Alison Lewis’ first book, “Switch Craft: Battery-Powered Crafts to Make and Sew”, daringly combines technology with fashion and home decor. The book is brimming with battery operated clothing and accessory projects like an illuminated skirt (see cover), a pillow with a headset for a cell phone, a bag that blares music and a wriggling cat toy.
Lewis, 34, worked for 2 1/2 years on the book, along with artist/designer Fang-Yu Lin. She also hosts a web video show called “Switch”, that focuses on integrating technology and fashion, and teaches Fashion Technology at the Parsons School of Design.
The popularity of crafting, along with our increasing dependence on technology, meld together in this innovative book in a way that makes electronic projects more approachable for novices. No programming skills are required, and a minimum of tech knowledge along with a little craftiness is all that is required.
The multitude of projects described in the book include something for everyone. For instance, I’m looking forward to making the laptop bag that lights up to let you know when it discovers a Wi-Fi hotspot. The book includes 20 projects and retails for $24.95, or you can bring your handiwork into the 21st century for even less online.
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