week16 - documentation

content/WeeklyAssignments/week16.md

++++
+title = 'Week 16 : Wildcard Week'
+fa = "fire"
+faVariant = "solid"
+toc = true
+weight = 15
++++
+
+### Summary
+
+This week, I experimented with a four-step design process to design a logo for
+my mother, who makes ceramics. I then embroidered this logo to experiment with
+a new manufacturing technique. The final result is shown below.
+
+<div class="row">
+  <div class="col-md-6 align-self-center" markdown="1" >
+    <img src = "./img/week16/Inkscape_Logo&Sym&ColorV1.jpg" alt = "Inkscape_Logo&Sym&ColorV1"
+class="mx-auto d-block" width = 80%>
+  </div>
+  <div class="col-md-6 align-self-center" markdown="1" >
+    <img src = "./img/week16/Result_Final.jpg" alt = "Result_Final"
+class="mx-auto d-block" width = 80%>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+***
+
+### Assignments
+
+#### Individual Assignments
+
+* Design and produce something with a digital process
+(incorporating computer-aided design and manufacturing) not covered in
+another assignment, documenting the requirements that your assignment
+meets, and including everything necessary to reproduce it.
+
+***
+
+## Contexte of the Week
+
+This week, Mélanie from the FabLab suggested a different approach to the week's
+tasks. She suggested we become designers and adopt a more creative approach. But
+she also imposed a constraint on us: not to use the Internet to find out what
+to do. The design process goes through several stages: define, ideate,
+prototype, and imagine usages. So I'm going to try to relate to them
+for this week's project.
+
+We were also introduced to the technique of digitally assisted embroidery. This
+is what I'm going to use to highlight my logo.
+
+For this week, I came up with the idea of creating a logo for my mother, who
+makes ceramics. It was Mother's Day in Belgium, so it made sense. It's not her
+job, but it's not impossible that one day she'll start marketing her creations,
+so I thought it was a good idea.
+
+## Define
+
+For this step, I need to define the project I want to design. To do this,
+Mélanie suggest brainstorming and illustrating it with a mindmap.
+
+**What's a mindmap ?**
+
+A mindmap is a visual tool used to organize information, ideas, or concepts around
+a central theme, typically branching out in a non-linear, diagrammatic
+format to show relationships and hierarchy.
+
+In my case, I started with the "Project" idea, and went into three branches:
+logo, mother, and ceramics. For a first experience, I kept things simple. Then
+I started generating sub-links that came naturally to me.
+
+Finally, I decided, in red, to make the links I wanted to appear in my logo.
+These links will form the basis of the next step.
+
+<img src = "./img/week16/Mindmap.jpg" alt = "Mindmap"
+class="mx-auto d-block">
+
+## Ideate
+
+Ideation is a creative process that involves exploring different
+ways of representing the project as defined in the previous step.
+I make a point of not using the Internet for inspiration.
+
+**Paper & pen**
+
+For this stage, I sat down in front of a sheet of paper with a pen, and started
+drawing and writing. I started on paper so I'd have a clear idea of where to go when
+I turned to the computer. My drafts are shown below.
+
+<img src = "./img/week16/Draft_BrandName.jpg" alt = "Draft_BrandName"
+class="mx-auto d-block" width =80%>
+
+In my drafts I focused on the brand name, missing the symbol aspect which will
+come later.
+
+**Computer**
+
+I'm now turning to Inkscape, the drawing program I used in my first week and
+have been using ever since. I produce a whole host of different versions,
+trying to highlight the name I've settled on: "Pat & Pot" or "Pot & Pat",
+Pat being my mother's nickname, and pot, a ceramic pot. My versions are
+shown below. I'm not working on the color yet, as I'd rather decide on a
+definitive version.
+
+<div class="row">
+  <div class="col-md-4 align-self-center" markdown="1" >
+    <img src = "./img/week16/Inkscape_LogoV1.jpg" alt = "Inkscape_LogoV1"
+class="mx-auto d-block">
+  </div>
+  <div class="col-md-4 align-self-center" markdown="1" >
+    <img src = "./img/week16/Inkscape_LogoV2.jpg" alt = "Inkscape_LogoV2"
+class="mx-auto d-block">
+  </div>
+  <div class="col-md-4 align-self-center" markdown="1" >
+    <img src = "./img/week16/Inkscape_LogoV3.jpg" alt = "Inkscape_LogoV3"
+class="mx-auto d-block">
+  </div>
+  <div class="col-md-6 align-self-center" markdown="1" >
+    <img src = "./img/week16/Inkscape_LogoV4.jpg" alt = "Inkscape_LogoV4"
+class="mx-auto d-block" width = 40%>
+  </div>
+  <div class="col-md-6 align-self-center" markdown="1" >
+    <img src = "./img/week16/Inkscape_LogoV5.jpg" alt = "Inkscape_LogoV5"
+class="mx-auto d-block" width = 60%>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+I ended up with the following version for the text aspect of the logo.
