Wikipedia states:
"The thirty-six
officers problem is a mathematical puzzle proposed by Leonhard Euler in 1782.
The problem
asks if it is possible to arrange 6 regiments consisting of 6 officers each of
different ranks in a 6 × 6 square so that no rank or regiment will be repeated
in any row or column. Such an arrangement would form a Graeco-Latin square."
Can't you see how this would be an ideal pattern for a quilt?
I just love the mathematics of quilting!
So I started playing around with the idea as a basis for a larger project. In the original problem, you would have 6 squares of each colour displayed in a way that looks random, but isn't really.
Using a jelly Roll, you would need 15 inches (plus slack) for each colour for a block finish size of 12 inches x 12 inches (plus 1/2 inch each side seam allowance).
Nine blocks would make a good cot quilt, 35 squares a good single bed, 80 a good double or queen size, then add sashing and surrounds.
Using a Charm Pack you would need 6 squares (5 inches x 5 inches) for each colour for finished block of 27 inches x 27 inches + seam. 36 charm pieces are needed for the entire pattern (most charm packs are 42 squares worth, with two squares the same). So buying a few packs of the same design would work wonderfully.
Using a layer cake, you would need 6 squares at (10 inches x 10 inches) for each colour. Each block would be 57 inches plus seam allowance.
It would look quite effective as an Autumn Colour Scheme.
And equally as nice as a monochromatic version.
Assembling the blocks:
What type of patchworker are you? If you are precise I would sew this quilt row by row. If not, sew four squares together to make a small block, measure and trim. Then sew another 4 together, and so on.
But if you are not a quilter, this pattern could work equally well as a crochet blanket.
If you end up making one of these quilts based on these ideas, please leave a comment and let me know!
Enjoy!
Margaret
