OSLoom

Here's a notice of an interesting, worthwhile project. If it succeeds, we could see a new line of jacquard looms at a much lower price point than those currently available. If you've ever wished you could have your own jacquard loom, you might consider making a pledge to this effort.

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From: Margarita Benitez
Sent: Tuesday, April 06, 2010 12:03 AM
Subject: osloom.org :: open source jacquard loom

Dear weavers, guilds, fiber friends and colleagues,

I am writing to ask for your help. As many of you may already know, I am in the midst of allocating project funds ($10,000) for osloom: open source jacquard loom through kickstarter.com's funding platform.

For those of you who are not familiar with the project, osloom is a project aimed at creating an open source electromechanical thread-controlled floor loom that will be computer controlled. osloom will be a Jacquard style loom which unlike traditional floor looms which allow for basic patterns to be created, 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.

As of right now we are about 10% funded with less than a month to go (May1st deadline). Kickstarter.com is an all or nothing funding platform which means, either we reach our goal and receive all the funding or do not reach our goal and do not receive any money pledged.

Your help would be greatly appreciated. There are 4 ways to help:

● Pledge. Visit our kickstarter.com site, pledge and choose a reward. R&D of a technology isn’t easy. Your pledges would 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. 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).

● Spread the word. Have a blog? Or know a friend who might find osloom interesting? Know of a forum or list that may be of interest? Forward this email to anyone that may be interested. Spread the word, and let us know if you need more information!

● Join. Join our mailing list at osloom.org, our Facebook group and follow us on Twitter. There will be contributor opportunities available after the May 1st deadline. We will spread the word via all the above mentioned channels once they are online.

● Keep us in the loop. You may be in the know of opportunities that osloom could participate in or benefit from. You may know of lists or people that we should talk to. If that is the case, your suggestions are welcome and please keep us in the loop.

Sponsorship opportunities are available, if you know of a company or institution interested please let us know!

The project looks forward to whatever help you can provide and couldn't come to fruition it without it and for that I thank you.

Warmest regards,
~margarita benitez

If you require additional information about osloom please visit osloom.org or contact me at osloom.org@gmail.com.

tel. 312-469-8381
email: osloom.org@gmail.com
http://www.osloom.org
kickstarter site: http://bit.ly/bOIetw