Sewing Machine as Musical Instrument

Conductive textiles have been used to create a number of novel interactive musical instruments but Lara Grant’s use of the sewing machine as a musical instrument is by far one of my favorites. Lara modified a sewing machine so that the needle and conductive piece of fabric that is being sewn functions as a switch. Every time the needle makes a stitch it also plays a note. Additionally, the machine can record and play back musical loops. This is all accomplished using an Arduino Diecimila which talks to max/msp on a computer. I’m looking forward to the sewing machine orchestra!