Chatham University

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Prototyping & Design Lab

Prototyping & Design Lab

Past Events

Saturday, December 07 2019

Workshop: Sewing - Learn How to Gather

This hands-on workshop will guide you through how to execute the sewing technique of gathering. Sewing gathers is a great way to fit lots of fabric onto a project: ideal for full dresses, skirts, and ruffles! You will learn how to gather while assembling an apron to take home with you.

To register for the workshop, CLICK HERE!

Saturday, November 16 2019

P&D Workshop: 3D Laser Printer at Protohaven

This hands-on workshop will guide you through the process of creating using their 3D Laser Printers with expert Devin Montgomery the Co-founder & Executive Director of Protohaven.
This equipment is similar but larger than the Glowforge 3DLaser printer found in the CWE Prototype and Design Lab.

To register for workshop, CLICK HERE!

Monday, November 04 2019

Learn to Screen Print with a Vinyl Cutter

Learn how to use a vinyl cutter to screen print your own posters and t-shirts. Vinyl cutters can also be used to create stickers, acrylic signage, and heat pressed decals for t-shirts!
To register for workshop, CLICK HERE!

Saturday, October 26 2019

Sewing Workshop

In this ½ day workshop you will make your own skirt from start to finish (pattern “New Look” number N6623) with the guidance of an experienced sewist. Bring your sewing machine or share ours, we will provide a list of materials for you to purchase upon registration. While we will build on what was learned in past workshops, no previous experience is necessary!
To register for workshop, CLICK HERE!

Saturday, September 07 2019

3D Printing Workshop

Learn how to use the BoXZY 3D Software & Printer in this ½ day workshop with expert Hadley Pratt. Start with our Chromebooks using the free online software and then print your creation in our Prototype & Design Lab. Breakfast included

Saturday, August 24 2019

Half-Day Sewing Machine Workshop

This ½ day workshop will explore the process of creating projects from start to finish. Learn how to read a pattern, layout, cut, and assemble the pieces according to the instructions.These are the basic skills for creating your own designs! Bring your sewing machine or share ours, we will provide all the necessary materials. No previous experience is necessary. *breakfast included*

Thursday, July 18 2019

Embroider Your Own Label

Be proud of your creation. This workshop invites aspiring designers, brands and makers to learn how to stitch out labels for their personal designs. Participants can expect to create their own custom label through this workshop and walkaway with the knowledge of how to do this independently. Hosted by the Center for Women's Entrepreneurship and Style412

Thursday, June 20 2019

Serger Basics

A step-by-step, all levels workshop on the fundamentals of using a serger. Participants will learn how to use the commercial serger available in the CWE Prototyping & Design Lab where both experienced and novice sewists alike will find the workshop useful and will learn something to elevate their joy of sewing. Focused on utilization, this workshop will take participants through the basics of how the serger works, threads & needles, working with common and specialty fabrics. Hosted by CWE and Style412

Thursday, June 06 2019

Intro to Sewing Machines

The perfect workshop to develop some basic machine sewing skills by learning how to use sewing tools & equipment, the best use for various fabrics, and much more. This foundational, all-levels workshop will be a step-by-step tutorial using the Singer Sewing machine in the Prototype & Design Lab, 2803, Eastside.
Hosted by CWE and Style412

Thursday, May 23 2019

Serger Workshop

This is a step-by-step, all levels workshop on the fundamentals of using a Serger. Learn the basics of how the serger works, threads & needles, as well as working with both regular and specialty fabrics.

Friday, April 05 2019

Learn to use the Commercial Juki Serger

Join us for a demonstration on how this multitasking machine works and is used by watching Lauren Sims of Why Sew, LLC make a T-Shirt; then take a turn trying it out on the fabric pieces provided or bring your own material if you have it.

Tuesday, March 12 2019

Learn to use the Glowforge 3D Laser Printer

Learn how to use the Glowforge 3D Laser Printer that uses a beam of light the width of a human hair to cut, engrave, and shape designs from a variety of materials. Bring a digital image file (.jpg, .pdf, .png, .svg) OR your laptop, high contrast images work best. We will provide the materials! To get an idea of the possibilities, watch the short video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=5&v=ysCaqh38JVQ

Wednesday, February 27 2019

Learn to Screen Print with a Vinyl Cutter!

In this workshop, learn how to use a vinyl cutter (with a computer) to screen print your own posters and tote bags. CNC (computer numerical controlled) vinyl cutters can also be used to create stickers, acrylic signage, and heat pressed decals for t-shirts!

Tuesday, November 13 2018

Learn to Use the Carvey to Make a Business Card Holder

Learn to use the Carvey milling machine with Donna Gobble & Michelle Price. This versatile tool has an easy-to-use interface that once you learn, the ideas will flow! Materials are included and participants are allowed to stay past 1:00pm to explore their ideas or finish their projects.

Saturday, September 01 2018

P&D Lab Hours

Contact our office at womens-entrepreneurship@chatham.edu to make an appointment or for more information.

