Become Fashion Ready 3D Printing Your Own Clothing

3D printing results in the creation of a solid object from a digital file. While most fashion results from the subtractive method of cutting the necessary components out of a piece of fabric, 3D clothing produces a complex shape using an additive process.

Harmonograph - threeASFOUR
Photo:  Matt Carsella

After becoming curious about 3D printing, Gabi Asfour began attempting to manipulate the internal geometry of textiles. He, Angela Donhauser, and Adi Gil had a vision to create “three-dimensional interlocking weaves,” which would be achieved with the help of laser cutting. Collaborating with 3D printing company Stratasys and architect Travis Fitch for the Fall 2016 Biomimicry collection, Pangolin was born. This dress was a result of 500 hours of printing using 10 printers at the same time. Pangolin’s scales of interlocking weave were developed using an algorithm which simulates cell division.

Pangolin - threeASFOUR
Photo:  SCHOHAJA

While still in its infancy, fashion has already begun making use of this process for the future of not only clothing but the accessories we wear with them. The newest invisible shoe provides a nude view of the foot within its geometric structural design.

Invisible Shoe
Photo:  Andreia Chaves Gallery

The first affordable design using 3D printing originating with Continuum Fashion in collaboration with Shapeways is the N12 or the world’s first 3D-printed bikini, created by designers Jenna Fizel and Mary Haung. The bikini is constructed of thousands of circular plates connected by thin springs to allow it to maintain its form while still being flexible. Working with the third dimension of the fabric led them to 3D printing.

N12 - 3D Printed Bikini 
Continuum Fashion and Shapeways
Photo:  Ariel Efron

Ruth E. Carter won an Oscar for Best Costume Design after working with printing wearable specialist, Julia Koerner  and Materialise to help with 3D printing to create the mantel and crown worn by Queen Ramonda. Queen Ramonda in Black Panther, was played by Julia Bassett.

Queen Ramonda
Photo:  via Marvel's Black Panther
Costume Design by Ruth Carter

While many of us have used traditional methods of sewing throughout the years to create our own personal fashion statements, Danit Peleg, as part of a graduate program at Shenkar, created a 5-piece fashion collection using flexible patterns and soft materials which were printed at home. Danit provides users with the ability to design their own 3D printed bomber jacket, made to measure with your own customization. This offer is a limited edition.

Photo:  Danit Peleg Collections
'Liberty Leading the People'

Is 3D printing in your future?

What would be the first item on your list to print?

Sources:

3D Printed Art & Design World

3D Printing Industry

3D Printing Service

The Coolist

Dezeen

Danit Peleg

NBC News MACH

WIRED

Whole Foods Market Recalls Raw Macadamia Nuts Due To Possible Health Risk

February 3, 2015

Many off the U.S. Food and Drug Administration links provided at the time of the recalls have now been archived.

Distributed in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee

Whole Foods Market is recalling packaged raw macadamia nuts due to possible Salmonella contamination. Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

The product was labeled as “Whole Foods Market Raw Macadamia Nuts" and was packaged in 5.6 oz. plastic tubs. If you believe you have purchased these macadamia nuts, visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for package labels, dates, batch numbers, and UPC codes to identify the recalled products. The recalled product was distributed to Whole Foods Market, Greenlife Grocery, and Harry’s Farmer Market stores in the states listed above.

Sources:

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Whole Foods Market

Meat In Your Beer! Is This Whale Of A Drink For You?

In honor of the Norse god Thor, the annual month-long celebration Thorri will be off to a whale of a start with a new beer from Stedjar Brewery. This year’s limited-edition beer follows the trend from last year using endangered whale fin for Hvalur 1, by adding smoked whale testicles to the water, malted barley, and hops used for this year’s new addition to their line of beers, Hvalur 2.

Hvalur 2
Photo: Stedjar Brewery

Preparation for this year’s festival will result in 20,000 bottles being brewed with one whale testicle in each batch. To achieve the unique smoked flavor, whale testicles are smoked in the traditional way by burning sheep manure. Somehow, I’m not feeling the love for this beverage or the need to try it; however, when in Rome..., or Iceland as the case may be.

