Touch Me!

Well, it's official. I am a genius. No, that's not quite it. I had a lot of help. I am a genius at asking questions, way past any point of propriety, until I really do understand. With tons of help from my friends (extra thanks due to Jason Asbahr, Jon Ferran, and Michael Shiloh), I have made a working soft circuit prototype that is an XY positional sensor. Meaning? I made a wearable computer touchpad out of fabric.



I will update this page with video links and more information as I get all that media together. Yeah baby!

(first update: here are photos of the mostly-assembled prototype. I am hoping to film a video walk-through before I sew it together.)

(second update: here is the video walk-through! check out the photoset linked above for photos from our trip to new york as well.)

I am hoping to show this project at Maker Faire New York on Sept 25-26. I was afraid to submit my proposal until the project actually worked, and while it is far from done it officially works. Now it's time to get out of the workshop and back to the desk and start telling people about it.

You heard it here first, kids.

Web Store & Summer Events

Hi all! I hope everyone is enjoying the sun/fog/summer to its utmost. Medium Reality is still rockin it sustainable style. We have a bunch of SF events coming up, *and* want to announce the soft launch of our little web store.

1. website stuff - store, new pages
2. Prepare for the Playa
3. Beyond the Fence
4. Chic Fashion Week

1. website stuff
You can check out our new mini web store at http://mediumreality.com/shop/shopindex.html. We built it ourselves, super ninja DIY style, and are still evolving it so check back for updates, new photos, and more items. Any feedback you have about the site itself, the store, the things in it, or the way we look in these pants, feel free to send it on! LOVE hearing from you guys. Artists, performers, foodies, health workers: we support you! Please contact us for discounts and trade options. Customers, got a garment that needs some love? Some repairs are free! We want you to keep loving us.

Also just a rundown of some things we changed lately, for those playing along at home:

-updated our main clothing page, with more photos, new text, better code. We know that deep down inside you care about our HTML just like you care about shirts.
http://mediumreality.com/clothing.html

-have you checked this out? we published a rundown of all the ways we are sustainable as hell. We strive for transparent operations.
http://mediumreality.com/aboutproduction.html

2. Prepare for the Playa
Sunday July 25th & Sunday August 15th

Double Trouble! This huge show holds a dear place in my heart because, years ago, it was at this show that we produced our very first very own runway segment. Oh, how far we have come! It is so nice to return to the super nurturing environment of "everyone can do it!". In that spirit, we are putting out a call for models. This event happens twice, July 25 and August 15, but we are only doing the runway in AUGUST. If you want to model for Medium Reality in the August show, email me. We mostly need men but could handle a lady or three. No, you don't have to look like Vogue magazine. We think you are sexy just the way you are. Yes, you, bankers, computer programmers, punk rock cyclists. Bring it on. Clothes credits for modeling!

Prepare for the Playa

Sunday July 25th & Sunday August 15th
Time: 12pm-7pm
****FREE ENTRY****
http://www.preparefortheplaya.com/

@ Cafe Cocomo
650 Indiana Street
San Francisco, CA 94107
**
*Funky Playa Inspired Fashion shows* at 2pm & 5pm Showing all the latest and greatest Burner Couture for Burning Man 2010!
Burner Marketplace * Fashion Shows * Playa University * ARTist Benefit!
*Playa University How to Clinics* and Demonstrations on not just surviving on the playa... but THRIVING ON THE PLAYA!!
http://www.preparefortheplaya.com Playa wear strongly encouraged!

3. Beyond the Fence

Also a sale oriented towards prepping for burning man (or any other fabulous costume event. I think they have one or two of those around here at other times of the year...;) this one is different, they are both free, so check em all out or pick a date to find us that works best for you. We promise to bring everything that is too weird for retail. Tons of new hand-dyed shirts too!

Beyond the Fence
August 21st, Saturday
2:00 - 8:00 pm
Mighty - 119 Utah, SF
FREE Admission

4. Chic Fashion Week

http://chicfashionweeksf.com/
August 1-8, San Francisco

we are not sure where we will be in the schedule for this week yet but we are super looking forward to a week of full-force downtown style fashion events featuring Medium Reality (and a bunch of other talented designers...) to help fight AIDS.


As always I hope you are doing well, recycling your ass off, and having fun doing it.

R.
http://mediumreality.com
sustainable as hell menswear

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Pandora's Trunk & Medium Reality
http://pandorastrunk.com
http://mediumreality.com

Thanks for listening! if this was forwarded to you, maybe you want to subscribe. send an email to mr-subscribe@pandorastrunk.com



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Studio Event: Garment Rehab & Sample Sale

Medium Reality & Miss Velvet Cream Sample Sale and Garment Rehab

Sample Sale: including amazing deals on last season's goods as well as first dibs on this summer's hottest new men's jackets, vests, and shirts from Medium Reality, also featuring special guest Miss Velvet Cream for maximum deliciousness for ladies and gentlemen (and everybody in between).

Garment Rehab: BRING YOUR favorite boring old GARMENT and commission some custom alterations, surface design, dyeing, rehabilitation of all sorts available a la carte commission style.