Members of the Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship and Chatham Students, Faculty, and Staff can make a free appointment to come in and use any of the following lab equipment*:

- Carvey 3D carving machine (requires a project produced in the free online program Easel)
- BoXZY 3D printer and laser engraver (requires a .STL file, preferably produced in the free program TinkerCAD)
- Industrial Serger
- Straight Stitch Sewing Machine
- Embroidery Machine
- 3D Scanner
- LilyPad Arduino
- Hummingbird Duo


*(the Center may require you view a tutorial prior to your session: use of the Carvey will require a free EASEL account and use of the BoXZY will require you to email us a compatible .stl file prior to your appointment).

Tuesday, May 01 2018

Introduction to Electronic Textiles for Entrepreneurs

Electronic textiles, also known as smart garments, smart clothing, smart textiles, or smart fabrics, are fabrics that enable digital components such as a battery and a light (including small computers), and electronics to be embedded in them. Smart textiles are fabrics that have been developed with new technologies that provide added value to the wearer. In this workshop, you will learn the basics of e-textiles based on a project. Facilitated by Lori Hepner, Artist and Associate Professor of Integrative Arts at Penn State University. Limited to 15 people.

Thursday, April 12 2018

Fashion and Product Design for Entrepreneurs

In this workshop, Lauren Sims will be available for guidance in all 3 sewing machines in the Prototyping & Design Lab: the industrial serger, the regular sewing machine, and the embroidery machine. Attendees will get a chance to work on the machine of their own choosing to further their fashion and product design ideas.

Tuesday, April 03 2018

3D Printing and Laser Etching Workshop for Entrepreneurs (INCLUSIVE INNOVATION WEEK SPECIAL EVENT)

3D printing is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital file. 3D printing enables you to produce complex (functional) shapes using less material than traditional manufacturing methods. Laser etching is the process of using a laser beam to permanently cut an image or pattern into a hard material, such as glass, wood or metal. In this workshop, you will learn how to apply these tools and processes to your product-based small business or startup idea. We will demonstrate a multi-functional desktop 3D printer called BoXZY. Limited to 15 people.

Thursday, March 29 2018

3D Modeling Workshop for Entrepreneurs

In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the basics of 3D modeling using the free online program TinkerCAD. Participants will be guided through three tutorials as a group and then have time to free build objects of their own design. Each participant will leave the workshop with their own TinkerCAD login to continue modeling on their own and get their designs 3D printed at our Prototyping & Design Lab. No prior experience is required: amateurs and beginners welcome! Please bring your own laptop! Limited to 15 people.

Tuesday, March 13 2018

Using an Industrial Serger for Fashion and Product Design

This workshop will introduce entrepreneurs to the many applications of an industrial serger in fashion and product design. Lauren Sims, seamstress and entrepreneur, will demonstrate how to thread, troubleshoot, and sew using Chatham's factory-spec industrial 5-thread serger, and help you demystify this (sometimes intimidating) piece of equipment. Participants will have an opportunity to try out the serger and the single-needle sewing machine at the end of the demo. Limited to 15 people.

Thursday, March 08 2018

3D Printing and Laser Etching Workshop for Entrepreneurs

3D printing is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital file. 3D printing enables you to produce complex (functional) shapes using less material than traditional manufacturing methods. Laser etching is the process of using a laser beam to permanently cut an image or pattern into a hard material, such as glass, wood or metal. In this workshop, you will learn how to apply these tools and processes to your product-based small business or startup idea. We will demonstrate a multi-functional desktop 3D printer called BoXZY. Limited to 15 people.

Thursday, February 15 2018

3D Modeling Workshop for Entrepreneurs

In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the basics of 3D modeling using the free online program TinkerCAD. Participants will be guided through three tutorials as a group and then have time to free build objects of their own design. Each participant will leave the workshop with their own TinkerCAD login to continue modeling on their own and get their designs 3D printed at our Prototyping & Design Lab. No prior experience is required: amateurs and beginners welcome! Please bring your own laptop! Facilitated by Erin Gatz and E. Louise Larson, founders of Prototype PGH, a feminist makerspace. Limited to 15 people.

Tuesday, January 09 2018

3D Printing and Laser Etching Workshop for Entrepreneurs

3D printing is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital file. 3D printing enables you to produce complex (functional) shapes using less material than traditional manufacturing methods. Laser etching is the process of using a laser beam to permanently cut an image or pattern into a hard material, such as glass, wood or metal. In this workshop, you will learn how to apply these tools and processes to your product-based small business or startup idea. We will demonstrate a multi-functional desktop 3D printer called BoXZY. Limited to 15 people.

Thursday, December 14 2017

Using an Industrial Serger for Fashion & Product Design

This workshop will introduce entrepreneurs to the many applications of an industrial serger in fashion and product design. Lauren Sims, seamstress and entrepreneur, will demonstrate how to thread, troubleshoot, and sew using Chatham's factory-spec industrial 5-thread serger, and help you demystify this (sometimes intimidating) piece of equipment. Participants will have an opportunity to try out the serger and the single-needle sewing machine at the end of the demo. Limited to 15 people.

