Switch

Purse Light Panel

2008-06-23T04:26:16Z

No more fumbling for your lipstick or compact while at the club, light your way with this easy to make light panel for your purse or bag. The panel uses a two part magnetic switch, so when the purse is closed the light is off and when its open the light is on. Simple!

I did a demo of this project at Maker Faire. Thank you to the ladies at ArtFuture!

You can see it here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=CX0rU4WSPnc

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Wiring Diagram

DIRECTIONS:
1. Decide where you want the panel, the battery, and the switch in your purse. Place it inside and mark your locations with stick pins or erasable fabric pin. We suggest putting the battery on one side of the panel and the wired switch on the other.

2. Following the diagram, place your LEDs inside the corrugated plastic. Make sure you have the + and - sides correct. Also, for added brightness, we staggered the lights and skipped a row on each side.

3. Solder your panel together following the diagram and test it by holding the wired switch with the non-wired switch and then taking it away. The lights should turn on when the switch sides are together.

4. Secure and cover all the soldered joints with electrical tape. Cover the exposed LED legs too.

5. Tuck all the parts (battery snap, panel, and switch) behind the linging. If you have a white lining, use a seam ripper to put the panel behind it. If you don't you can cut out a rectangle in the lining and place the panel. If you do the latter, make sure to tuck the fabric edges back and top stitch or slipstitch them down so it is neat and clean. You can glue the edges of the fabric around the panel itself if you like.

6. Make a pocket to fit your battery. Read BurdaStyle for more on the Patch Pocket

7. Cut a small hole where you want your battery wires to go and then sew the pocket on top of it. Pull the 9-Volt battery snap through the hole into the pocket.

8. Using hot glue, secure your panel to the purse.

9. Place the wired switch on one side of your purse and the the unwired switch on the opposite side. Plug in your 9-Volt battery to the snap. Make sure that the light turns on and off as you open and close the purse and then secure the switches into place with hot glue.

10. Finish by stitching the lining closed where you ripped it open.

RE-MIX
You don't have to use this in a purse, get smart and think of where you want to shine light in your life; like a drawer, kitchen cabinet, or jewelry box.

Three Tweets for Twittering Teddy!!!

2008-06-17T17:59:47Z

Guru Lloyd and I, from MyHome2.0, performed hours of exhausting surgery on an old teddy bear to bring you the Twittering Teddy! We converted your favorite friend into an animatronic bear that reads and speaks all your Twitter messages. Creepy? No... its CUTE!

How 2.0: How to Make a Twittering Teddy Bear from My Home 2.0 DIY on Vimeo.

]]> There is lots you can do with Twittering Teddy!

+ Make your own animatronic Twittering Animal from the steps on the MyHome2.0 site

+ You can watch the streaming video on USTREAM.TV. She will be there for two weeks.

+ If you want to talk to Teddy through Twitter, you can add here on your twitter account by going to:
http://twitter.com/Teddy2PointHome

Coming Soon!!!

2008-06-16T20:49:34Z

Fans of IHeartSwitch,
I just wanted to take a moment to let everyone know how excited I am about the upcoming release SWITCH CRAFT: Battery Powered Projects To Make and Sew. As you can imagine its been very busy.
At the same time, I have been working with Verizon as a host for their upcoming TV show Myhome 2.0. READ MORE>>>

]]> 2PointHome.com is a great place to find behind the scenes footage, great new content and fabulous DIY's for those of you who've been missing out on IHeartSwitch.

As for the book, information on SWITCH CRAFT can be found by visiting the Random House Homepage.

We are currently filming step by step tutorials and DIY' to coincide with the launch and release of SWITCH CRAFT, and we'll be back very very soon!

Alison Lewis
Your Techno Fashionista

Advanced techonology of sewing and embroidery with Brother, USA

2008-03-09T00:47:13Z

We got a chance to interview June from Brother, USA at CES 2008.

SXSW - High-Tech Craft: Why Sewing and Knitting Still Matter

2008-03-07T15:36:50Z

This week Alison is heading to the South by Southwest (SXSW) Interactive Festival to talk on a panel about why sewing and knitting still matter. Check it out!

