About this project

What is OSLOOM?

OSLOOM(short for OPEN SOURCE LOOM) is a project aimed at creating an open source electromechanical thread-controlled floor loom that will be computer controlled. A loom is a device used to weave fabric. OSLOOM will be a Jacquard style loom. Unlike traditional floor looms, Jacquard looms allow for the individual control of each thread which in turn allows for photographic imagery to be woven. Jacquard looms like this exist commercially but they are very expensive (upwards of $30,000) which puts them out of reach for individuals and small educational facilities.

The OSLOOM could be produced way more economically than that and truly revolutionize what the studio weaver could accomplish. The idea of a DIY open source loom is one that not only artists could benefit from but many individuals and learning centers could gain a resource by building one of these looms as well.

OSLOOM would have an impact on (but not limited to) the following communities/sectors:
● artists
● DIY/makers
● studio weavers
● educational
● institutions (large and small)
● textile designers
● developing countries

I believe that in order for a loom such as OSLOOM to have the greatest amount of impact it would need to operate on an open source platform. Therefore the software to operate the loom will be GPL (General Public Licensed) and the hardware will be OHL (Open Hardware Licensed). This would allow other individuals or groups to create this loom or to further develop this loom in the form of a derivative loom.

OSLOOM.ORG

OSLOOM.org will be the main repository for the OSLOOM. Once research & development creates the first bug-free prototype OSLOOM the loom plans + documentation (hardware + software) would all be placed online on a wiki for easy access. The website will become a hub for the OSLOOM project but also for other types of DIY/OS looms that anyone can build. Potentially the website could also offer assembled looms as well as all-in-one kits for persons not interested in ordering all the parts individually. In addition, a google code page will be started for the software development.

Why we need to kickstart this project?

Initial research has been completed and it's time to add the D into R&D. We need to put our theories into practice and get a functional prototype ready. A team is in place: an electronics expert, a software developer, a web guru, a mechanical engineer and a couple of interns just waiting on a "go" call once proper funding is allocated. That is where you can join in and help!

How YOU can help!

We appreciate all of your help and support. There are three ways you can help turn OSLOOM's kickstart into a success, any help is important for us:

● Pledge. R&D of a new technology isn’t easy. We’ve invested our own money into this project, but your pledges could help us turn the OSLOOM from concept to a fully operational loom! The best thing about pledging in us is that you actually get something of real value in return. For specific details see the side bar at the right. There are some interesting unique items up for grabs. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have on the pledge rewards. All pledges will receive a contributor listing on osloom.org (can remain anonymous if desired).

● Join. Join us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. We would LOVE to hear from you so if you stop by please tell us your thoughts!

● Spread the word. Have a blog? Or know a friend who might find OSLOOM interesting? Spread the word, and let us know if you need more information!

We only collect the funding if we get pledges for the full amount of $10,000. If we fall short of the $10,000, nothing will happen for either of us, so please help spread the word!

How does the funding help?

Your pledges directly support the research and development of the OSLOOM, the purchase of equipment such as tools, electronics, materials, actuators, it would cover engineering costs, and software development as well as the costs associated with bringing OSLOOM.org online.

Any additional funding would go to add other attributes to the loom such as a flying shuttle mechanism.

Thank you for visiting OSLOOM's kickstarter page

I hope you are as excited about this project as I and the rest of the development team are. I would like to thank you ever so much for taking the time to learn more about OSLOOM and look forward to hearing from you.

Our deadline for funding is May 1st!!! Spread the word about OSLOOM and help make it a reality! Together we can kickstart OSLOOM!

~margarita + the OSLOOM team

In the meantime:

visit us: www.osloom.org
join us: Facebook
follow us: Twitter
email us: osloom.org@gmail.com

Project updates such as reward pics are forthcoming

****For International shipments please contact me for additional amount needed for a specific item due to international shipping costs****

Project location: Chicago, IL

197

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$10,565

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Project By

Margarita Benitez

Chicago, IL

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Margarita Benitez is an art + technology and fiber artist based in Chicago + Miami. She is interested in the explorations of art within the making and DIY culture. Her work is rooted in exploring underlying social issues in technology – exploring how today’s society copes with the overwhelming presence of technology, surveillance, data mining and media bombardment.

Margarita's interest in weaving occurred somewhat backwards to a traditional weaving experience. She had never woven prior to attending a boot camp workshop at The Jacquard Center with Bethanne Knudson. Her first weaving experience was with industrial Jacquard looms. She proceeded to learn more about weaving as she progressed to the TC-1 loom, a computerized floor loom, during her graduate studies at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Eventually, she finally made her way to weaving on floor and table looms but there was no comparison to the computer controlled looms. No one wants to see this project succeed more than her.

1. osloom.org
2. margaritabenitez.com
3. dustchicago.org