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The history of textiles and computing are closely intertwined, with the punch cards used for
Jacquard looms inspiring the design of Charles Babbage Analytical Engine, one of the earliest computers
Two centuries later, the structure of knitted fabrics is being studied by researchers for their potential applications in soft robotics and
other technologies.
Aside from their close association with tech, the mental benefits of crafting, whether it involves fiber, textiles or
other materials, have been well-documented
Here are some ideas for the textile artists you know (or aspiring ones).
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Make: Tech DIY: Easy Electronics Projects for Parents and
Kids
Created by educators Ji Sun Lee and Jaymes Dec, this book teaches electronic basics by combining circuitry, conductive sewing and
fabric in projects that include plush animals, wearables and a board game
All materials are easy to find at craft and hardware stores.
Price: $10.99 (Kindle), $13.48 (paperback) on Amazon
Get started with plant
dyes
Start using plants to dye fiber, yarn and textiles with kits from The Love of Colours, which have pre-measured ingredients.
Price:
Starting from $22.95 on Etsy
Learn how to make plant dyes
Learn more about plant dyes in &The Modern Natural Dyer& by Kristine Vejar, the
yarn and fabric store A Verb for Keeping Warm
Their online shop also carries a selection of kits.
Price: $29.95 at A Verb for Keeping Warm
Learn tapestry weaving
Designed for kids,
Melissa and Doug simple wooden tapestry loom is also a great way for adults to start weaving.
Price: $23.99 at Amazon
Rigid heddle
loom
The Ashford SampleIt Loom is small and portable, but lets your gift recipient sample a variety of rigid heddle weaving techniques to
create different textures and patterns
At 16& wide, it is ideal for weaving scarves, but lengths of finished weaving can also be sewn together into other items.
Price: $180 at
the Woolery
Drop spindle starter kit
Spinning fiber into yarn on a drop spindle is one of the earliest fiber techniques
The Kromski Drop Spindle kit contains everything your recipient needs to get started, including a drop spindle, merino wool and
instructions.
Price: $32 at the Woolery
3D-printed drop spindle
For experienced spinners who want more control, the Trillium Drop Spindle,
made from 3D-printed nylon, comes with interchangeable silicone beads that change the weight of the spindle, making it easier to control the
thickness of yarn.
Price: $49 at the Woolery
Electric Eel Wheel Nano
For spinners who want to move beyond drop spindles, but don&t have
the space or budget for a traditional spinning wheel, the Electric Eel Wheel Nano is an affordable alternative that can be plugged into a
wall socket or used with a battery pack to make it more portable.
Price: $80 to $110 at Dreaming Robots
Fiber packs
Now that your gift
recipient has a loom, drop spindle or spinning wheel, they will need fiber
Fūnem Studio fiber packs are sorted into coordinating colors and come with yarn or wool roving, which can be spun or woven into
projects.
Price: Starting from about $28 on Etsy
Learn how to knit
Known for their quality, sustainably sourced yarn, Wool and the Gang
beginner kits come with everything a brand-new knitter needs to get started
They can make projects ranging from hats and scarves to sweaters.
Price: Starting from about $31 at Wool and the Gang
Addi Express King
Size Knitting Machine
Want to knit more quickly? Addi sturdy machine lets users knit long tubes or flat panels at speed that can be stitched
together into clothing and blankets.
Price: $229.99 on Amazon
The history of computing and looms
Want to learn more about how Jacquard
looms inspired computing design? &Jacquard Web: How a Hand-Loom Led to the Birth of the Information Age& by James Essinger delves into the
subject in detail.
Price: $9.99 (Kindle), $11.78 (hardcover), $19.96 (paperback)
Bluprint
A subscription to Bluprint means access to a ton
of resources, including well-made video classes, patterns and instructions, for a wide range of DIY projects.
Price: $7.99 (monthly) or