After water and tea, beer is the most widely consumed alcoholic beverage in the world and possibly the world’s oldest fermented drink. The release date for Hvalur 2 is January 23^rd. Other delicacies surrounding Thorri will include sheep’s heads, blood pudding, soured whale fat, ram’s testicles, and putrefied shark.

Sheep's Head
Guide to Iceland

The International Whaling Commission resumed hunting of the Fin whale in 2013, after a two-year ban. Controversy remains with Icelandic officials who are not in agreement with the endangered status of the whale population in the North Atlantic. Conservationists and activists are clear in their opinion with regard to the sensationalism being used to dishonor the whale for marketing gain.

Rocky Mountain Oyster Stout
Photo:  Wynkoop Brewing Company

Voodoo Doughnut
Bacon Maple Ale
Photo:  Voodoo Doughnut

The addition of meat to beer is not a common occurrence in the United States. Julie Crew of the Brewers Association identified a few examples which include Wynkook Brewing Company’s Rocky Mountain Oyster Stout and Rogue’s Voodoo Doughnut Bacon Maple Ale.

Would you serve and/or drink Hvalur 1 or Hvalur 2 at a

 celebration?

Sources:

Icelandic Roots

International Whaling Commission

Stedja Brewery
Rogue Ales

TakePart

USA Today

Voodoo Doughnut

Wikipedia

Wynkoop Brewing Company

RECALL - Voluntary Recall From The Santa Barbara Smokehouse

January 8, 2015

Many off the U.S. Food and Drug Administration links provided at the time of the recalls have now been archived.

The Santa Barbara Smokehouse, Inc., of Santa Barbara, California, is voluntarily recalling a number of brands and batches of cold smoked salmon produced and packaged between December 17th and December 24th, 2014, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria Monocytogenes. This organism can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. 

Smoked Scottish Salmon
FDA

Smoked Atlantic Salmon
FDA

If you believe you have purchased salmon which might have been processed by the Santa Barbara Smokehouse, visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for more package labels and batch numbers. There are 50+ batch numbers listed and many more package labels. Batch numbers can be found on the back of your package. If you have questions, you may call the company at 1.805.966.9796.

Smoked Salmon trimmings
FDA

Sources:

U.S. Food and Drug Adminstration

The Santa Barbara Smokehouse

Year of the Sheep (Goat) 2015

The Chinese year of the Sheep (Goat) will begin on February 19, 2015, according to the lunar calendar.  Each year, beginning from the Chinese New Year, is associated with an animal sign occurring in a 12-year cycle according to Chinese astrology. The Sheep is a Yin energy which represents Peace, Harmonious co-existence and Tranquility which is the primary and fundamental mood for 2015.

Traditional Chinese Dancer
Chinese New Year Parade, Vancouver, British Columbia

The Sheep is a symbol of the Arts and relates to passive and nurturing times. Banding together in faith and the belief that good will prevail will help to win over forces that refuse to comply with a peaceful way of life. The year 2015 is a year to use one’s mental abilities over force.

2015 - Chinese Year of the Sheep

The Chinese New Year is based on the Chinese lunisolar calendar which is why the day falls on a different date than the date on the Gregorian calendar used by the Western cultures. This holiday is based on an ancient myth where villagers in ancient China set out red lanterns and food every year to scare away Nian, a beast who would terrorize children and decimate the crops throughout the year. The Chinese New year today is still marked by people decorating their homes with good-luck phrases, Chinese art, and red lanterns.

Goat Figurines
Photo:  Vladimir Filonov/MT

Celebrities born in the Year Of The Sheep are: Mark Twain, Muhammed Ali, Barbara Walters, Nicole Kidman, Amy Lee, Clair Danes, Judy Davis, Kate Hudson, Veronica Lake, Jamie Foxx, Brandy, and Julia Roberts.

Chinese Highlights

Visit the sources below to read more about the Chinese New Year and Chinese astrology.

What is your Chinese astrological sign?
Mine is the Sheep (Goat or Ram).

Sources:

Astrology Club

China Highlights

Chinese Fortune Calendar – find your Chinese astrology sign
Find Your Fate

International Business Times

The Moscow Times

Keep Warm And Charge Your Cell Phone All At The Same Time

New wool and nylon jackets from Tommy Hilfiger enhanced with 7-10 solar panels will both keep you warm and charge a battery to keep your cell phone or other mobile devices working. The battery fully charges beyond the capacity of most smartphones while being in the direct sunlight.

