Here are some photos of my ATtiny circuit:

1) I would identify myself as an artist, coder, hacker, and gamer in that particular order. I like to make work that responds to my own experiences and seek to see how people respond to my work. Truthfully, I use to hate coding in undergrad because it was super lonely. In my final year in undergrad as well as after coming to DT, I came to appreciate code a lot more and I think coding can create more than just software by creating visuals and installations. I think of myself now as a hacker because over the past year, I have had to figure out things that I wouldn’t necessarily be an expert in and I have always loved playing video games so I would call myself as a casual gamer.

2) I don’t remember what I put down last time for my favorite tool, but right now I think my favorite tool is a pen because I can use it to write words to express myself, but I can also use to to sketch and draw. Whether it is to draw something simplistic or to draw something more formally, it is a very versatile tool to express oneself in a multitude of forms.

3) The new craft I decided to learn was knitting. I used this youtube tutorial and I found it to be really easy to follow. The first attempt was not the easiest, but I was honestly proud that I made it through to the end. I messed up a few times where the yarn fell off the needle and I couldn’t figure out how to get back to that knot, so I just kept going and so there are a couple of holes in it.

The second try as a better and easier as I got into the zone, but I still messed up.

Finally the third try, I did the best. I think it looks good, but the hardest step I think is always the first row of knitting after casting onto the needle. I am not sure why it is the most difficult step. I also had some trouble with casting off, but after the first and second, I got use to doing it and I have to say it is easier now.

Overall I really like knitting. I think once I get into the zone, I can just keep knitting mindlessly and multitask while watching TV or something. My advice would be to definitely use the tutorial I used because I found it super easy to follow.

I would classify my practice as storyteller, maker, learner, and educator. 

Growing up, I really loved cartoons. I loved watching cartoons, drawing cartoons, and reading about cartoons. Because of this, I went on to study animation at Massachusetts College of Art. Every project I make has some sort of a backstory or story element to it. It makes sense for me to make projects with stories.

Having taken Physical Computing my last semester, I realized that I really loved making physical things. With the projects I am working on now, I am trying to bridge the gap between the 2D realm and the physical space.

Lastly, I think being a learner and educator go hand-in-hand. I consider myself an educator because that is one of the reasons I came to DT, I want to teach in the future. Having taught Bootcamp this summer, I found that I actually learned a lot as I was teaching. I think that as educated members of society, it is our duty to share the knowledge that we hold, and to pass on our skills to those who are willing to learn.

My favorite tool is my sketchbook and pencil. I think I am cheating a little by saying these two things, but I consider them as one. My sketchbook is where I keep track of all the ideas and thoughts that I have. Without my sketchbook, I would not get very far- I would just forget everything.

This week, I decided to try knitting. This process was very frustrating at first. It took me 2.5 hours to get the first row done. Then, of course, I had to leave to work on something else. So, by the time I got back to the knitting later in the day, I had lost my flow, and had to start from scratch. The second time didn’t take me as long to get started, though.

I got frustrated the first time around because I kept messing up and restarting. The second time around, I just worked through the mistakes. I found that the mistakes weren’t even very noticeable in the swatch itself, and if you’re not looking for it, you can’t even find it.

if someone wants to try knitting, I would tell them to make sure they take cramps. This exercise was very strenuous for my hands, and they kept cramping up. Also, I would say to just keep knitting even if you make mistakes. They’re really not that big of a deal.

1) Finish your ATtiny circuit.
2) Before next class, I would like you to try learning a new craft. That’s it. NO electronics. Make a swatch (small example) that comes out of your learning. This could include any of the following:

• sewing (by hand or on the machine)
• embroidery
• knitting
• crocheting
• draping
• paper engineering
• woodworking
• silkscreening
• surface design / fabric printing
• etc, etc, etc

Here are some tutorials from last year as inspiration (also, this was a much longer project last year – you do NOT need to go into this depth). There are also a TON of tutorials if you hit the Googles.

• Needle felting
• Weaving (link to laser cut files for a backstrap loom)
• Crochet
• Machine sewing

Next, create a post with an image of your swatch and reflect on the following questions.
After doing all of the above, write a blog post that answers the questions below. It doesn’t have to be long, but I would like you to spend a good amount of time reflecting on these:

• How do you identify / classify your practice? Choose as many as you would like from the following and feel free to add to it. Briefly explain why you chose them.
  • storyteller
  • maker
  • engineer
  • coder
  • designer
  • artist
  • learner
  • hacker
  • research
  • educator
  • gamer
  • craftsperson
  • [other?]
• What is your favorite tool and why? Yes, again 🙂 (I’m going to put one restriction on this – you’re not allowed to say computer 🙂
• Reflect on your experience trying out a new craft. Some questions you could address: What did you like about the process? What was frustrating? What insight did you gain? What advice would you give to someone?

3) Continue working on your midterm.