Entertainment:
Pandora's Trunk in video projections,
live music by house band The Sweet Trade,
French press coffee by Farm:Table,
food and drink.

free admission
916 Natoma St @ 10th, SoMa SF
June 22nd, 6-9pm
http://mediumreality.com/
http://missvelvetcream.blogspot.com/

photo by del geronimo

School's out forever!

Stone fruit is starting to come in with a vengeance, and even in the perpetual summer of California there is nothing that lets you know what season it is like fresh cherries and peaches. Mmmm! Time to put on your best convertible shirt, roll up the sleeves in the afternoon sun and then button the cuffs when the fog rolls in, lounge on a hillside in a cool clean wind, eat something that will stain your lips red. While you are at it I want you to think about art and technology, how to implement them in your life, and what their implications are. Then come and talk to me about it.

#1. It's All True Art / Orson's / June 10
#2. Thread|Bare / The LAB / June 11 (&12-13)
#3. Wonderland art opening / June 12
#4. Forever Never Comes at Boxcar Theater / open NOW through June 26
#5. Oil spill coverage (no, you can't stop thinking about this yet)
#6. Satan's Angel / burlesque class / Monday June 21
#7. Medium Reality studio sample sale / Tuesday June 22
#8. The Dynamite Show! / Fou Fou Ha / Brava Theater / June 17-26
#9. Emrg N See / Oregon / July 16-18

whew! Is that enough stuff for ya? I know I am sleepy. Maybe it has to do with laying in a sailboat in the sun while I write this, but I'd like to think it's because of how hard I work. I'd like you to think that too, ok?

see you later, my lovelies. Be careful out there.

R.
Medium Reality: sustainable as hell
http://mediumreality.com

#1. It's All True Art / Orson's / June 10

7:00pm - 10:00pm
Orson Restaurant + Lounge: 508 4th St, SF, CA 94107

Mister WA presents "It's All True Art" Happy Hour at ORSON's

Our Featured JUNE Artist Rachel Lyra Hospodar
Designer and Founder of 'MEDIUM REALITY' Producer of 'PANDORA'S TRUNK' (Fashion In Performance)
Live sewing, live and remix video projection madness

Every second Thursday of the month, 'It's All True Art' invites YOU to meet the artist and participate in the live creative process while sipping perfect cocktails. Your host Mister WA is proud to bring to ORSON the creme of his transdisciplinary Arts peregrinations and celebrate Life and Art as ONE. An homage to Mr WELLES, the live wall cinematically magnifies a rich sensory encounter unique to beautiful San Francisco.
Great Place for a Drink, an Appetizer or Dinner. Admission is Free. http://orsonsf.com/

#2. Thread|Bare / The LAB / June 11 (&12-13)

Runway show and live auction:
Friday, June 11, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
$10 – $20 sliding scale admission
2 tickets free to the first emailer!

Trunk show:
Saturday and Sunday, June 12 – 13, 12 – 6pm
Free admission

Your emcees: Michelle Tea and Danyol Leon
DJ: Warm Leatherette
Performance by: SF Boylesque
thread | bare is a celebration of Bay Area independent fashion spirit. Local designers innovating in form, material, and interpretation create one-of-a-kind works and are brought together with performers to showcase their fabrications. The clothes are auctioned right off the models as they walk the runway, while scores of outfits and accessories are available in the concurrent trunk show.
http://www.thelab.org/
2948 16th Street

#3. Wonderland art opening / June 12

Have you checked out this new independent design boutique in the Mission yet? It is a refreshing blend of fresh local urban designers with a Mexican flavor.

Romanowski with Peasants and Travelers presents
Artists without Boundaries for Doctors without Borders
Art showcase charity auction
Sunday June 12 6-11pm
Wonderland Gallery 2929 24th st, SF
http://peasantsandtravelers.com
http://wonderlandsf.com

featured and resident artists including
Ferris Plock
Paul Hayes
Mars-1
Medium Reality
...and many more

#4. Forever Never Comes at Boxcar Theater / open NOW through June 26

Super excited to have done the costume design for this Neko Case-inspired story. Heading out to the opening tonight!
Wracked by guilt over her brother’s death, Sandra makes a deal with the Fox Confessor, a mysterious and mythical figure who watches over the small, rural town of South Boston, VA. When the Fox Confessor demands payment, secrets are revealed and family sins are not easily washed away. Not even the hope of sweet new love with Dylan, a young trans man, can keep Sandra’s nightmares at bay.
http://www.crowdedfire.org/FNC.html
Boxcar Theater
505 Natoma St
(yes, you can lock your bike to that black metal gate.)

#5. Oil spill coverage (no, you can't stop thinking about this yet)

I'm afraid we're going to stop paying attention to this as if it has gone away... it hasn't! Gobs of oil are washing up near Pensacola, the feds are closing down all the fisheries. Think about a little harm reduction, and come up with a way to reduce your petroleum usage a little bit. A little bit more. I'll go along!

