MAKE pal Andrew Lewis, who's part of the Upcraft.it team, created this Arduino powered, servomotor actuated sewing machine:

The servos are attached to an Arduino that is programmed to operate in one of three modes:

1) Basic Zigzag - This duplicates the functionality of the original zigzag machine.

2) Pattern Mode - Choose from one of 10 preset patterns stored in the Arduino's memory.

3) Full CNC - Connects directly to a computer via USB, and accepts custom pattern instructions from the machine. In this mode the machine can control fabric and needle direction, so with some clever thinking I should be able to program it to do letters and numbers.

It's still a work in progress and Andrew promises more updates as he develops the idea further.

Update:
Andrew posted this video on the YouTubes, showing the machine in action and the CNC add-ons.

CNC Sewing Machine

Really great Tron socks! Chris Wass designed a chart to use in the knitting pattern, too.

Originally designed to be a gift for my big brother, whose TRON fandom and enthusiasm over the release of a second movie inspired the sock design. The pattern is written for toe-up socks, with instructions for the Turkish cast-on and two-at-a-time magic loop after the chart pages. Working the foot of the sock is quick, solid knit work with a few contrast stripes. The excitement comes in with the fair-isle stranded color work around the ankle. To get a mirrored pair with a wrap-around design, you’ll need to be able to read the cart both forwards and backwards.

[via CRAFT]

• Get ready for the Tron-ifying of everything
• Stop motion Tron sequence
• Daft Punk/Tron costume
• Homeade TRON Arcade joysticks
• Printing press gets Tron-ified
• TRON-style glow lamp

After a long wait, Makers Market seller John Young of West Chester, PA (aka Tikaro) finally has his coveted QR-code "p8tches" back in stock, and with several fancy new designs. Besides the velcro-backed patch itself, each p8tch comes with a unique user ID and password that lets you redirect its hard-coded URL to any personal URL you want, whenever you want, as many times as you want.

More:
In the Makers Market: "P8tch" redirectable QR code patch

Our own Becky Stern makes these beautiful drawstring pouches in three different sizes. They feature custom-designed knit patterns inside and out, with an extra layer of padding to protect your valuables. Good for your LARPing inventory, precious amulet, digital camera, or phone. Becky makes these to order, and will gladly produce any size/pattern/color combination from among those displayed in her shop.