[Noisebridge-discuss] [Fwd: Fwd: Instructables Build Nights: Soft Circuits and Mouse Mouse]

[Rachel McConnell]

Here is info on some upcoming activities that some of you all might be 
interested in!

Rachel

On Mon, Aug 11, 2008 at 1:04 AM, Christy + Robot
<canida at instructables.com> wrote:

Instructables is pleased to present the first in a new series of 
Thursday Build Nights
here at our San Francisco HQ!

These are small-group sessions focused on specific projects - you MUST 
RSVP to attend,
as we can only handle a certain number of participants.  Registrations 
will be handled
on a first-come basis.  We're starting with a bit of craft/tech 
crossover, and plan to
run sessions on a variety of topics.  (If you're interested in 
suggesting and/or hosting
a Build Night, please contact me.)

August 14: Techniques for Soft Circuits with Rachel McConnell.
September 4: Make your own Mouse Mouse with Christy Canida

See the descriptions below for details, including things to bring and/or 
materials fees.
To sign up for one of the sessions, simply reply to this email with your 
name, email,
and phone number.  We hope to see you there!

  --Christy



August 14, 2008: Techniques for Soft Circuits, Rachel McConnell
===============================================================
Limit: 12 participants (confirmed RSVP required)
Materials Fee: $8
Start Time: 7pm

Rachel has been electrifying soft toys for several years now, both on
Instructables (Big Warm Fuzzy Secret Heart 
http://www.instructables.com/id/Big-Warm-Fuzzy-Secret-Heart/,
Snailbot Races http://www.instructables.com/id/Snailbot-Races/) and at
Make Magazine's Maker Faire (http://makerfaire.com/pub/e/195 and
http://makerfaire.com/pub/e/1207).  She will be assisted by
Josh Gordonsen, (LED Heart T-shirt 
http://www.instructables.com/id/%22Beating%22-LED-Heart-T-Shirt-finished%21/).

For the first 15 or 20 minutes, we'll discuss some techniques and tips
for working with conductive fabric, conductive thread, and combining
them with electronic components:

  * fabric switch in a couple of different incarnations
  * fabric pressure sensor / variable resistor
  * sewing with conductive thread by hand and by machine
  * attaching LEDs to fabric, both through-hole and surface-mount
  * general construction techniques

Then we will get hands-on!  Participants may make a vibrating pillow,
or for those with more experience a dimming LED soft toy; or bring an
idea of your own and get expert assistance!

Instructables will provide the following tools & materials - if you
want to use anything not on the list, simply bring it with you.

  * stretchy and non-stretchy conductive fabric
  * conductive thread
  * LEDs of various kinds, & corresponding resistors
  * small vibrator motors
  * a selection of fake fur and backing fabric
  * sewing tools & supplies
  * soldering tools & supplies




September 4: Make your own Mouse Mouse with Christy Canida
==========================================================
Limit: 12 participants (confirmed RSVP required)
Materials Fee: bring your own mini-travel-sized mouse or reimburse me 
for one ($10-15)
Start Time: 7pm

WARNING: This class requires hands-on dissection.  Contact me with any 
questions.

We'll be covering a travel-sized mouse in real mouse skin to create a fully
functional (and furry) Mouse Mouse.  Bring your own miniature 
travel-sized mouse
(or let me know to pick one up for you), and I'll provide all the tools 
you need.
All dead mice will be procured from the East Bay Vivarium's stock of 
frozen snake
food.

The class should run approximately 1.5 - 2 hours, depending on your 
preexisting
sewing and dissection skills and speed.