STEAM Coding - TurtleStitch

Today, I am looking and extracting a code on TurtleStitch so I could get a better understanding of what each block does to create a certain design. Original code I will go in order from top to bottom and explain the blocks: Figure 1 (max_stepsize=40) when (flag) clicked : this block is used to control the script so when you click on the green flag, the turtle will start stitching the code. go to x: 0 y: 0 : this block is used to direct the turtle to the center of the stage. set __ to __ : this block is used to set the chosen variable to a given value (string or number).       a)  max_stepsize is the spacing between the stitches so if it was set to 10, then it would look like the above image. If I changed it to 40, it would look like Figure 1.       b)  len  seems to be the size of the center of the design. When I set it to 50, I realized the center got bigger and when I set it to 100, there was an even greater difference...

I remember learning about the Clear block last year after I was frustrated trying to restart my TurtleStitch design after making a mistake. When I experimented with this block, my coding life became so much easier, really. With the Clear  block, I was able to reset my project whenever I messed up with the commands of my sprite. After doing research on the block today, it clarified for me the purpose of the block. It is used to remove all the marks made by the stamps or pens and it is the only block the stage is allowed to use. I also realized that although it does seem as if the stage is back to its original setting, the arrow/turtle is still in the position it was left as right before it was cleared, so I use the go to x: 0 y: 0  block under the blue Motion blocks to bring the arrow back to where it started. This is an example with the addition of the clear  and the  go to x: 0 y: 0  blocks to the previous project:

I am currently studying the Pen Down  and the Pen Up  blocks. The Pen Down block is a very simple block that is vital to get the sprite in motion. The Pen Up  block is used to stop the sprite from moving, but the Pen Down block must be used with this block in order to make it function. Also, these blocks are used when art is required to be drawn. Here is a very  simple example : In TurtleStitch, Pen Down starts the sewing and Pen Up  stops it. From an email received from Andrea, creator of TurtleStitch, she explained that the pen function is used as a metaphor for sewing. "It helps to understand jump stitches. It helps to understand jump stitches. You could also define a pattern by not using the pen function at all. If you use it in the right way it helps you to create securing stitches (lock stitches, in German: Vernaehstiche) at the beginning of the end of the parts of the pattern." Andrea was even kind enough to show us an example with explanations ...

Hey, guys! The past year, I have been extremely involved with coding and I am planning on continuing it this year with an independent study class. Throughout the year, I will Establish an online design journal and have it shared to the public Go through the SNAP manual and become acquainted with the basics of SNAP and SNAP resources Create basic tutorials about the digital fabricator Create basic tutorials about using the machine with TurtleStitch This is the link to my Google Sites where I will post my designs. I'm also attaching my Google Drive Folder link.   I hope you guys follow me through my progress this year!