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May 30, 2006

Wardrobe ReFashion


Really cute refashion project posted on a great site I just discovered called Wardrobe ReFashion. This was made by Wendy

Posted by cat at 07:26 AM

Re:Knit re-blog

re re re re re recycle: A great rss feed for reblogging started in February 2006!

Posted by cat at 06:36 AM

May 29, 2006

counterfeit crochet project


PLEASE JOIN ME in my attempt to put high fashion into the hands of the everywoman!
Contact me and put your own skillz into action! Let's all debase and hand-counterfeit couture together!

Posted by cat at 02:45 PM

May 28, 2006

Viral Marketing Attempt - The Happy Hooker

The video quality is pretty bad, but if you look closely you'll see Cecily in there, as a crochet gangsta. Not sure I'm a fan of the faux interview, but the Westside Story bit is awesome.

If it's taking too long to load here, click the You Tube logo in the bottom right.

Via Crochet me: The Blog

Originally from Crochet me: The Blog, ReBlogged by cat on May 28, 2006 at 05:43 PM

Art: Donating Work for Charity Has a Downside for Artists

For those who donate their work, benefit auctions aren't exactly a win-win proposition.

Originally from NYT > Arts, ReBlogged by cat on May 28, 2006 at 05:05 PM

Amnesty International vs. Internet Censorship

An anonymous reader writes "Amnesty International has a new online campaign against governments which censor websites, monitor online communications, and persecute citizens who express dissent in blogs, emails, or chat-rooms. The website, Irrepressible.info contains a web-based petition (to be presented at a UN conference in November 2006) and also a downloadable web gadget which displays random excerpts of censored material on your own website."

Via Slashdot

Originally posted by Zonk from Slashdot, ReBlogged by cat on May 28, 2006 at 04:26 PM

Not just for boys (of course not)

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A couple of weeks ago, the Experimental Digital Arts (EDA) of UCLA hosted Girls 'N Games conference. Panelists ranging from anthropologist Mimi Ito to Brenda Laurel from the gaming company Purple Moon gathered to discuss everything from the perils of playing up stereotypes in "girl game design" to the differences in girl gaming in Asia, North American and Europe. Gamasutra gives a good overview of the discussion, while over at Joystiq, Jennie Lees offers an interesting counterpoint. She notes that much of this discussion was covered at the Women's Game conference in 2005, and wonders if the debate has become stagnant. A fascinating discussion follows Lees' post with commentary from many gamers, both male and female.

Originally from unmediated, ReBlogged by cat on May 28, 2006 at 04:18 PM

May 27, 2006

Super Cute Wash Cloths made with knitPro

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(Thanks Becka)

Posted by cat at 01:53 PM

May 22, 2006

Congress Goes After "Social Networking" and MySpace

Andy Carvin just started "Learning Now," a new blog for PBS on "the crossroads of Internet culture and education." Yesterday, he discussed a new bill from Congress that would that would

require schools and libraries to block access to online social networks…According to the proposed legislation, the bill prohibits access by minors without parental authorization to a commercial social networking website or chat room through which minors may easily access or be presented with obscene or in- decent material; may easily be subject to unlawful sexual advances, unlawful requests for sexual favors, or repeated offensive comments of a sexual nature from adults may easily access other material that is harmful to minors.

Originally from unmediated, ReBlogged by cat on May 22, 2006 at 09:53 AM

May 21, 2006

Craft Challenge #11 - Thrift Store Art Revamp - The Winners

Posted by cat at 06:45 PM

May 19, 2006

Enid Crow Feminist Brownie Uniform


On Saturday, May 20th A.I.R. Gallery will host a Feminist Fashion Show featuring garments designed by 16 artists inspired by feminism. The show will be presented in an installation format and audience members may arrive at any time between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm to view the installation at their own pace. Admission is free and the show will be in the A.I.R. Fellowship Gallery, third floor, 511 W. 25th Street, between 10th and 11th Avenues, New York City.

Posted by cat at 08:44 PM

Work Life in the Games Industry

Gamewatch.org is a new organization founded a bit of a watchdog on the games industry, founded by Erin Hoffman , who shook up the industry in 2004 when she wrote an anonymous letter on the harsh (and illegal) working conditions at Electronics Arts and other video game companies that have led to lawsuits over violations of overtime laws. A useful reminder that for regular workers, the "knowledge industry" is often as harsh and arbitrary as the old industrial economy-- and a good sign of a maturing consciousness among workers that they need some real discussion and organization to change things....

Originally from Labor Blog, ReBlogged by cat on May 19, 2006 at 06:47 PM

Sony to support homebrew with Linux on PS3

Linux on PlayStation 3It's hard to imagine that Sony, a company that continues to actively block unlicensed applications on the PSP, will welcome the homebrew community with open arms when it ushers in the PlayStation 3. But, according SCE network system development manager Izumi Kawanishi, the console will ship with a built-in Linux OS, complete with compilers and other tools. It would seem that Sony is indeed inviting homebrew enthusiasts to develop basic applications and game content. Just don't expect Sony to provide technical support or access to SDK libraries, as these privileges are reserved for licensed developers.

