Carindale Library Makerspace

The Carindale Library Makerspace is a place for people to learn new skills, create and collaborate through access to maker equipment and programs. See frequently asked questions below, and/or read the terms and conditions of use.

Event program

Frequently asked questions

What equipment is available at the makerspace?

The makerspace is equipped with:

  • six Janome 6050 digital sewing machines
  • two Janome Airthread 2000D overlockers
  • one Emblaser 2 laser cutter
  • two Brother scan and cut machines
  • six Surface Pro laptops with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop software
  • five Wacom tablets for digital drawing and illustration.

What programs and activities are offered at the makerspace?

You can participate in a range of activities at the makerspace including:

  • group induction sessions for sewing machines / overlockers and laser cutting equipment, which includes an introduction to the scan and cut machines
  • booking and using the equipment for your own creative projects (once you've completed the relevant inductions)
  • maker assist sessions to use the equipment in a supported group learning environment (once you've completed the relevant inductions)
  • workshops led by artists and creatives – teaching both handmade and machine-based skills.

How will I know what's happening at the makerspace?

Weekly makerspace timetable*

This table includes session information for the Carindale Library Makerspace.
Day of the weekTimeActivity
Wednesday10am-12noonMaker assist: Sewing
Thursday5.30-7.30pm (on the first Thursday of the month)Maker assist up late
Friday10.30am-12.30pmInduction
Saturday9.30-11.30amInduction
SundayOccasionalOccasional workshops – check the events calendar for workshop information

Note:

  • This timetable is provided as a general guide and is subject to change dependent on scheduled workshops and events. Phone Carindale Library on 07 3407 1490 for more information.
  • Equipment is available during library opening hours for those who have completed the relevant inductions. The makerspace closes 30 minutes prior to the library.
  • Occasionally workshops are hosted in the makerspace on Sundays, and this will affect access to the space and availability of equipment. Contact Carindale Library for availability. To find out about upcoming workshops and events, check out the events calendar, or visit your local library to pick up a copy of the What's On in Libraries guide.

Programs

Sewing induction

Are you keen to develop your sewing skills? Join this interactive workshop to learn more about the Carindale Library Makerspace and practise the basic techniques you need to operate our Janome sewing machines and overlockers. After attending this induction workshop and becoming a library member, you can book a maker session to use the sewing equipment for your own creative projects. No previous experience required.

Laser cutter induction

Are you interested in exploring the creative possibilities of laser cutting? Join this interactive workshop to learn more about the Carindale Library Makerspace and the basic techniques you need to operate our Emblaser 2 laser cutter. After attending this induction workshop and becoming a library member, you can book a maker session to use the laser cutter for your own creative projects. No previous experience required in laser cutting. Intermediate computer skills recommended.

Maker assist: Sewing

Have you completed the Makerspace sewing induction? Would you like some extra support as you get started with the equipment? During these group sessions, a Makerspace staff member will be on hand to assist you with planning your project and answering your equipment questions. Bring your own sewing ideas or use one of our sewing templates for creative inspiration. You will be assigned a sewing machine and sewing accessories kit and have access to the overlockers alongside other participants. Bring your own fabric and other materials.

Maker assist up late: Sewing and laser cutting

Have you completed a Makerspace induction for sewing or laser cutting? Would you like some extra support as you get started with the equipment? During these group sessions, a Makerspace staff member will be on hand to assist you with planning your project and answering your equipment questions. Please bring your own materials.

How do I book the equipment for individual use?

To book and use any of the makerspace equipment, you must:

  • be a current member of Brisbane City Council Library Services
  • complete a relevant induction session if you wish to use the sewing equipment or laser cutter
  • comply with the terms and conditions of use.

Induction sessions are not required to use the Scan 'n' Cut machines, SurfacePro laptops and Wacom tablets. Speak with library staff about the general makerspace conditions of use.

To book any of the makerspace equipment, or reserve your place at an induction session, phone Carindale Library on 07 3407 1490.

How long can I book the equipment for?

The equipment can be booked for individual use for up to three hours and may be extended if availability permits.

How will I know how to use the equipment?

The makerspace is designed to support self-directed learning.

