I am proud to announce that Fast Company Magazine named Switch’s own, Alison Lewis, one of the Most Influential Women in Technology for 2010. Congratulations Alison! You can find the full article here: http://www.fastcompany.com/article/alison-lewis-switch-craft.

This year I am honored to be presenting a workshop and talk at the Smart Fabrics conference in Miami, FL. Smart Fabrics is THE premier event for everyone interested in applications, marketing, design, development, curation, and manufacturing of smart or advanced textiles. Smart fabrics are textiles that are woven or embedded with advanced properties. Examples are sports bras that can detect your heart rate, solar energy gathering pants, and soft switches for controlling your MP3 player from your jacket. There are many more amazing sci-fi sounding applications being developed, who says we have to wait for the future? It seems to me the future is now. 

Smart Fabrics 2010

April 14 - 16 in Miami, Florida

Conrad Miami Hotel

Register Here

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

Jana Thomson from Geek Austin gets the dirt on Alison and her Core Conversation at SXSW, " Duh...It's Like Tech for Girls" 

Both Syuzie Pakhchyan of Fashion Technology and Alison will be running this core converstaion at SXSW. Please join them on Monday, March 15 at 11:00 AM. http://my.sxsw.com/events/event/487

Below is an excerpt from the interview, you can read more on GeekAustin.com at http://geekaustin.org/2010/02/24/sxsw-panelist-alison-lewis

"Jana: Technology is seen as a man's world, more than even business these days. One of the questions on the SXSW website for your panel was' why does getting girls involved in technology matter to our quality of life?' In my experience, seemed that even very competent and intelligent and otherwise confident women seem to be intimidated by the use of technology. Do you think that by discussing technology and encouraging the use of it in domains where many women are more comfortable and confident that it will encourage women to become more confident in their understanding and usage of computers and mobile phones?

Alison: Not to be brash, but I don't care much if they learn to use their mobile phones.

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!)

Tonight on Carol's Corner on Technology, Co-hosts Lloyd Emelle and Stephanie Lowe are discussing technology gift ideas on a budget. I'll be there discussing not only gifts that you can get online or at the store, but also gifts that you can make in your spare time using supplies from your local electronics and crafts store. If you are struggling with gift ideas, this is the episode you don't want to miss!
http://900amwurd.com/

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

Tired of the winter blues? Does your skin and mood need a pick me up? Use a blue light treatment, like Philips goLITE BLU Light Therapy Device or Tandas Light Therapy Treatment. This light exposure helps your body release hormones that can improve your mood and energy levels and kill nasty acne causing bacteria. Philip’s goLITE BLU and other similar light therapy treatments are specifically designed to thwart the winter blues by giving you the added benefits of the sun without the harmful UV rays. You will not get a tan, but the treatment is safe and pain free. 

If you missed me on the Martha Stewart on Monday, the DIY Lighted Porcupine Costume segmet is up on her site! Click here to see the clip!

You can also buy the costume on Etsy for $50.  If you get it today, it should make it by Halloween!