+
+<img src = "./img/week16/Inkscape_LogoV6.jpg" alt = "Inkscape_LogoV6"
+class="mx-auto d-block" width = 40%>
+
+I'd now like to include a symbol. Since I'm not very confident with drawing,
+I decide to go to a free symbol bank, and integrate one I like. I try
+different configurations again, and decide on this one on the right.
+
+<div class="row">
+  <div class="col-md-6 align-self-center" markdown="1" >
+    <img src = "./img/week16/Inkscape_Logo&SymV1.jpg" alt = "Inkscape_Logo&SymV1"
+class="mx-auto d-block" width = 80%>
+  </div>
+  <div class="col-md-6 align-self-center" markdown="1" >
+    <img src = "./img/week16/Inkscape_Logo&SymV2.jpg" alt = "Inkscape_Logo&SymV2"
+class="mx-auto d-block" width = 60%>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+Finally, I decide to work with color. I'll keep it fairly simple,
+choosing two complementary colors: blue and terracotta.
+
+<img src = "./img/week16/Inkscape_Logo&Sym&ColorV1.jpg" alt = "Inkscape_Logo&Sym&ColorV1"
+class="mx-auto d-block" width = 40%>
+
+This concludes the ideation stage with the logo I like, taking into
+account what I defined in the previous stage.
+
+## Prototype
+
+For the prototyping stage, I decided to use the digitally-assisted
+embroidery technique presented to us. I'm going to test different parameter
+configurations, iterating my prototype until I end up with a version that
+fully satisfies me.
+
+### Embroidery Machine
+
+The machine model is the Brother Innov-is F480, and there are a
+series of preparation steps to follow in order to embroider what
+you want. These steps are presented below.
+
+### File Preparation
+
+To prepare the file, you need to be on Inkscape and install the Ink/Stitch
+extension to generate machine-readable files.
+
+Installation of the extension is straightforward and explained on its [website](https://inkstitch.org//).
+
+Back on Inkscape, the drawing must be vectorized and in "path" form. Colors
+are differentiated by the machine, so this should be taken into account.
+The drawing must not be larger than the machine's frame, which is
+limited to 13 by 18 cm.
+
+By going to extension>Ink/stitch>Parameters, I can set the embroidery
+parameters. For example, I can increase thread density by decreasing the
+distance between two passes. I can change the orientation of passes
+or the way they are generated (contours, from inside to outside, etc.).
+A preview is also available.
+
+<div class="row">
+  <div class="col-md-6 align-self-center" markdown="1" >
+    <img src = "./img/week16/InkStitch_Parameters.jpg" alt = "InkStitch_Parameters"
+class="mx-auto d-block">
+  </div>
+  <div class="col-md-6 align-self-center" markdown="1" >
+    <img src = "./img/week16/InkStitch_Preview.jpg" alt = "InkStitch_Preview"
+class="mx-auto d-block">
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+I'll play with these parameters to get my final version.
+
+Finally, I save the file in machine-readable format by going
+to file>save as>*.pes file.
+
+### Machine Preparation
+
+To prepare the machine, you need to prepare the frame, upper thread and lower thread.
+
+##### **Frame Preparation**
+
+To prepare the frame, I start by cutting the fabric to the size of the
+frame (with a margin), as well as the paper that goes underneath the
+fabric to stiffen the embroidery.
+
+<img src = "./img/week16/Fabric&Paper.jpg" alt = "Fabric&Paper"
+class="mx-auto d-block" width = 80%>
+
+I then place the two layers on the lower part of the frame, and close it
+with the upper part. I take care to tighten the two parts together with
+the dedicated screw. I also take care to stretch the fabric so that the
+embroidery runs smoothly.
+
+<div class="row">
+  <div class="col-md-6 align-self-center" markdown="1" >
+    <img src = "./img/week16/Frame&Fabric.jpg" alt = "Frame&Frabic"
+class="mx-auto d-block">
+  </div>
+  <div class="col-md-6 align-self-center" markdown="1" >
+    <img src = "./img/week16/Fram_Screw.jpg" alt = "Fram_Screw"
+class="mx-auto d-block">
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+##### **Lower Thread Preparation**
+
+To prepare the lower thread, I need a small spool of the thread I want to use.
