Category: Craft

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Epson Stylus Pro 9500 large form printer

Epson Printer

We, at tog, like to extend the usability of items for as long as possible. (Or at least that is our excuse for all the out-of-date tech laying about.) So back in May of last year when we were offered a very large format printer, it was hard to say no. (Stay with me sewists.)

Some members took it in, gave it some TLC, and we even found a roll of paper at ReCreate! But then we hit a problem. The last available drivers for it are Windows XP 32-bit. Which is not exactly commonplace anymore.

Then, a short while, and some internet searching, ago, we discovered that gutenprint-cups, the default printing facility on many linux distros actually supports this printer! It’s not hard to install; plug in the USB cable, open a browser, go to http://localhost:631/ and press the right buttons. Done.

Long story short; the printer lives again! And for you sewists out there; ever buy a digital pattern and have to spend hours taping together A4 sheets? Well, if you can also get a large form pattern, you won’t have to do that anymore! Just visit tog some Craft Night and we’ll sort you out!

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December Present Making Wed 3rd Dec

As the holiday season swings by, Tog will be running a present making session with help from the Dublin Favour Exchange
Day: Wed 3rd Dec
Time: 7-9pm
Cost: free — but bring some materials if you can
Where: Tog!
We will be making 4 seasonal delights:
  1. Carrot Cake
  2. Apple Jam
  3. Cards
  4. Soap
Please bring relevant materials if you can: for the card you need liquid or stick glue. We have cards and paper. Favour Exchangers will be bringing some special teabags for the cardmaking!
We have everything we need for the soapmaking but have limited spaces
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TOG at RUA RED Digital Week

TOG members and collaborators had three stands at RUA RED’s Digital Week. Paul ran a Learn To Solder workshop, where participants created their own “I Can Solder” LED badge…

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Paul teaching soldering (Photo by Joseph Carr)

… Tríona and Becky ran the TwitterKnitter and yarnbombed the venue with knitted tweets…

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Tríona and the TwitterKnitter

… and Niki showcased her electronics/felt collaboration with Cheryl, including the Neckpiece that Predicts the Weather.

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The Neckpiece That Predicts The Weather (photo by Joseph Carr)

Thanks to RUA RED for hosting an excellent event!

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Workshop: Moar LilyPad (Sensors and Actuators edition)

Protosnap LilyPad Arduino Board
Protosnap LilyPad Arduino Board

This is the second part of the LilyPad workshops. This one focuses on mastering more involed actuators, and learning to get data from the many sensor components. Basically, you’ll be able to get your project to respond to the world around it. Imho, this is what makes e-textiles and wearables so exciting.

Content;
This second workshop is for people who have used the LilyPad or Arduino before. At least to blink an LED or two. Focusing on input we’ll look at using light sensor, temperature sensor, and accelerometer. And if we’ve time on output using the vibration motor and buzzer board.
We’ll also take a quick look at multiplexing, both input and output, and making your own interfaces to connect regular electrical components to your LilyPad circuit.
The only thing you’ll need to bring with you is a laptop with USB port, everything else is provided. (If you want to bring your own LilyPad components that’s great, just let us know when you’re booking and we’ll make sure you have everything you’ll need.)

Important: please bring your own laptop with USB port. Closer to the event you will receive instructions on how to install the programming environment.

Optional materials; Any LilyPad board (preferably the Protosnap), with sensors (e.g. light, temperature, accelerometer) and actuators (e.g. vibration motor, buzzer board).
If you want to play with the LilyPad before buying, Protosnap boards can be provided for the duration of the workshop, but you’ll probably have to work in groups of at least two people.

When: Thursday, February 13th. From 7pm until 10pm.

Where: TOG.

Cost: €10 for non-members, €5 for members. (All proceeds go to support TOG.)
Please register for this workshop through the contact form below the cut.
If you’ve missed your chance to sign up for the workshop, please keep an eye out for a rerun in the next few months.

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Workshop: Intro to LilyPad (aka twinkly LEDs edition)

Protosnap LilyPad Arduino Board
Protosnap LilyPad Arduino Board

Once more into the workshops dear friends! This first workshop will focus on getting used to the LilyPad microcontroller, and getting started programming some LEDs.
(The second workshop will focus on reading data in from sensors. A third workshop will be added if requested. Book your place on them as the posts go up.)

Content;
The first workshop is for complete beginners; an introduction to the LilyPad system, from what the different parts of the board do, to some basic coding, and turning on/off some lights. The only thing you’ll need to bring with you is a laptop with USB port, everything else is provided. (If you want to bring your own LilyPad components that’s great, just let us know when you’re booking and we’ll make sure you have everything you’ll need.)

Important: please bring your own laptop with USB port. Closer to the event you will receive instructions on how to install the programming environment.

Optional materials; Any LilyPad board (preferably the Protosnap), with a handful LEDs, including an RGB LED, and a switch or two.
If you want to play with the LilyPad before buying, Protosnap boards can be provided for the duration of the workshop, but you’ll probably have to work in groups of at least two people.

When: Thursday, January 30th. From 7pm until 10pm.

Where: TOG.

Cost: €10 for non-members, €5 for members. (All proceeds go to support TOG.)

Please register for this workshop through the contact form below the cut.
Fully booked. Please check back for a rerun of the course in a few weeks.