Gray Area Foundation for the Arts Presents:
Soft Circuit Workshop with Grace Kim
Saturday, January 23rd, 30th, and February 6th
12PM-4PM
Soft Circuit will cover basics of wearable technology. Workshop participants will be given a historical overview of wearables in the context of fashion, art, and technology. Instructor Grace Kim will share basic sewing and embroidery techniques and tips on how to repurpose everyday sewing procedure for use in wearables projects. Students will be given project-based instruction on basic circuitry and will construct soft circuits using conductive thread and fabric. No prior experience with electronics or sewing required. All materials and fees are included. Limited space available.
Day One:
History and context
Measuring energy
Creating a circuit on a breadboard
Soft circuit basics
Embroidery basics
Introduction to switches (including how to turn everyday sewing notions into switches)
Workshop time: make an LED wristband
Assignment: prototype a concept of an exaggerated sense
Day Two:
Class presentations
Introduction to resistance (including how to use a multimeter)
Introduction to sensors
Workshop time: make a tote bag that lights up when your cell phone receives an incoming call
(students may not be able to complete the full project in this time. Rather the assignment would be that the student finishes the project on their own time, or extra workshop time will be delegated in the next class)
Assignment: prototype a concept of the electronic gesture
Day Three:
Class presentations
Demonstration of advanced materials (different types of conductive fabric, felt resistors, LED-integrated fabric, el paper)
Demonstration of LIilypad and other microcontrollers.
Demonstration of advanced sensors (accelerometer, etc)
Battery management
Looking for components in unexpected places: hacking old electronics and toys
Workshop time: perhaps finish tote bag or workshop future project ideas with students
The workshop is full, thanks for your interest!
Questions? email: info [at] gaffta [dot] org
In 2010 as part of our Phase II Taylor street expansion, GAFFTA will open a new project boutique called Archetype. With an emphasis on wearables, this unique product-focused space will support emerging local and international designers around the principles of technologically-inspired and sustainability-minded fashion. Spearheaded by GAFFTA Fashion Initiatives Lead, Melissa Marie and Creative Director for Archetype Boutique, Jarred Garza, Archetype will extend GAFFTA’s mission of building social consciousness through digital culture onto the runway and into the marketplace.
From December 18th-20th, GAFFTA invites you to a “Broadcast” preview fashion and shopping event featuring a selection of designers, lines and products indicative of Archetype’s aesthetic and personality.
Come join us for a special one-time gathering of emerging talent, limited collections and a glance into the future of San Francisco fashion… not to mention great shopping just in time for the Holidays!
Help us spread the word on Twitter and Facebook.
Broadcast Weekend Schedule:
Friday, December 18th Preview Party
6PM – 8PM // $20 // Hor’dourves, open bar, early-bird shopping & private mixer with designers
8PM – 12AM // $5-$15 (sliding scale) // Reception with evening shopping & music by DJ Fluid (Om Records) and Conor (Red Dot)
Saturday, December 19th & Sunday, December 20th
12PM – 6PM // Free! // Shopping & Music
Featured Artists & Designers:
And many more!
(image from 1 of 1 studio)