From Swatches to Pockets is an introductory electronic textile workshop that draws upon the E-Textile Swatch Exchange as a means of acquiring knowledge and skill, as well as a source of inspiration for imagining pocket technology of the future.
The E-Textile Swatch Exchange is a platform for sharing physical work samples in the field of electronic textiles (E-Textiles). Each year individuals from the field submit a design that demonstrates an E-Textile technique that they have developed and refined. They produce multiples of their design so that everybody taking part in the exchange receives a complete book of swatches.
This workshop draws upon the 73 unique swatches that have been submitted to the exchange over the past 3 years. Workshop participants will study these swatches in depth by copying and modifying a selection of them. This process of replication is intended as a means of getting to know the materials and acquiring the knowledge and skill behind the techniques. The copied swatches will be collected and turned into a swatchbook of their own, wherein each swatch references it’s predecessor.
Besides functioning as an introduction to various e-textile sensors, actuators, connections and materials, the examples in the swatchbook will also be used as to inspire a series of projects which consider the application of e-textiles to pockets and pouches.
Digital technology has made its way onto our body by invading our pockets. Now that electronic textiles allow us to integrate electronic technology into the fabric of our clothing, what will happen? Will our pockets take on gadget functionality? Might they become obsolete? Or will we find new items that need a place on our bodies? What role will pockets play in a future where our technologies are textile? Let us look at the history of pockets, pouches and wearable technology, for hints at what might come next. [from Kobakant.at]