Women's Solar Panel Jacket
Photo:  Tommy Hilfiger via Business Insider

Weighing four (4) pounds, the jacket combines a weatherproof upper with plaid Abraham Moon wool. A removal bag allows the solar panels to be stored when not in use. 

Men's Solar Panel Jacket
Photo:  Tommy Hilfilger via Business Insider

While retailing for $599 with a 1-year limited warranty, 50% of the net proceeds will be donated to support the Fresh Air Fund.

Photo:  Tommy Hilfilger via Business Insider

The downside for fashion is that it appears that this jacket is available in only two colors, one for men and one for women. 

Photo:  Tommy Hilfilger via Business Insider

What mobile devices would you charge with this innovative new jacket?

Sources:

Tommy Hilfiger

Business Insider

Honoring All Who Served - Veterans Day 2014

2014 Poster
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

During World War I, the armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, declared on the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month in 1918, is regarded as the end of the “war to end all wars,” and is now commemorated with the celebration of Veteran’s Day each year on November 11. Britain, France, Australia, and Canada also commemorate the veterans of World Wars I and II on or near November 11^th.

General Foch, France and General Erzberger, Germany
signed the armistice aboard the Orient Express

Even though “The Great War” officially ended on June 28, 1919, with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, the signing of the armistice the previous November marked the end of the war in most people’s minds.  In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11, to be the first commemoration of Armistice Day. His words were as follows:  “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…” (www.va.gov)

Soldiers of the 353rd Infantry near a church at Stenay, Meuse in France wait for the end of hostilities.
10:58 a.m. November 11, 1918

The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I and passed a resolution on June 4, 1926, stating that the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States had already declared November 11, to be a legal holiday and requested that the President of the United States issue a proclamation to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings each November 11^th  and invite all people of the United States to observe the day in schools, churches, and other suitable places with ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.

An Act approved May 13, 1938, made the 11^th of November in each year a legal holiday dedicated to the cause of world peace and known as “Armistice Day.” Originally Armistice Day was a day honoring veterans of World War I. After World War II required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history, and American forces had fought in Korea, the 83^rd Congress amended the Act of 1938 by replacing the word “Armistice” with the word “Veterans,” and upon approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, Veterans Day became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

President Eisenhower signing HR7786, changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Under the Uniform Holidays Bill passed by Congress in 1968, four national holidays (Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day) were to be celebrated on Mondays allowing federal employees to now have three-day weekends for touring or travel. Veterans Day was now set as the fourth Monday in October, the first under this law being October 25, 1971. Many states continued to observe the holiday on its original date showing their disapproval of the change which only caused confusion. Since the original date held historic and patriotic significance among many Americans, in 1978, President Gerald R. Ford signed a new law moving Veterans Day back to November 11. If the day November 11, is a Saturday or Sunday, the federal government observes the holiday the previous Friday or following Monday, respectively.

The Three Soldiers Memorial
Artist:  Frederick Hart
National Mall, Washington, D.C.

Millions of Americans have fought since the beginning of the Revolutionary War to obtain and maintain freedom in our lives. We honor the veterans and their families today for their duty and their sacrifice. Today on Veterans Day we remember and acknowledge all who have served and are serving our country now. Through your service you have served each and every American. God bless our troops, both past and present for all that you have done.

Leave a comment about someone you know who has served our country and where they lived when they first enlisted.

Sources

Free Republic

History Channel

Saint Anselm College

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Wikipedia

In The News Today: The 25th Anniversary Of The Fall Of Iron Curtain

Today marks the 25^th anniversary of the fall of The Berlin Wall. The Berlin Wall was a barrier constructed by the German Democratic Republic beginning on August 13, 1961, and remained a barrier until November 9, 1989. The wall was erected to protect East Germany from fascist elements conspiring to build a socialist state. This wall became known as the Iron Curtain which separated Western Europe and the Eastern Bloc during the Cold War. Read some of today’s top stories and browse the photos commemorating the event.

