Last week, in fashionable Miami, a group of about 150 material scientists, fashion educators, product designers, sportswear makers, textile manufacturers, and fashion designers got together to discuss the future of fashion at the Smart Fabrics Conference. While there, I held a fashion hack workshop that included both the LilyPad Arduino and Aniomagic's group of sensors and lights. The attendees only had about 3 1/2 hours to use these tools to create an interactive garment or accessory. They promised to send some of the steps for DIYs based on their projects, so I am hoping to hear back from them soon. Hopefully this post and a little email nudge will get them motivated to send in the DIY. Until then, take a peep at the photos of the attendees having fun with techno crafting. 

[Above: Syuzi and Alison meeting for the first time at Maker Faire in 2006]

After four years, Syuzi Pakhchyan and I were finally able to get together and host our own talk about girls in technology. The talk was called “Duh… Its Like Tech for Girls <3" and it was presented as a core converation at SXSW Interactive 2010. We were joined by many audience members, who were passionate about igniting that tech spark in girls, teens, and women.

Congratulations to Jane Larson from Ann Arbor, Michigan!

Jane holding up her prize winnings, a signed copy of Switch Craft and a swatch of Luminex lighted fabric. She plans to incorporate the fabric into a little black dress she's making along with some LEDs.

We want to thank everyone who took the survey. We have new projects and posts planned to incorporate your feedback, so be sure to stay tuned!

Syuzi Pakhchyan of Fashioning Technology and I are joining forces at SXSW and hosting a session called “Duh…It’s Like Tech for Girls <3.” Here is the information: 

Duh ... It's Like Tech for Girls <3

SXSW Interactive, Austin, TX

Monday, March 15, 11am, ACC 7

Shannon of PolyMath Design Lab  is a 30-year old designer in Oregon and a follower if I Heart Switch. I found her through her comments on this blog and was just facinated by what I found. Not only is she a talented designer in jewelry and unique products, Shannon has been playing around with her first electronic skirt (as you see above). I decided we must interview Shannon and let everyone on Switch see what an amazing project can be done by a first time electronic fashion crafter. The interview, video of the skirt, and more images are after the Break.

iHeartSwitch.com is giving away a free copy of Switch Craft and a 10" x 10" swatch of fiber-optic lighted fabric from Luminex to one lucky person. We have a nice number of responses, but we'd like a few more so we've extended the deadline to the 12th of February, the winner will be announced on February 20th, so stay tuned! 

I had a chance to talk to Paige from MommyCast.com about the innovative projects from SwitchCraft and iHeartSwitch. You can watch our chat in the video below. (Hint: Don't miss bloopers at the end!)

Obsessed with finding the right fabric? I am too, and this was no exception for the fabrics I used in my book Switch Craft. Each material was meticulously chosen for its color, pattern, sheen, and weave, while bringing vibrancy to the normally dull subject of electronics.

I have put together a guide to help you get the best fabric for your next Switch Craft project.

Tomorrow night, November 16th, I have 5 minutes and 20 slides to share everything I know about creating a tech savvy DIY for a non-techy crafter. Can I do it? You’ll have to tune in find out. 

Ignite NYC VII

When: 11/16, starting @7PM
Where: New World Stages, 340 West 50th Street
What: 15 five minute presentations that geeks and techies will love
Admission: FREE