oster@dewey.soe.berkeley.edu (David Phillip Oster) (09/05/87)
I know about printer ribbons that can be used in ordinary printers to
make iron-on transfers. I'm interested in finding out about output
devices that generate real cloth.
At MacWorld 2 years ago, I saw a demo of a $10k 4-color embroidery
machine that was driven by a plotter driver: just print from your CAD
software, and you've got a piece of embroidery.
At the Denver museum of Natural History, they had a sample of cloth
created by a 4 harness jacquard loom interfaced to an Apple ][ (It had
a brandname somewhat like "Doddy")
I would like any leads to: a computer controlled multi-color
embroidery system, a knitting machine or a multi-harness loom.
Preferably with an RS232 interface, and driver software for a
Macintosh but I'm interested even if not.
(Just imagine it, you tell Word to print, but you've got the sewing
machine selected as the printer instead of the LaserWriter. Your
letter has been woven into a shirt!)
Obviously someone has these: numerically controlled looms predate the
computer. I'd be interested in hearing about commerical grade ones,
though my interest is as a hobbyiest. Are there other hobbyiests out
there like me? Is there a newsletter, mailing list, or magzine for
folks intrested in this?
--- David Phillip Oster --My Good News: "I'm a perfectionist."
Arpa: oster@dewey.soe.berkeley.edu --My Bad News: "I don't charge by the hour."
Uucp: {seismo,decvax,ihnp4}!ucbvax!oster%dewey.soe.berkeley.edu