USA Today

“During the day, thousands visited landmarks of former East Berlin, placing flowers in the cracks of parts of the wall that remain and filling the streets around the famed Brandenburg Gate, where many had climbed the wall after the border opening was announced. They lit candles at memorials for victims, walked hand-and-hand to trace the path where the border once stood and read the markers detailing its stories.” (usatoday.com)

The Brandenber Gate illuminated during celebrations on the 25th anniversary of The Berlin Wall
Photo: Sean Gallup, Getty Images

The New York Times

“Thousands of words were spoken as hundreds of thousands of visitors converged on Berlin and captured millions of moments in the digital universe that did not exist a quarter-century ago. Where words and images were insufficient, the genius of Back and Beethoven was summoned to express feelings.” (nytimes.com)

Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany and other dignitaries placed flowers between slats of the former Berlin Wall at a memorial Sunday.
Photo:  Carsten Koall, Getty Images

NBC News

“While the majority of the towns have been renovated and feature garden fences alongside neatly trimmed front lawns, old run-down buildings and abandoned farms serve as a reminder that prosperity hasn’t reached everyone in economic powerhouse Germany since the fall of communism.” (nbcnews.com)

Rise and Fall of the Berlin Wall -www.NBCUniversalArchives.com

Sources to read complete stories, browse more photos, and discover more videos:

Wikipedia

USA Today

The New York Times

NBC News

The Lava Erupting From Kilauea Keeps Inching Closer

ENA Media/Blue Hawaiian Helicopters

Lava sets fire to a stack of tires

Moving for weeks, the lava flow from the Kilauea volcano continues to move towards the village of Pahoa and was clocked at speeds of up to 14 metres and hour. The molten rock topped temperatures of 900 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. More than 180 homes were destroyed by lava from Kilauea between 1983 and 1990, but none since 2012 (ABC/Reuters).

ENA Media/Blue Hawaiian Helicopters
Lava flow moves toward the village of Pahoa

The lava flow began slowly moving toward Pahoa in June after a volcanic crater vented allowing the release of the liquid rock. Some areas of this community, with approximately 900 residents, are covered with lava which is chest high. Two gravel roads have been rebuilt to provide escape routes from the lava flow and has advanced about 13 miles since it began on June 27 (CNN.com).

ENA Media/Blue Hawaiian Helicopters

Lava flow moves down a street near Pahoa

The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports today (10-31-2014, 8:02 AM HST) that the volcano is continuing eruption at the summit and within the East Rift Zone, and the gas emissions remain elevated (hvo.wr.usgs.gov).

ENA Media/Blue Hawaiian Helicopters

Lava flow advances across the landscape

Predictions were that Pahoa’s main road would be covered with lava by Friday morning. At this time, the flow has stalled but the possibility of it restarting remains (Star Advertiser). The United States Geological Survey said that while the front of the flow is 15-feet wide, the molten river widens significantly behind it (CNN). CNN live news reported yesterday that the heat of the lava was in excess of 2,000 degrees.

The youngest in a chain of more than 129 volcanoes which expands 3,600 miles across the North Pacific Ocean, Kilauea is one of fifteen which make up the eight principal islands of Hawaii. The elevation at the summit of the Halemaumau Crater is 3,648 feet (CWOP-Weather Quality Reporter). The largest is Mauna Loa vaulting to 13,678 feet high and historically considered to be the largest volcano in both mass and volume on earth. Due to Kilauea lacking the topographic prominence and historically its activities have coincided with those of Mauna Loa, it was once believed to be a satellite of the much larger volcano. The chemical composition of the lavas from the two volcanoes does prove that they have separate magma chambers and are distinct from each other.

J. D. Griggs, HVO/USGS
Pu'u O'o in 1983

Pu'u O'o is a cinder/spatter cone in the eastern

rift zone of the Kilauea volcano.

In the Hawaiian language, the word Kilaeua means spewing or much spreading so aptly named in reference to its frequent lava outpouring. The volcano at 300,000 to 600,000 years old rose above sea level about 100,000 years ago and is located along the southern shore of Hawaii. Except for a brief quiet between 1934 and 1952, Kilauea has been an active volcano. The first well-documented eruption in 1823 placed the volcano under observation even though Native Hawaiians are believed to have first settled on the island around 1,500 years ago (Wikipedia.org).