Microsoft Home Magazine reviews Fashioning Technology

Heather Camlot reviews Syuzi Pakhchyan’s Fashioning Technology in Microsoft Home Magazine:

I received a new craft book this week. When I saw the cover — a photo of a woman with rock star headphones and the title Fashioning Technology (O’Reilly, 2008) — I knew the book wasn’t going to be your typical Holly Homemaker tome.

Syuzi Pakhchyan — artist, roboticist and teacher — subtitles her book “A DIY intro to smart crafting.” Smart refers to the types of materials used, including fibre optics, phosphorescent powder, LED lights, capacitors and cell phone flashers.

And the 12 projects she crafts, from a Space Invaders tote to the LED chandelier and photochromatic blinds, are real geek chic.

“Smart materials and electronics have opened an exciting new world of possibilities for traditional crafting,” Pakhchyan explains in the enclosed press release. “With this new palette of materials, we can now create objects infused with magical and mysterious qualities.”

From the Maker Shed:

Buy Fashioning Technology by Syuzi Pakhchyan in the Maker Shed today!

This book demonstrates how to blend sewing and assembly techniques with traditional electronics to assemble simple circuits using conductive thread, solder joints for snaps, and switches for buttons. With the sewing machine as a viable substitute for the soldering iron, you can craft a new generation of objects that are interactive, quirky, and fashion-conscious.