Arts and Textiles Studio and Design Lab

The rack in the craftorium will be emptied soon, also I have put some machines in the lounge which are probably not worth keeping.

I would like to see if the wooden box fits the Thompson machine, so please don't take the wooden case.

That's an excellent idea. Three colors of thread, and the needles for each machine, and boxes of pins would be more than adequate

We could probably put some consumables in the vending machine in the mud room

So I've spent some time in the space now, and it's better than it was. However at this point the only sewing machines that work reliably are the ones I've imported, and there's still a lot of stuff of questionable value to the space, taking up space.

I would like the space to be functional to users within minutes of opening the door, similar to the Clayspace.

This means that the equipment is in good condition, materials are easy to identify and access, and tools are easy to find and put away, and the space is clean.

At the next members meeting I would like to discuss the implementation of the following.

1) Industrial machine repair or replacement with a similar unit in good working order.

I have ordered needles, if it consistently makes good stitches, I will order a belt. However this still leaves the motor as unknown, and a new (used) one is upwards of $100. (what?! you know someone who is trying to give one away?! sweet. go get it.)

2) Serger replacement. neither serger works. one is missing a power supply, the other had some serious needle issue. I would like to replace with an industrial serger. preferably a four thread, but nothing fancy.

3) Accountability.

• sign in list for users of the space.
• locks on machines and training required for access.
• personal cubby space for storage of tools like pins/needles/good scissors.
• clear plastic totes for hackable stuff to be stored in a tidy way.
• designated areas for projects in progress with clearly delineated areas, and whiteboards to note when you were last in, when you'll be in next and the overall timeline of the project. This is to facilitate the use of neat tools like the knitting machines. which need their own table while in use, and date after which It's cool to pull the plug.
• Reset expectations of what clean looks like, and stop using the space to put stuff you think it would be neat if someone made a craft out of, because if feels wrong to put it in the trash.

4) Improved tool storage

there's some pegboard, but it's really high up.

because each machine uses different needles, and needles are expensive consumables, I suggest having stock for sale to members, but not providing them. They could be provided with the machine training session at cost.

5) permission to remove non-functioning sewing machines.

At this point, the conversations I'm interested in having are: how you think we can make this happen, ways we can make it more accessible and welcoming (Especially to new members and workshop attendees), and resources you can point me to for supply/maintenance/upgrading.