keepsakes a bit more.

“It is going to make students appreciate their grandmother’s quilt.”

Reporter: Lindsay Fendt - 01/16/07