+This is placed under the needle, with the thread following the arrows
+indicated for positioning.
+
+If this small spool of thread is not available, it is necessary to make one
+using a large spool. This procedure consists of placing the large spool in
+its position, and the small spool on the upper right-hand side of the
+machine and activating the rewind.
+
+##### **Upper Thread Preparation**
+
+To prepare the upper thread, I place the spool in its position and follow
+the path indicated by the arrows on the machine with the thread. At the end of
+the path, the thread is inserted into the needle. This can be done by hand, or
+using the hand crank on the left of the machine, placing the thread in its
+notch at position 7.
+
+##### **Start Embroidery**
+
+To start the embroidery, I insert the USB key with the .pes file into
+the machine, and select my file on the machine. There's a whole range of
+tools available for choosing position, size, etc. It's also possible to check
+the outline of the embroidery to see its position in real time. Finally, the
+last screen shows us the embroidery operation that will be performed, the time
+it will take, and the colours.
+
+<div class="row">
+  <div class="col-md-6 align-self-center" markdown="1" >
+    <img src = "./img/week16/Machine_Main_Page.jpg" alt = "Machine_Main_Page"
+class="mx-auto d-block">
+  </div>
+  <div class="col-md-6 align-self-center" markdown="1" >
+    <img src = "./img/week16/Machine_PlaceDrawing.jpg" alt = "Machine_PlaceDrawing"
+class="mx-auto d-block">
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="row">
+  <div class="col-md-6 align-self-center" markdown="1" >
+    <img src = "./img/week16/Machine_FrameDrawing.jpg" alt = "Machine_FrameDrawing"
+class="mx-auto d-block">
+  </div>
+  <div class="col-md-6 align-self-center" markdown="1" >
+    <img src = "./img/week16/Machine_OperationView.jpg" alt = "Machine_OperationView"
+class="mx-auto d-block">
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+To start the embroidery, lower the foot onto the fabric using the crank behind
+the machine, and press the green button.
+
+<div class="row">
+  <div class="col-md-6 align-self-center" markdown="1" >
+    <img src = "./img/week16/Machine_BottomLeverUp.jpg" alt = "Machine_BottomLeverUp"
+class="mx-auto d-block">
+  </div>
+  <div class="col-md-6 align-self-center" markdown="1" >
+    <img src = "./img/week16/Machine_FootUp.jpg" alt = "Machine_FootUp"
+class="mx-auto d-block">
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="row">
+  <div class="col-md-6 align-self-center" markdown="1" >
+    <img src = "./img/week16/Machine_BottomLeverDown.jpg" alt = "Machine_BottomLeverDown"
+class="mx-auto d-block">
+  </div>
+  <div class="col-md-6 align-self-center" markdown="1" >
+    <img src = "./img/week16/Machine_FootDown.jpg" alt = "Machine_FootDown"
+class="mx-auto d-block">
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+### Results
+
+All the results are shown below. I started with the default settings, then
+tested the contour fill: inside to outside, and finally tested increasing
+the thread density with the contour, and the auto fill.
+
+<div class="row">
+  <div class="col-md-6 align-self-center" markdown="1" >
+    <img src = "./img/week16/Result_FirstTry.jpg" alt = "Result_FirstTry"
+class="mx-auto d-block">
+  </div>
+  <div class="col-md-6 align-self-center" markdown="1" >
+    <img src = "./img/week16/Result_SecondTry.jpg" alt = "Machine_FootUp"
+class="mx-auto d-block">
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="row">
+  <div class="col-md-6 align-self-center" markdown="1" >
+    <img src = "./img/week16/Result_ThirdTry.jpg" alt = "Machine_BottomLeverDown"
+class="mx-auto d-block">
+  </div>
+  <div class="col-md-6 align-self-center" markdown="1" >
+    <img src = "./img/week16/Result_Final.jpg" alt = "Result_Final"
+class="mx-auto d-block">
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+To show it to my mother, I re-did the last version on a larger piece of fabric.
+
+#### Problems experienced
+
+1) The thread comes off the needle during embroidery.
+
+2) The needle falls out during embroidery.
+
+3) The small lower spool has no thread left.
+
+4) The fabric running over the frame folded under the frame and was sewn underneath.
+
+## Imagine
+
+For this part of the design, I'm going to think about applying this
+logo to different media, but that won't be done per se.
+
+1) Borders on pockets, bags, t-shirts, etc.
+2) Website
+3) Business card
+4) Signs
+
+I'm keeping this fairly concise because it relates more specifically to
+the work of industrial designers, who will have to sell their idea to their
+client, something I won't have to do here.