While Linux support on the PS3 has been known for some time, this latest revelation implies an added value to the console, which in turn could justify the exorbitant price tag for some. The question is, will mainstream consumers ignore this key feature?

Via Joystiq

Originally posted by Jennie Lees from Joystiq, ReBlogged by cat on May 19, 2006 at 06:39 PM

Eyebeam and the Wooster Collective present a night of technology based graffiti projects.

scienceofgraffiti.jpg

Mark Jenkins, the Wooster Collective, the Graffiti Research Lab, and Geek Graffiti.

Eyebeam and the Wooster Collective present a night of technology based graffiti projects. Mark Jenkins, the Graffiti Research Lab, and students from the Parsons Geek Graffiti course show a range of experimental work in new materials and techniques for urban communication.

Monday, May 22nd
5:30 - 8pm
Eyebeam
540 W. 21st Street,
New York, NY 10011

Originally from Wooster Collective, ReBlogged by cat on May 19, 2006 at 06:34 PM

Service-Works


Service-Works provides a monthly project grant. The amount of each month's grant is determined by how much money I earn as a waiter (on a specific night) in a fine-dining restaurant in San Francisco.

Posted by cat at 06:28 PM

May 15, 2006

Thread Network Beta


Artwork by Eva Lee A seed artist in a show called Thread Network Beta This is the initial experiment with growing the network. Data was collected during a 48 hr test period. We are currently working on v 2.0, which will be an automated, searchable, interactive network and will act as a continuation of Thread.

Posted by cat at 06:28 PM

Oman Deal Slammed in Committee, but Still Advancing

Dear Fair Trade Supporter,

You may have feared that Congress would just roll over and accept the Bush administration's most degrading trade proposal yet — a "free trade" deal cut with the Sultan of Oman, the absolute monarch of a country in the Middle East already cited by the U.S. State Department for human trafficking, forced labor and widespread political repression.

But after the ruckus we all made last week about this offensive U.S.-Oman Free Trade Agreement (OFTA), many members of Congress took President Bush to task in their first opportunity to comment on the anti-worker, anti-environment draft legislation at the "mock mark-up" in the powerful House Ways and Means Committee.

However, despite their heroic efforts, the OFTA is still advancing with the help of a cabal of Congressmen close to the president. They are gambling that they can force a floor vote before too many in Congress learn the details. So we need to ramp up the pressure.

Continue reading "Oman Deal Slammed in Committee, but Still Advancing"

Posted by cat at 01:35 PM

One Skein Wonder

Posted by cat at 09:32 AM

May 10, 2006

The Aphrodite Project: Platforms


The Aphrodite Project: Platforms, new work from Artist in Residence Norene Leddy with technical lead Andrew Milmoe, remains on view through May 13. This interactive artwork uses embedded technologies and online services to explore and unite the rich mythology of Aphrodite with the safety and advertising concerns of contemporary sex workers on the street. The prototype of a silver leather platform sandal with integrated LCD screen, speakers, internet connection and GPS tracking system is on view in Eyebeam's galleries alongside project documentation and is open to the public free of charge.

Continue reading "The Aphrodite Project: Platforms"

Posted by cat at 11:09 AM

May 09, 2006

Sweat Free Communities Campaign Updates

Berkeley, California
At the April 18 city council meeting, the City of Berkeley unanimously approved the development of a sweatfree ordinance that will include provisions for independent monitoring of factory suppliers and coordination with other cities and states to enforce the ordinance. Learn more about the campaign.

Brattleboro, Vermont
Child Labor Education and Action, a student organization at Brattleboro Union High School in Vermont and a board member of SweatFree Communities, has received significant press attention after students presented a proposal at the April 3 school board meeting. Students hope that the high school will be the first in the nation to join the Worker Rights Consortium and are building momentum for the May 15 school board meeting. Look for /Brattleboro Reformer's coverage of the campaign on our media page.

Maine
Demonstrating support for Governor Baldacci's proposal for a state sweatfree procurement coalition, the Maine legislature has strengthened the state's sweatfree procurement law, making it easier for worker rights advocates to call attention to human rights violations at state supplier factories and adding tougher sanctions for violators. Listen to a report from the bill signing ceremony.

Providence, Rhode Island
On April 20 the Providence City Council passed a sweatfree procurement ordinance modeled on those recently adopted in San Francisco and Madison. The Providence ordinance creates a sweatfree procurement advisory group and commits the city to join a future consortium of local governments for independent monitoring of supplier factories.

Toronto, Canada
Canada's largest city voted to protect worker rights in the apparel industry when the Toronto City Council passed a sweatfree purchasing policy at its April 25 meeting. Similar to the new Providence policy, the Toronto ordinance instructs city staff to investigate collaboration with other public jurisdictions in a verification program. See the news release.