"Is rounding up undocumented workers and potheads more important than cleaning up the #BP #oilspill? Apparently.http://mojo.ly/8YrA2q"
http://twitter.com/MacMcClelland

Yes you can watch streaming video of the seafloor 5000 feet down. For some reason there are no little fishes anywhere in sight.
http://globalwarming.house.gov/spillcam
http://www.bp.com/liveassets/bp_internet/globalbp/globalbp_uk_english/homepage/STAGING/local_assets/bp_homepage/html/rov_stream.html

#6. Satan's Angel / burlesque classes / Monday June 21

These classes are with Satan's Angel, a visiting luminary of the burlesque world.
Two Burlesque Classes. $25.00/each (discount for both classes).
Please contact Stephanie@LadyMonster.com to reserve your space.
916 Natoma @ 10th Street. SF

Bump and Glide: 5:00 – 7:00pm. Movement with Costuming, Props and Advanced Techniques.
Spinners and Tassels DIY: 7:00 – 9:00pm. Learn how to make pasties and fringe tassels with spinners.
http://www.satansangel.com/TOUR.html

#7. Medium Reality studio sample sale / Tuesday June 22

There are no details on this bad boy yet because I just decided to do it, today! It's been a while since I opened the studio doors to the public and I want to bring in all my favorite people (that's you!) and give you first crack at summer stock, and last crack at some old things that I have marked down to move. Snacks and wine, naturally. Music? Most likely. Video? If we're lucky. Circus? If we're really really lucky.

Mark your calendars and gird your loins
Tuesday June 22, after work oclock
916 Natoma St at 10th
http://mediumreality.com

#8. The Dynamite Show! / Fou Fou Ha / Brava Theater / June 17-26

Sporting a clown-based mashup of costumes including a heavy Medium Reality flavor. Making you laugh till you pee yourself. You know you love Fou Fou Ha. Don't miss this show.
THE DYNAMITE SHOW!!!
~A song and dance extravaganza~
Phenomenal performance by Fou Fou Ha!
Accompanied by the live music of
The Gomorrans Social Aide and Pleasure Club
June 17th - 20th and June 24th - 26th
Brava Theater
http://foufouha.com/

#9. Emrg N See / Oregon / July 16-18

It's outside Eugene, and while I have never been to there, this laid-back party full of really diverse music and people who are there to have a good time (and love buying my clothes) makes me want to check out the town as well. I'm still working on travel logistics and have an extra ticket.. so anyone who has been craving a little road trip, drop me a line!
http://2010.emrgnsee.com/

Anti/Surveillance Fashion at Maker Faire!

5.17.2010 16:32
Getting ready for the Anti/Surveillance Fashion Show (rehearsal)

This show is going to present the work of scores of different people from all over the place. We have scoured the internet for examples of fashionable inventions meant to thwart – or aid – in surveillance. Everyone we have contacted is super excited about the idea, and we have been getting the most exciting things in the mail! Today we got a pair of mirrored underwear, designed to protect against upskirt photography. I haven't seen them yet, but to judge from the emails coming out of headquarters they are very effective. Hopefully I can take a photo at our rehearsal this evening, but the technology may thwart me. The TV suit is coming tonight, along with platform shoes designed to keep streetwalkers safe. ----Bzzzt! Both of those items are designed to increase -bzzzzt----- surveillance.


5.17.2010 19:01


eric boyd's northpaw belt

TV suit prep

shoe phone open

shoe phone closed

Watching prototypes come together for a presentation is so exciting! Problem solving on the fly, fixing those last little things, and figuring out why the systems that worked perfectly in the workshop DON'T anymore... last year for Pandora's Trunk storytime runway show, we had to sew a microphone into a dress five minutes before the show started, because the audio pickups weren't loud enough on their own over the crowd noise. The TV suit is definitely my favorite from the Anti/Surveillance show, it's kind of an unexpected way to execute the idea but sure to please the crowd, it was good for many smiles in the rehearsal! We spent some sewing time securing all the wires to the garment. I love it when needle and thread meet electrons. Trying the TV jacket onto smartypants model Meredith while she tries to show us how she pulled off an entirely unrelated electronics project, why yes we would like to include that as well. So many WIRES a-flyin! Looking for an extra RCA adaptor or 6. Female to Female?? The TV signal is shielded black and white so you can get away with murder.

Putting together a fashion show is an exercise in imagination. Without all the bodies in a room it's just a few little boxes with wires poking over the top. At NoiseBridge, even with everyone in the room, it just looks like a group of geeks sitting around. It takes an act of supreme imagination to co-ordinate all these little bits together into a presentation set to wow the socks off a crowd who has had their eyeballs stuffed with science and mayhem all weekend. A lot of these projects aren't exactly garments, either – lots of accessories, additions to your own wardrobe. Belts that can help you think or move, shoes that you can use covertly to communicate, or to send an alarm. Constantly under the lens of the camera, fashion is a natural form in which to explore the relationship between surveillance and culture. How are we watched? How do we watch? How do we present ourselves to the eyes of the world?