Sydney Pratte is a PhD candidate from UofC studying Computer Science, specifically Fashion Technology. She’s an emerging light in the fashion world, merging fashion and technology to create garments that light up the room. Sydney explores how fashion technology can be used to tell stories on the runway. Her work highlights how technology can augment expression through dynamic garments that bring attention to social issues and personal expression.
For Sydney, our space provides an environment where she can express and explore her creative endeavors through a supportive environment, with input from artists across different disciplines. At Fuse33 there’s always someone to run an idea by.
With the help of our resources, she has seen her recent projects come to life. She helped design and create the light-up ponchos seen at Chinook Blast and helped create a light-up costume for an aerialist performer at EPOQUE by Cirque de la Nuit performance. Sydney currently has a fashion-tech garment in the works that she hopes to see at the next Beakerhead event.
Fuse33 has helped Sydney turn her passion into her career by providing a platform to display her work and connecting her to exhibition opportunities.
“If I hadn’t been to one of their events and become a part of the Fuse community, I wouldn’t be where I am now. I love what I’m doing! Fuse33 has provided me with a place of creative development and a group of like-minded people, enabling me to do what I love, not just something that pays the bills. I think I have been able to reach a large number of people thanks to Fuse33, it’s changed my whole life’s direction.”
Whether you’re interested in fusing fashion and technology like Sydney or want to see what else Fuse33 has to offer, this is your hub for all things maker. Check out our different levels of memberships below, and sign up today!
I think I have been able to reach a large number of people thanks to Fuse33, it’s changed my whole life’s direction
Fuse33 provides a space for people to explore or find their passion, a place to learn a new skill and interact with people they might not normally encounter.
I am a member of the Fuse33 community because it is a space that promotes creativity, exploration and design. A place where I’m always sure to find support for my weird ideas, help where I’m stuck or a new co-conspiritor to make something neat with!
Sydney Pratte
nLITEn Tech
Share space, equipment and a wonderful community of makers
Become part of a community where creation and collaboration are the heart of everything we do. Fuse33 was conceived out of the need for artists and makers to use a space with professional-level equipment without the hug up-front cost.
Our Memberships
Join a community of makers and resources that can kick-start your business!
MIG Welder TIG Welder Grinding Wheel/Disc Sander Polishing and Deburr Chop Saw (Cut-Off Saw) Plasma Cutter Horizontal Band Saw
Brake (Floor Mount) Shear Tube Bending Station Air Compressor Drill Press (Floor Mount) High Precision Metal Lathe 30-ton Hydraulic Press
SOFT SHOPS
Electronics Lab
Measurement Tools
4x Digital multi-meters Digital oscilloscope Digital calipers (several basic and premium)
Cutting and Stripping Tools
Automated wire-stripper Wire strippers x3 Wire cutters x6 Tin snips x2 Dremel 4300 Rotary Tool with 64 attachments for grinding, sanding, polishing, etc. (including Flex Shaft) Utility knives X-Acto knives
Soldering and Desoldering Tools
4x Hakko FX-888D soldering irons with precision tips Full-size industrial desoldering vacuum tool Solder wick 0.032″ (21 gauge) Sn63/Pb37 RMA soldering wire and a variety ofunleaded and no-clean gauges.
Safety
Safety glasses Breathing masks for grinding/painting Grounded wrist straps
Magnification
USB Microscope Magnification lamp
Power Supplies
Variable voltage and current limited power supply 12v, 5v, 3.3v, -12v fixed output power supply.
Screwdriving
Full precision screwdriver set x2 Insulated (1000 volt) screwdriver set
Tweezers
Full set of precision non-magnetic, anti-static, ESD-safe tweezers (flat-head, curved, bent and standard).
Vices
Panavise Standard Panavise Junior Third hand with adjustable, articulating holding arms (a joy to use)
For more, please come on down to the shop and check out our electronics lab.
You also have full access to all the tools in our main Tool Crib!
Sewing Shop
4x Bernina 330 sewing machines
The 3 Series from BERNINA is high on both style and function. The B 330 offers a wide variety of stitches, from the practical to the decorative. Its ergonomic features are designed to make your sewing easier and its portable size allows you to take it with you wherever your sewing leads you.
3x Industrial Sewing Machines
1x PRS100 Brother Embroidery machine
The Persona PRS100 is the most versatile, single needle embroidery machine that can do sew much more! Its tubular free arm configuration gives you the flexibility and ease to embroider difficult to reach areas all while reducing fabric tangles. Persona advances your creativity with key features such as anytime bobbin access, large embroidery area, free arm embroidery & Droplight™ Embroidery Positioning Marker.
Software Library
We have a top of the line computer workstation along with the software you need to render and finish your projects, including:
The full Adobe Creative Cloud including
Photoshop CC Illustrator CC Premiere Pro CC Adobe Audition Adobe After Effects Lightroom etc.
Sketchup Fusion360 Slic3r MeshMixer Fritzing
We will be adding software as it’s demanded, so please let us know if there is anything else you need.
4x da Vinci Jr. 1.0 (FREE to use for all members after taking our XYZ Davinci Jr 3D Printer Certification) Wanhao Duplicator i3 (upgraded for increased versatility and use with exotic filaments such as carbon fiber, stainless steel, and other composites) TEVO Little Monster TEVO Black Widow Formlabs Form 2