Archive: Tech Accessories
February 3, 2009
Flashback: The Electric Tank Top
I just revisited an old friend: CRAFT Volume 01! I had almost forgotten what tasty morsels of crafting our premiere issue offered back in October of 2006. I've always loved cutting-edge crafter Leah Buechley's "Electric Tank Top" project. As Leah had written in the intro, "Although challenging, everyone should play with this stuff! It's great fun for both geeks and divas -- build a sparkly fashion accessory and program it with hacker animations." True that, Leah!
In the 14 pages of this project, Leah shows in detail how to sew a cute tank top and to sew in 84 LEDs using silver-coated thread, making a "soft circuit." She even takes it a step further and shows how you can program your tank top to flash patterns. Though the project may be ambitious for folks just starting out working LEDs into their crafting projects, it shows an inspiring example of what's possible. We'll have to check in with Leah to see what awesomeness she's up to these days! Here's a spread from our Digital Edition so you can check out the level of detail.
Aside from the LED Tank Top, CRAFT Volume 01 teaches you how to make knitted boots, a catnip castle, an ant farm room divider, your own hard cider, chainmail, an atomic ball clock, and how to embroider your skateboard, just to name a few projects. It's an oldie but a goodie for sure. You can pick up this back issue at the Maker Shed!
(On a side note, to get started in "smart crafting," check out Fashioning Technology by Syuzi Pakhchyan. This beautiful CRAFT book has an invaluable 60-page reference section that shows you all the tools and materials you need to get started putting some tech in your crafts.)
Posted by Goli Mohammadi |
Feb 3, 2009 11:11 AM
CRAFT Projects, Fabric, Fashion, Fashion Tech, Tech Accessories |
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January 31, 2009
HOW TO - Quilted Camera Case
Amy a La Mode shares a tutorial showing us how to make a soft, cushy camera case complete with a little pocket on the front you can use to hold cords or memory cards.
Posted by Jenny Ryan |
Jan 31, 2009 08:00 PM
Quilting, Sewing, Tech Accessories |
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January 29, 2009
iPhone case from juice boxes
Marc @ MAKE writes:
Ross sent in these neat little DIY cases that keep your expensive electronics safe and sound. They are made entirely from recycled juice boxes. It's a great way to reuse what is otherwise a very hard thing to recycle. Check out the link for some tips and a nice pictorial how-to on making your own juice box cases.
Posted by Becky Stern |
Jan 29, 2009 03:00 PM
Recycle, Sewing, Tech Accessories |
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January 23, 2009
Hand Carved iPhone Holder
This custom hand carved iPhone holder has me intrigued. Right now, my poor iPhone just gets dumped on the counter along with keys, groceries and lunch boxes. This work of art inspires me to display it instead.... Via Strangemall.
Posted by Rachel Hobson |
Jan 23, 2009 12:00 PM
Tech Accessories |
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November 5, 2008
New Soft Circuit Kits in the Maker Shed and Massive Soft Electronics Roundup

These two new kits from Sparkfun debuted at Maker Faire Austin this year, and I can say from playing with them that they're really cool. If you're interested in getting started with soft electronics or the LilyPad Arduino, the worlds first sewable microcontroller, give these a whirl:
Lilypad E-Sewing Kit
The LilyPad e-sewing kit contains the bits to sew LEDs into any piece of clothing. Add turn signals to a jacket, accentuate a t-shirt, or light-up your favorite pair of jeans with this simple to use kit. This kit contains the very basics to the LilyPad system. It's a great entry-level kit for people who want to experiment with wearable electronics. Consider adding the LilyPad Pro Kit to extend control and use of the LilyPad system.
Features:
- 5 LilyPad Bright White LEDs
- 3 LilyPad Button Boards
- 2 Coin Cell Batteries 20mm
- 1 Coin Cell Holder
- 1 Spool 4Ply Conductive Thread

LilyPad Pro Kit
Think of this kit as an 'add-on' to the LilyPad E-Sewing Kit. The LilyPad Pro Kit gives you the full flexibility and power of the LilyPad system. Program the LilyPad main board to respond to physical changes in light, sound, or motion. Create displays of light, sound, and get physical feedback using the various LilyPad periphery boards.
Features:
- LilyPad Mainboard
- LilyPad Power Supply
- LilyPad USB Link
- Mini USB Cable
Here are some project we've featured on the CRAFT/MAKE blogs to get you inspired:
Electronic Embroidery - CRAFT Video Podcast

HOW TO - Make a Turn Signal Bike Jacket
Dress with Electronic Flapping Butterflies

