Whatchamacallit

September 18, 2006 10:02 AM

Does anybody remember those circular templates that makes infinite radial patterns with colored ball pens? They had concentric holes for which to anchor a ballpoint against an outer axle, and then you change colors corresponding with the holes? What do you call those? Is it called anything at all?
posted by azul to sports, hobbies, & recreation (21 comments total)

Spirograph?
posted by contessa at 10:03 AM on September 18, 2006 [7 favorites has favorites]

Spirograph?
posted by electroboy at 10:04 AM on September 18, 2006 [1 favorite has favorites]

Spirograph?
posted by rhymesinister at 10:04 AM on September 18, 2006

Do you mean Spirograph?
posted by miagaille at 10:05 AM on September 18, 2006

Spirograph?
posted by hobgadling at 10:05 AM on September 18, 2006

Wow. Just wow. Thank you all.
posted by azul at 10:14 AM on September 18, 2006

your "best answer" marking seems a little unfair to contessa...
posted by dersins at 10:16 AM on September 18, 2006

your "best answer" marking seems a little unfair to contessa....

Awww. I'm sorry. Thanks Contessa, Electroboy and all.
posted by azul at 10:30 AM on September 18, 2006

You can mark more than one good answer. :)
posted by anildash at 10:34 AM on September 18, 2006 [1 favorite has favorites]

Electroboy's link is amazing. Don't pass up this chance to view the incredible Spirograph Nebula.
posted by jamjam at 10:37 AM on September 18, 2006

You can mark more than one good answer. :)

Even more thanks! I really appreciate all your responses.
posted by azul at 10:52 AM on September 18, 2006

Everyone loves the Spirograph.
posted by Jilder at 10:53 AM on September 18, 2006

Super spirograph always worked best if you had those tiny little pieces of magic paper.
posted by Iron Rat at 11:01 AM on September 18, 2006

Kids today are too lazy to be bothered with Spirograph. They now have Robotic Insects to do it for them. Look how happy this kid almost is!
posted by ulotrichous at 11:01 AM on September 18, 2006

The mathematical family to look into is the Cycloid. Specifically, Epicycloids and Hypocycloids.
posted by b1tr0t at 11:11 AM on September 18, 2006

Best. Toy. Ever.
posted by matildaben at 11:30 AM on September 18, 2006

You can mark more than one good answer. :)

Even more thanks! I really appreciate all your responses.

So... Go on then.
posted by The Monkey at 5:29 PM on September 18, 2006 [1 favorite has favorites]

Spirograph!
posted by Justinian at 7:08 PM on September 18, 2006

There's this cool pen for Spirograph on the go!
posted by lannanh at 8:15 PM on September 18, 2006

Is it ... Spirograph?
posted by WCityMike at 9:21 AM on September 21, 2006

I'm pretty sure it's a Spirograph.
posted by onalark at 12:27 PM on September 21, 2006