TEXARKANA, Ark. - Embroidery and electronic circuits converged in an illuminating lesson Saturday.
Texarkana Museums System curator Jamie Simmons played host to a collection of students learning not only the basics of the art of embroidery, they were learning the elements of electronic circuits.
The lesson was connecting a simple LED light, but according to Simmons, electronics are increasingly being incorporated into modern garment making for a variety of effects.
"One of the most common uses is lighting effects," said Simmons, "But crafters are making garments for all kinds of effects, from lighting and visuals, to color pattern changes, to even things like making your jacket a walking wifi hotspot."
The students represented a wide range of experience, perspective and skill level in the crafts.
Dawn Parker, whose experience in embroidering is nil, was also new to basic electronics. So she broke it down to the essentials in her observations.
"It is about learning the importance of positive and negative," she said. "Basically, so we don't set things on fire."
Pat Willis, an experienced embroiderer, had won awards in competitions in high school. She has practiced since, and is just adding a new trick to her options in the craft.
"Its about practice and patience, pretty much how I do it," she said. "Take your time, don't rush. Also, use of conductive thread for the electronics."
"Its hard stuff to get locally," said Parker. "Probably will need to order online, price shop."
"I'm not a sewer, but I am a patcher," said Bre Schrader. "I'm a mender, fixing holes in pants, putting on patches, keeping garments going for a long time. Really, I want to make super cute items. I make pillbox hats, just creative and crafty. This will give me a new angle, to be creative and make funny, silly, kitschy stuff."
Susan Morhead saw it as time well spent.
"Something fun to do on a Saturday," she said.