Hi everyone! I'm Oscar, a '28 from Flushing, NYC. My academic interests are a mix of the arts (studio art, graphic design), the sciences (psychology, biology, sustainability), and maybe even anthropology? All of which I'm thinking of merging with a major in Cognitive Science with a focus area on Design. Outside the classroom, I'm passionate about giving back to my community, fiber arts, and em dashes. Welcome to my blog—I'm excited to explore Dartmouth together!
Between grinding out CS 1 practice problems and studying CHIN 4 vocabulary, I needed a break. That break came in the form of visiting the Harold Edward Cable Makerspace (known as the Makerspace).
Located in the Engineering and Computer Sciences Center (ECSC), the Makerspace is a place where students can design, experiment, and create. The Makerspace offers a variety of crafting tools and materials—all free to use. Technology like sewing machines, laser cutters, and soldering irons are available to create whatever you'd imagine! The space is designed with personal projects in mind, so anyone can work on a project during open hours. If you don't have a project in mind, the Makerspace also hosts workshops and crafting sessions—I visited for a collaboration with the First Generation Office, and soon they'll be hosting a Halloween-themed craft session!
At my session at the Makerspace, they offered a few options for possible crafts: designing custom stickers, making paper flowers, and cutting custom wood art. I opted to just make stickers, but I've included a few of the pieces my friends made at different stations, too.
We first began the sticker-making process by drawing our designs on paper. This is where you can really run wild. I doodled some cats and rats while others drew bees, bananas, and memes. After we finished creating our sketches, the Makerspace TAs helped us convert our drawings into readable forms for the vinyl cutter. The Makerspace is always staffed by TAs—current students who can help guide you on your crafting journey. We then picked our vinyl colors and set the project in the printing queue. Our stickers were set—we just had to wait for them to print!
Waiting for the vinyl cutter to make my stickers!
As my sticker design sat in the queue, I took the chance to look around at the Makerspace's offerings.
Besides the vinyl cutter, the Makerspace has a variety of crafting stations, including a laser cutter, an assortment of 3D printers, and computers with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software installed. In particular, the sewing and knitting stations caught my eye. The Makerspace has a few sewing machines and a rainbow of thread colors, scrap fabric, and all kinds of sewing notions available. Whether you just want to mend a hole or design a new outfit, the sewing table is the right place.
What really surprised me was the knitting machine. The Makerspace has a flatbed knitting machine, something I've seen online but never had the chance to play around with. In addition, there are also circular knitting machines, a yarn winder, and tons of needles for use. I've never used a sewing or knitting machine, so I'm excited to return and explore further!
A shot of the sewing table. Also, the tote bag hanging on the left was made in the Makerspace!
The flatbed knitting machine and a sample colorwork piece—the pattern being the Design Initiative At Dartmouth's (DIAD) acronym.
After geeking out over the machinery, my stickers were printed, and my friends completed their projects as well!
Gaelle '28's custom wood design
Tina '28's lotus keychains—cut on a CNC machine
My sticker project from start to finish!
I had a great time exploring the creative possibilities the Makerspace offers. Maybe you'll catch me sometime tinkering with the knitting machine, decorating a t-shirt, or making more stickers.
From orientation week to your classes, you can easily find community at Dartmouth! Read on to know how I met my Dartmouth family and where you might also find yours.