]]>
If you are in the Austin Texas area this weekend, make sure to head over to SXSW and catch Alison Lewis and other panelist discuss: High Tech Craft: Why Sewing and Knitting Still Matter.

Whether you are into soft switches, wearable technologies, or DIY craft with an edge, you will want to check out South by South West’s (SXSW) panel discussion High-Tech Craft: Why Sewing and Knitting Still Matter. Panelist from around the country will discuss the importance of integrating technology into knitting and blending the lines between fashion + electronics, and electrons + fashion.

The discussion kicks off on Saturday March 8th 2008 from 3-30-4:430 (Austin Time) or 4:30 – 5:30 EST. We recommend you log in early to make sure you get a space in the Webroom.

The panel will be hosted by Natalie Zee Drieu – Senior Editor Craft Magazine

Panelist include:
Alison Lewis – Fashion tech and craft guru and the Producer of Switch

Diana Eng – Maker of Fashion with math and science

Mouna Andraos – Designer and artist in NYC working on interactive and DIY projects

Syuzi Pakhyan – Creator of Spark Lab a website exploring soft switches and wearable technology through design and DIY Projects.

Learning Library

2007-12-03T00:57:44Z

Hello and welcome to the learning library, this is a place where we will place all those little tips and tricks that will make your electronic design issues easier. Stay tuned!

Switch at Maker Faire

2007-05-10T23:28:22Z

On May 19th and 20th Maker Faire brought to you by Make & Craft Magazine will converge on the San Mateo Fair Grounds, and Switch’s Alison Lewis will be there for all the excitement. If you are in the San Mateo Area stop by and say hi! We love catching up with all our fans of Switch! If you won’t be able to make it have no fear Alison will be filming all the highlights, and post them here for everyone to share.

]]> Those of you unfamiliar with Maker Faire it is a gathering of all things electronic, craft, and DIY brought together under one roof. Imagine learning how to make a fire skirt that is not only stylish but looks like it is ablaze with flames…Now that is something that could be really hot! Learn how to make interactive toys using conductive thread, or try your hand at making a light panelfor inside your purse by Switch’s own Alison Lewis – now you will always be able to find your lipstick no matter how dark the club may be.

Don’t want to spend all your time with your sleeves rolled up in the workshop? How about wandering around and exploring the interactive exhibits that will be on hand? Then just when you think your feet will fail you, why not check out some of the discussion panels and presentations. Alison will be leading a panel on the main stage on Sat may 19th at 1pm talking to Diana Eng, Emily Albinski and Syuzi Pakhchyan about the future of fashion technology and electronic craft.

Remember if you can’t make it to Maker Faire keep checking out the site in the coming weeks for highlights from it. Also don’t forget Maker Faire will be in Austin Texas on October 20th +21st at the Travis County Fairgrounds where switch will be showing off some great new craft ideas…you might even get a behind the scenes look at Switch’s upcoming works.

Don’t forget if you are in the area drop by and say hi! We’ll be looking forward to seeing you there.

Alice Driver Merryman

2007-04-02T15:00:28Z

Sad events have befallen us here at switch, my grandmother, passed away last week at the honorable age of 100. As the creator of Switch I have been inspired by many people, but there has been no inspiration greater than, my grandmother, Alice Merryman.

]]> This outspoken woman from the tiny town of Clinton, Arkansas traveled the world, educated people on politics and religion, created crafts, and took part in historical events that celebrate American heritage. My grandmother first came to NYC during the sixties. Her visit was to attend the Worlds Fair and to show off her shukery. For those of you who do not know what shukery is; shukery is a traditional American Indian craft, where items such as dolls, chairs, bonnets or bowels are made from roped or woven corn husk. One item she took with her, on this adventure, to display, at the Worlds Fair, was a foot stool that she hand crafted. This stool now sits in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC. My family takes immense pride in this piece, not just because it is fortunate enough to be sitting in the Smithsonian, but because now, generations of families can come and learn about the history of shukery. My grandmother was not only handy with her hands in craft but she also wrote a book on shukery.