Inductions and other workshops provide you with the basic foundations to begin your creative skill development. In the makerspace, you will also find troubleshooting documents, manufacturer instructions, and books and other resources to assist your learning.

Makers are encouraged to continue developing their skills through practise, collaborating with other users of the space, and accessing the resources available in the library.

Carindale Library staff are available to answer questions about the makerspace and can assist with general troubleshooting.

Do I need to be a library member to use the makerspace?

You must be a member of Brisbane City Council Library Services to book equipment for individual use.

You do not need to be a member to attend inductions and workshops.

Are there age requirements to use the makerspace equipment?

The makerspace is open to adults and young people aged 12 years and older.

For those aged 12-17 years, a parent or guardian must sign a participant disclaimer form for attendance at any makerspace session involving use of the sewing, laser cutting or scan and cut equipment. A disclaimer is not required for sessions for handmade craft, without machine use.

In addition, for those aged 12-14 years a parent or guardian must be present during individual maker sessions to supervise their use of the sewing, laser cutting and scan and cut equipment. The participant and their parent or guardian must complete the relevant induction session prior to booking an individual maker session to use the equipment.

Phone Carindale Library on 07 3407 1490 for more information.

Is there a cost to use the makerspace?

There is no cost to attend makerspace workshops or events, or to book the makerspace equipment.

For convenience, a small selection of materials suitable for use in the laser cutter are available for purchase. See the 'What materials are provided? What do I need to bring?' FAQ below for further details and pricing.

What materials are provided? What do I need to bring?

For inductions and workshops, all materials are provided by the library.

When making a booking to use makerspace equipment, refer to the information below for advice on what you need to bring.

Sewing

Each sewing machine comes with a sewing kit of basic supplies that you can use during your maker session. These kits contain:

  • sewing and embroidery scissors
  • measuring tape
  • chalk
  • black and white thread
  • sewing clips and pins
  • seam ripper
  • additional footers for the sewing machines.

The overlockers are permanently threaded with black and white thread. These are not to be changed by makerspace users.

You will need to bring your own:

  • fabric
  • coloured thread for the sewing machine
  • accessories such as zips, buttons, elastic
  • patterns (we recommend pre-cutting your patterns at home).

Laser cutting

You will need to bring your own:

  • materials to use in the laser cutter (refer to the list of approved materials below)
  • a USB or portable hard drive to save your work.

You may only use the following approved materials in the laser cutter, and you must show these materials to staff before commencing your session:

  • black acrylic (2-5 millimetres)
  • laser specific plywood.

For important safety reasons, no materials other than those listed can be used in the laser cutter.

For convenience while working on your own laser cutting projects, you can purchase the following materials at the makerspace.

Materials for purchase for laser cutting at Carindale Makerspace.
MaterialQuantityPrice (including GST)
Plywood sheet - 300mm x 300mm x 3mmPer sheet$6.45
Acrylic sheet (black) - 297mm x 420mm x 2mmPer sheet$14.45

Scan and cut machines

You will need to bring your own:

  • materials to use in the cutting machines
  • a USB containing the design template you wish to cut (or you can use of the pre-set designs in the machine).

Surface Pro laptops and Wacom tablets

You will need to bring your own:

  • USB or portable hard drive to save your work.

Terms and conditions of use

These terms and conditions set out the conditions of use of the Brisbane City Council's Makerspace at Carindale Library – a place for people to learn new skills, create and collaborate through access to make equipment and programs. You must read and agree to the below terms and conditions. Any questions regarding the below terms and conditions can be directed to Council library staff.

Training and membership

1. Prior to using any of the sewing equipment, laser cutter, or scan and cut equipment at the makerspace (either during individual maker sessions, part of makerspace social sessions, or any other relevant sessions as determined by Council library staff), you must complete an induction workshop offered by Council's Library Services.

2. To use the makerspace, you must be a Council library member. If you are not currently a member, find out how to join a library.