TV-B-Gone Hoodie and Zipper Switch
WAY more projects after the jump including how to make soft sensors!...
Read full story
Posted by Becky Stern |
Nov 5, 2008 01:00 PM
Fashion Tech, Roundups, Sewing, Tech Accessories |
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October 13, 2008
HOW TO - Make an iPod Cord Caddy
Stitch Lounge has a great quick craft on how to make this iPod cord caddy to keep your headphones from getting all tangled up!
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Oct 13, 2008 10:00 AM
Sewing, Tech Accessories |
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October 4, 2008
HOW TO - Make a Charging Basket
Oh, Fransson! shows you how to make a beautiful quilted charging basket, a perfect place hold your keys and change as well as to charge your cellphone, iPod, or other tech accessories.
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Oct 4, 2008 05:00 PM
Quilting, Sewing, Tech Accessories |
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September 13, 2008
HOW TO - Crocheted Nintendo DS Case
If you're looking for a fun way to stash your Nintendo DS, why not whip up this fun crocheted case by Instructables user Fruppi? Get the pattern and see more pix here.
Related:
• HOW TO - Needlepoint Nintendo DS Lite Case
• Felt Cozies for Nintendo DS and Mobile Phone
Posted by Jenny Ryan |
Sep 13, 2008 05:00 PM
Crochet, Tech Accessories |
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August 27, 2008
Headless Bear USB Drive

There are a lot of USB flash drive mods out there, but this one has a really good ease-of-construction to impact ratio. Headless bear USB drive, via BoingBoing.
Posted by Becky Stern |
Aug 27, 2008 04:00 PM
Amigurumi, Tech Accessories |
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August 16, 2008
Etch-a-Sketch Felt Laptop Cozy
I love this Etch-a-Sketch felt laptop cozy Betz White made for her brother's birthday. She even made a smaller prototype for her sketchbook! Thanks Thien-Kim!
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Aug 16, 2008 12:00 PM
Sewing, Tech Accessories |
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August 6, 2008
Felt Knobs

It's high time felting and electronics come together. I got some knobs from Radioshack and felted over them with wool roving and added some embroidered detailing. They can be used for guitars, amplifiers, or any other electronics with knobs. They feel much fuzzier than their traditional counterparts.
Posted by Becky Stern |
Aug 6, 2008 04:00 PM
Fashion Tech, Felting, Fiber Art, Tech Accessories, Technology |
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August 4, 2008
iPod Nano Pouch Tutorial

Made by Petchy shows you how to make your own iPod Nano pouch in her tutorial. [ via Whip Up ]
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Aug 4, 2008 10:00 AM
Sewing, Tech Accessories |
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July 16, 2008
Cute Creature iPod Cozies

I love the cuteness and functionality of Anna Lee's creature felt iPod cozies that let you protect your gadget while still being able to use it. Anna's annamatic Etsy shop includes other iPod and iPhone animal cozies as well so check them out!
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Jul 16, 2008 09:00 AM
Amigurumi, Bazaar, Tech Accessories |
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July 8, 2008
Hoodie Laptop Sleeve

Instructables user TabLeft (Roseville, CA) made this how-to for turning an old hooded sweatshirt into a sleeve for your laptop. It even uses the front pocket, great for storing your power cable.
More:
Posted by Becky Stern |
Jul 8, 2008 02:00 PM
Recycle, Refashion, Sewing, Tech Accessories |
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July 7, 2008
Retro Push Phone Pouch

I came across Betz White's recent felt camera case purchase and fell in love with the work by Hine on Etsy. All her cases are handmade with thick Japanese felt and the stitching looks impeccable! New felt cases and pouches are updated in the store periodically and I love this retro style push phone pouch complete with rick-rack phone cord. A perfect way to tote your cellphone and digital camera in style.
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Jul 7, 2008 11:00 AM
Bazaar, Tech Accessories |
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May 31, 2008
Blinged Out Laptop

AK shows the detailed process she went through blinging out her laptop. I love the gradient color effect. Thanks Emma!
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
May 31, 2008 05:00 PM
General, Tech Accessories |
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May 18, 2008
Placemat Laptop Case

ModHomeEcTeacher on Curbly shows you how to make a laptop case from placemats.
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
May 18, 2008 05:00 PM
Refashion, Sewing, Tech Accessories |
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May 16, 2008
Oopsies and Toofsies Cellphone Cozies - CRAFT Pattern Podcast

Download the Pattern PDF | Subscribe in iTunes
This week's CRAFT Pattern Podcast is the Oopsies and Toofsies Cellphone Cozies by Kristin Roach of Craft Leftovers. The crochet Oopsies cozy and the knitted Toofsies cozy will fit your iPhone, Blackberry, or Treo easily with some fun at the same time. Use some contrasting yarn to embroider the face of your choice on your little guy!
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
May 16, 2008 11:00 AM
CRAFT Patterns, CRAFT Podcast, Crochet, Knitting, Tech Accessories |
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May 8, 2008
Amy Butler Laptop Cover and MP3 Case Pattern

Give your technology a bit of handmade love with the Amy Butler Laptop Cover and MP3 Case pattern ($12.95) now available at Reprodepot.com.
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
May 8, 2008 05:00 PM
Bazaar, Sewing, Tech Accessories |
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May 6, 2008
Computer Cord Cozy

Etsy seller pingo makes these cord cozies for your laptop power supply. Custom orders for color and length are accepted. I've been making these cover the cables for my video installations for years so that they fit in with the aesthetic of the piece.Via Core77.
Posted by Becky Stern |
May 6, 2008 04:00 PM
Fashion Tech, Knitting, Tech Accessories, Technology |
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