This book explained the methods, styles, and techniques, and as I am reminded of this I become very reflective. I see the influences she has had on me to get interested in craft, to come to NYC and pursue my fine arts degree at Parsons College, and to walk in her footsteps by publishing my own how to book– Which will be printed by Potter Craft, a division of Random House, in Summer of 2008 and will encompass technology and craft.

My Grandmother Alice has left her footprints on the world and will now be missed, she taught us though action and words to never stop helping others, always take time for family, and most importantly that making things with your hands will keep your mind and heart strong. With these ideas she will live forever in the hearts of her family, friends, and loved ones. Take the time today to visit her website, and find inspiration. Inspiration from a special women, from a different era, who helped shape our world today…

www.alicedrivermerryman.org

My grandmother didn't start crafting and painting until she was in her late 50's, but when she started she never stopped. In the last 50 years of her life she made and gave away so many items that its impossible to share them all with you. However, here are a few that I think show her tenacity for making and impeccable skills as a craftswoman.

One of the beautiful hand stitched patchwork quilts. Grandma made at least 10 quilts a year up until the age of 99.

Her corn shuck dolls are a family favorite, each one unique. (We all wanted the Indian though because he had feathers!)

Her famous corn shuckery roses, her website has directions on how to make these flowers.

Grandma made beautiful flower arrangements with her corn shuck flowers and from natural items she found on the farm.

Unlike me, grandma wasn't into fashion. But that didn't keep her from making fashionable items like this woven corn husk purse.

Thank you Grandma!

Interview: Angel Chang Part 2

2007-02-05T08:00:00Z

Calling all Switch fashionistas! Switch has the scoop on fashion designer Angel Chang’s innovative spring 2007 collection which just won the 2007 Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation Award. Tired of the fashion industries vintage remakes, Angel takes a confident leap into fashion by integrating technology in a fresh and wearable way. Angel shares with us three designs that are equal in beauty and function: iPOD-controlling pants, color-changing dresses and patterned fabric with 3D optical illusions.

This time around, we are talking to both Angel Chang and her collaborator Adam Beckerman of www.visualife.tv. Angel asked Adam to create hidden/optical illusion military imagery into 4 different patterned layers that make up the underskirt of her white halter dress.

Please also check out Angel's Fall 2007 collection presented at New York Fashion Week on February 1st on Alison's Flickr account here: Angel Chang Fall 2007 on Flickr

]]> Watch Part II Interview Quicktime (5 Min, 11M)
Download for IPod: Angel Chang Part II

(right click or "ctrl" click and select "save as")

News January 04, 2007: We're Back!

2007-01-04T17:49:10Z

Switch is a DIY show about electronics, fashion technology and design. We are starting of the New Year right with an interview with award winning fashion designer Angel Chang. More fun things and interviews are coming in 2007, so stay tuned!

Interview: Angel Chang Part I

2007-01-03T04:10:12Z

]]> Watch Part 1 Interview Quicktime (7 Min, 16M)

Download for IPod: Angel Chang Part I

(right click or "ctrl" click and select "save as")

Special Feature: Just Freaking Magic!

2006-06-23T07:16:57Z

In this episode Alison talks to JF Magic Founder Lee Wainwright about light up clothing and textiles and how he formed JF Magic. In the interview they discover shoes that light up with your every step, skirts that make kissy faces, purses that light up when your cell phone rings and much more.

JF Magic was founded by, Lee Wainwright, who while teaching Secondary School Science, began innovative product designs for various uses of fiber optics and LED technologies. Seven patents later, he has clients like Disney, Nike, and Sony, and stars like Brittany Spears and Robin Williams wearing his cool light up custom clothing.
JF magic uses LED technology which is rapidly changing the way we see things.

LEDs or Light emitting diodes:
• give off almost no heat
• consume a fraction of the electricity
• exhibit magnitudes the lifespan of conventional lighting

At JF Magic they combine LEDs with fiber optics and fabrics as well as other technologies. They can also help you prototype and design your own projects because they have access to manufacturing in the US and in China. "

(right click or "ctrl" click and select "save as"

News May 31, 2006: New Blog and Added Features

2006-05-31T22:17:52Z

Switch is a DIY show for electronics, fashion technology and design. It has taken a long while, but the Switch website is no longer in BETA! We have fully integrated the design with movable type (thank you Lindsey), added a donate/gift section, a new mailing list, the learning library and a easily navigable archive section. We have two new episodes coming up in June (one project and one interview) and are looking forward to getting switch off the ground.