Posted by cat at 10:59 PM

The Halliburton SurvivaBall

"Essentially, a gated community for one..."
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Posted by cat at 10:59 PM

Felt Sewing Box from Craft Log

Posted by cat at 10:47 PM

Pesky Pixie

Pesky Pixie brings Harry Potter crafting to a whole new level. She is hands down my favorite extreme hobbyist blogger



(That's Hogwarts!!!!) She also used knitPro to make this: (so pro!!!!)
She also contributed this in the knitPro Needle Craft Art Show.

Posted by cat at 04:41 PM

My Crafty Friend's Jewels

Posted by cat at 09:27 AM

Blocking


Michelle over at the Knit.1 blog shares a great idea to use sticky measuring tape to make your own blocking board.

Originally from NYT > Arts, ReBlogged by cat on May 9, 2006 at 07:49 AM

re:defining.


Below is a response to a post earlier in the week that I thought was so beautiful that it warranted a post of its own. Sometimes people ask me what craftivism means. Sometimes I don't know quite what to say. Or know how it's related to me. But craftivism is more than just a way to express your politics and views, it's about finding a way to better your life and that of others through creative endeavors. Because I believe that everything we make with our hands has power. Just what that power is, is your own decision. I've just... Via craftivism

Originally from mellowtrouble, ReBlogged by cat on May 9, 2006 at 07:44 AM

Jordan's Ugly Free Trade

The headline in The New York Times was kind of comic: "An Ugly Side of Free Trade: Sweatshops in Jordan." It was almost as if The Times, which has been an unabashed editorial supporter of so-called "free trade," was shocked, shocked, to find sweatshops spoiling the economic miracle promised by so-called "free trade." Well, yes, so-called "free trade" is ugly...

Originally posted by Coyote from Coyote Blog, ReBlogged by cat on May 9, 2006 at 07:32 AM

Robotic Action Painter

RAP (Robotic Action Painter), designed by Leonel Moura (with IdMind) for Museum or long exhibition displays, is completely autonomous painting robot that need very little assistance and maintenance.

Via we make money not art

Originally from we make money not art, ReBlogged by cat on May 9, 2006 at 02:12 AM

May 02, 2006

MF2006: Human powered Ferris wheel

There is a set of bike pedals attached to each seat. The chain on each one drives a sprocket attached to the chair's pivot point. Spinning the pedals tilts the chair and the entire frame reacts by rotating. They only had one set of pedals attached, but it was more than enough to spin the wheel at a pretty good clip. It did look like some damping on the chair pivots would help, since the chairs would swing pretty wildly. I'm sure adding two more chairs would help as well.

Via hack a day

Originally posted by Eliot Phillips from hack a day, ReBlogged by cat on May 2, 2006 at 11:40 AM

May 01, 2006

A Day Without Immigrants: Millions Expected to Boycott Work, Not Consume to Protest Anti-Immigrant Bill

Millions of immigrant workers are expected to boycott work and school today in support of nationwide May Day protests against anti-immigrant legislation being considered in Washington. Dubbed "A Day Without Immigrants" protests are planned in over 70 cities. Immigrant rights groups are calling on immigrant workers to not show up for work and to not buy anything all day. (via democracynow.org)

Posted by cat at 12:53 PM

Tamponification!!!!

Posted by cat at 12:30 PM

Knit Tank!

Posted by cat at 02:22 AM

CMU's Crusher military bot rumbles onto the scene


Although not quite as stealthy as some of the other spybots that we've seen, the 6.5-ton Crusher UGCV (Unmanned Ground Combat Vehicle), with its 8,000-pound payload and one-kilometer range, is certainly more versatile than your typical robosnake or Packbot. Unveiled today by the National Robotics Engineering Center (NREC) at Carnegie Mellon's School of Computer Science's Robotics Institute, Crusher, like its predecessor Spinner, was commissioned by DARPA to provide combat troops with a durable cargo and surveillance option that can operate mostly autonomously even in rough terrain. Crusher is powered by a series of electric motors whose batteries are charged with a turbo diesel generator -- giving it a top speed of 26 miles-per-hour -- and manages to avoid obstacles using an array of cameras and ladar lidar. Although its first two years of service will be restricted to support role duties, Army and DARPA officials will use Crusher's performance during the probationary period to evaluate its potential use in combat as well.

// not much has changed at CMU since i left in '99

Via Engadget

Originally posted by Evan Blass from Engadget, ReBlogged by cat on May 1, 2006 at 02:18 AM

"Push Him Out of Begging. Not Out Of Your Way"

Adrants links to an interesting campaign by Childcare India. A sticker near the door's handle says "Push him out of begging. Not out of your way." More here.

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Via Wooster Collective

Originally from Wooster Collective, ReBlogged by cat on May 1, 2006 at 02:15 AM