Workshops and Tutorials

Needle felted Prince of all CosmosSkirt Full of Stars

Currently Scheduled Classes and Workshops:

  • Portland eTextile & Wearable Electronics Worksessions
    Every other Tuesday, 7-9 pm at ADX

    From art to health to high fashion, the integration of electronics with textiles, also known as eTextiles, is on the rise – and it can be a lot of fun! Join us for a casual biweekly get together for those who are interested in creating soft circuits and wearable electronics to work on projects and talk shop, hosted by local eTextile experts Shannon Henry of Polymath Design Lab and Cat Poole of Cacophonous Creations. When possible, we’ll also connect up with the Global eTextile Lounge video chat to see what’s going on in the wider eTextile community.

    All skill levels are welcome – bring a project to show or to work on while you’re here, an idea, or just your curiosity. Basic sewable electronics kits will be available to purchase, for those who need the materials to get started.

    See the ADX Calendar for dates

Tutorials:

  • Needle felted Prince of All Cosmos with LED antenna
    A great way to dip your toes into soft circuits – make a felted figure of this character from Japanese video game Katamari Damacy, complete with LED antenna that lights up when he is squeezed.
  • Photon Phuzbot
    The brightest robot around! This charming felt robot flashlight keyfob has LED eyes that light when you squeeze his torso. Includes instructions for making a combination battery pocket/pressure switch with felt and conductive fabric tape.
  • Flower Power Bracelet
    A pretty felt bracelet featuring a color-changing LED, it uses a snap as a switch so that it lights only when fastened.
  • A Skirt Full Of Stars
    Make a tulle skirt with fiber optic stars that sparkle and change color with the wearer’s movement

Arrange a workshop:

Shannon is available to lead workshops on soft circuitry and eTextiles. Possibilities range from a short class on sewing circuits and adding LED lights to fabric items to multiple day workshops on creating interactive garments using microcontrollers, and can be tailored to a variety of age and skill levels.

If you are interested in setting up a class with Shannon, please email shannon@polymathdesignlab.com.

Previous class offerings:

  • eTextiles for Young Makers (6 class series)
    PDX Young Makers, September 2011 – January 2012
  • Introduction to eTextiles: Sew a Glowing Ornament
    Dorkbot PDX workshop at ADX, December 2011
  • Halloween eTextile Workshop
    ADX, October 2011
  • Make & Take: LED Anglerfish patch
    ADX, September 2011
  • Introduction to eTextiles: Sew a Circuit
    Dorkbot PDX workshop at ADX, August 2011