Use of makerspace equipment

3. By using the makerspace, you acknowledge and agree:

(a) any use of any equipment is at your own risk;

(b) Council is not liable for any personal injury, property damage, loss or erasure of data due to your use of any equipment;

(c) any use of sewing equipment, laser cutter, or scan and cut equipment by a child aged 12-14 years must be supervised by a parent or legal guardian, who has also attended the required induction workshop in accordance with condition 1, while using said equipment;

(d) you are responsible for your own safety and must follow all appropriate measures and safety practices, including those outlined during the induction workshop and/or in any relevant manufacturer instructions

(e) you are responsible for ensuring any of the makerspace equipment and equipment accessories remain in the library at all times. Any damaged or malfunctioning equipment must be reported immediately to library staff; and

(f) if you observe any unsafe behaviour or practices by other users of the makerspace, you must inform library staff immediately.

Use of the makerspace

4. When in attendance at the makerspace:

(a) you must follow the directions of library staff when using the makerspace for any purpose;

(b) you must not bring in any outside equipment without the express permission of library staff;

(c) you must secure your own belongings and be responsible for any items you bring to use in the makerspace. Any property left at the makerspace, or in the library, will be handled in accordance with Council's Library Services lost property procedure;

(d) you agree to be considerate of other users of the makerspace, keep the makerspace orderly and neat, and clean up after your use.

5. The library staff, at their sole discretion, have the right to end any session and/or delete or remove any items or projects deemed inappropriate.

Check permissions and copyright

6. It is your responsibility to ensure you comply with any copyright and intellectual property rights in your use of the makerspace and its equipment.

7. You must not use the makerspace and its equipment in a way that infringes the rights of any other person, including intellectual property rights.

8. For further information and fact sheets, visit the Australian Copyright Council website.

Events list

Sun 7 Apr 2024, 11:00am
Free

Textile artist Theresa Hurley from Indigo Niche will introduce you to the Japanese embroidery style known as sashiko, which uses simple decorative running...

Carindale Library, Westfield Carindale, 1151 Creek Road (near Millennium Boulevard), Carindale

Wed 10 Apr 2024, 10:00am
Free

Have you completed the Makerspace sewing induction? Would you like some extra support as you get started with the equipment? During these group sessions, a...

Carindale Library, Westfield Carindale, 1151 Creek Road (near Millennium Boulevard), Carindale

Thu 11 Apr 2024, 9:00am
Free

Join us for a chat and a cuppa while working on your craft project. Please call the library for more information.

Carindale Library, Westfield Carindale, 1151 Creek Road (near Millennium Boulevard), Carindale

Fri 12 Apr 2024, 10:30am
Free

Are you interested in exploring the creative possibilities of laser cutting? Join this interactive workshop to learn more about the Carindale Library Makerspace...

Carindale Library, Westfield Carindale, 1151 Creek Road (near Millennium Boulevard), Carindale

Wed 17 Apr 2024, 10:00am
Free

Have you completed the Makerspace sewing induction? Would you like some extra support as you get started with the equipment? During these group sessions, a...

Carindale Library, Westfield Carindale, 1151 Creek Road (near Millennium Boulevard), Carindale

Fri 19 Apr 2024, 10:30am
Free

Are you keen to develop your sewing skills? Join this interactive workshop to learn more about the Carindale Library Makerspace and practise the basic...

Carindale Library, Westfield Carindale, 1151 Creek Road (near Millennium Boulevard), Carindale

Sat 20 Apr 2024, 9:30am
Free

Are you interested in exploring the creative possibilities of laser cutting? Join this interactive workshop to learn more about the Carindale Library Makerspace...

Carindale Library, Westfield Carindale, 1151 Creek Road (near Millennium Boulevard), Carindale

Sun 21 Apr 2024, 1:00pm
Free

Japanese artist Mabina Alaka will teach you some of the basics of kirigami, including how to cut and fold paper to make three-dimensional creations. If you...

Carindale Library, Westfield Carindale, 1151 Creek Road (near Millennium Boulevard), Carindale

Wed 24 Apr 2024, 10:00am
Free

Have you completed the Makerspace sewing induction? Would you like some extra support as you get started with the equipment? During these group sessions, a...

Carindale Library, Westfield Carindale, 1151 Creek Road (near Millennium Boulevard), Carindale

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Topics: carindale

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