Tuesday, December 12 2017

Business Value Identification (webinar)

This session will introduce various early planning frameworks such as the Business Model Canvas, SHIP IT (pamphlet inspired by Seth Godin’s Linchpin) and the importance of focus for success. Classic business texts and reliable online resources will be referenced. Carol will point to the importance of finding a good mentor for the founder and the business. Finally, the significance of spending time with and getting to know the customers/users to really understand their problems will be emphasized. Facilitated by Carol Smith, Senior Design Manager and Researcher at IBM Watson. Free, online, registration required.

Thursday, December 07 2017

Introduction to Electronic Textiles for Entrepreneurs

Electronic textiles, also known as smart garments, smart clothing, smart textiles, or smart fabrics, are fabrics that enable digital components such as a battery and a light (including small computers), and electronics to be embedded in them. Smart textiles are fabrics that have been developed with new technologies that provide added value to the wearer. In this workshop, you will learn the basics of e-textiles based on a project. Facilitated by Lori Hepner, Artist and Associate Professor of Integrative Arts at Penn State University. Limited to 15 people.

Tuesday, December 05 2017

Prototypes for Learning (webinar)

What is a prototype? How complete does it need to be? What can be shown to a potential user to gain feedback? This webinar will briefly introduce: paper; digital (clickable, no-code); 1 click web sites; 3D printed; hand-manufactured; and service prototypes. We will also discuss prototype evaluation methods for early learning and the importance of supporting continuous learning for best results. We will encourage participants to launch their products as early as possible to learn from the experience and improve more quickly. Facilitated by Carol Smith, Senior Design Manager and Researcher at IBM Watson. Free, online, registration required.

Tuesday, November 21 2017

3D Modeling Workshop for Entrepreneurs

In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the basics of 3D modeling using the free online program TinkerCAD. Participants will be guided through three tutorials as a group and then have time to free build objects of their own design. Each participant will leave the workshop with their own TinkerCAD login to continue modeling on their own and get their designs 3D printed at our Prototyping & Design Lab. No prior experience is required: amateurs and beginners welcome! Please bring your own laptop! Facilitated by Erin Gatz and E. Louise Larson, founders of Prototype PGH, a feminist makerspace. Limited to 15 people.

Tuesday, November 14 2017

3D Printing and Laser Etching Workshop for Entrepreneurs

3D printing is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital file. 3D printing enables you to produce complex (functional) shapes using less material than traditional manufacturing methods. Laser etching is the process of using a laser beam to permanently cut an image or pattern into a hard material, such as glass, wood or metal. In this workshop, you will learn how to apply these tools and processes to your product-based small business or startup idea. We will demonstrate a multi-functional desktop 3D printer called BoXZY. Facilitated by Hadley Pratt. Limited to 15 people.

Tuesday, October 17 2017

Sewing with Upcycled Materials for Entrepreneurs

Learn how to sew with upcycled materials in this class taught by Terry Durst, a staff member and a student at Chatham University. Terry will make a zipper pouch using upcycled Thread fabric and we will cover basics of prototyping and design for your sewn product ideas.

Tuesday, September 26 2017

From Prototype to Production: Best Practices (webinar)

The challenge of bringing a prototype through to production is full of traps, dead-ends, compromises. This webinar will provide best practices, industry standards, and useful templates to help guide your idea through to manufacturing. This webinar will be facilitated by Elijah Wiegmann, an entrepreneur and award-winning industrial designer. Elijah is the Founder of Base Design Studio.

Tuesday, September 19 2017

From Idea to Prototype: Best Practices (webinar)

It doesn't matter how great the idea is if it's not immediately tangible to your audience. This webinar will focus of how to start building your new idea. We'll review different levels of prototypes, construction methods, and ways to test them all. This webinar will be facilitated by Elijah Wiegmann, an entrepreneur and award-winning industrial designer. Elijah is the Founder of Base Design Studio.

Tuesday, September 19 2017

3D Printing and Laser Etching Workshop for Entrepreneurs (hands-on workshop)

3D printing is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital file. 3D printing enables you to produce complex (functional) shapes using less material than traditional manufacturing methods. Laser etching is the process of using a laser beam to permanently cut an image or pattern into a hard material, such as glass, wood or metal. In this workshop, you will learn how to apply these tools and processes to your product-based small business or startup idea. We will demonstrate a multi-functional desktop 3D printer called BoXZY. Two representatives from this local startup company will facilitate the workshop. Attendance will be limited to 15 people.

Tuesday, September 12 2017

Intro to Design Thinking: How to Apply it to Your Small Business

How can you get your intuitions and ideas out into the world so that you can test them? This webinar will focus on the design thinking process and different methods of applying it to products, concepts, and processes. This webinar will be facilitated by Elijah Wiegmann, an entrepreneur and award-winning industrial designer. Elijah is the Founder of Base Design Studio.