]]> {NEW BLOG}
We have taken the design further and upgraded the site to a real blog with a cool Archive Section, Learning Library, Donate section and more…

{NEWSLETTER}

We’ve moved over everyone’s email address to the new mailing program which will keep Switch in touch with you smoothly and seamlessly. This means you no longer can send a message to the switch group; instead it acts solely as a newsletter or email list. If you want to leave a message, leave a comment on the blog or send us a message through the contact form (http://iheartswitch.com/contact). As always, we are happy to hear from you and if the need arises we’ll add a talk forum in the future.

{NEW SHOWS COMING IN JUNE!}

1) Lovie Circuits, two circuits that light up when together
2) Interview with an inventor who integrates lights into clothing and accessories.

{SUBSCRIBE to VIDEO FEED}

Switch is a blog, which means you can subscribe and have it brought straight to your computer through an RSS* feed. You subscribe to us by:

- Going to Feedburner: http://feeds.feedburner.com/iheartswitch/rtfh (and following instructions in the "subscribe" area)
- If you use iTunes, do a search for us in the Pod Casting Area. Search for "SWITCH"
- If you use FireAnt and you should subscribe

*What is RSS? Find out more: http://www.sixapart.com/about/feeds

{PRESS}

MAY:
Switch was featured in WIRED magazine, page 128.
Switch featured on G4Tech.tv on May 4th (http://www.g4techtv.ca/torrent/episode/episode5/index.shtml?episode5)

JUNE:
Switch will be featured in BUST magazine, so keep an eye out!

{SPONSORS}

Switch is a labor of love and is produced, organized and the projects are implemented by mainly one person and a few people who contribute when they can (Like: Karen on Graphics) It is done without sponsorship. What this means is that it takes a little longer to get things produced, materials to be purchased, and to do projects and the filming and what not. This is not an excuse, but we ask that you be patient with SWITCH as we try to get going full speed over the summer.

We’ve added a donate page for those of you who appreciate and enjoy the idea of Switch and want to see more happen. You can find it here: http://iheartswitch.com/help.

Thank you to everyone for your support and encouragement. Also, thank you to Lindsey Lake who chopped and integrated the layout (done by Karen lee) with MovableType. You did a great job!

Stay Tuned, see you soon,

Alison

As always, if you are receiving this email by mistake or no longer want to be a part of the Switch List, then please go to http://iheartswitch.com/subscribe.php and unsubscribe from the mailing list.

Switch 5/16/06

2006-05-17T15:29:12Z

SWITCH is a Do It Yourself show where we create fun and fashionable items with electronics, do cool interviews and special features about people and projects. For example, Alison at the CES Show is up and ready for viewing pleasure.

Special Feature: My Beating Heart

2006-03-01T01:23:55Z

In this special feature Alison visits Banana Design Lab to talk with Yury Gitman, the creator of My Beating Heart.

My Beating Heart is a soft huggable heart with a soothing heartbeat you can really feel. When hugging the heart, the tactile heartbeat reminds you of holding a pet or a loved-one. Hold the heart a moment and you'll begin to sense your own heartbeat slowly syncing with My Beating Heart's carefully designed rhythm. My Beating Heart is designed to help you relax, daydream, meditate, and nap.

]]> Each "Beating Heart" is handmade in New York and is of museum quality. The use of only the highest quality materials makes for an experience that will last for years. Select a style that looks most cuddly to you.

Watch Part 1 Quicktime (5 Min, 22M)
Watch Part 2 Quicktime (5 Min, 23M)
Download for IPod: Part 1| Part 2
(right click or "ctrl" click and select "save as")

Want more?
Yury and Alison go inside My Beating Heart to discover how it is made.
Watch More Quicktime (5 Min, 20M)