Arduino is the new Heathkit. It’s not the cheapest, fastest, or most advanced digital technology, but its standardization, open-source parts, simple software interface, and design for easy integration allow anyone to make their digital ideas happen. And if those ideas involve hoodies, bracelets, or bags, then this is the Arduino book for you.

The book targets creative, nontechnical people. Enough technical detail is provided, including soldering advice, software design, and debugging, that you don’t have to be an electrical engineer to select and connect parts, nor a trained programmer to write the code. If you follow along with the included projects, you will acquire the knowledge you need for subsequent projects that you dream up. The book provides an extensive list of Arduino suppliers, all of whom focus on home hobbyists.

The book is just over 300 pages long, but it’s an easy read that is loaded with pictures. The author is not an engineer. He’s an art and communications professor. You don’t have to be a geek to follow his explanations. But even if you are, it’s refreshing to explore technology that you can build with your own two hands, that doesn’t require a staff of specialists or expensive machinery. And the book includes sewing tips.