c.hadleydikeBeginning with LilyPad Sewable electronics is very easy. Once you start the inspiration comes from everywhere. Once I saw how easy it was to start I began making projects and then taking them apart to create another new project. Searching for sensors or components I have not used to inspire my learning and create new projects was another way I design my projects. I hope you can find the same inspiration I did from LilyPad Sewable Electronics.
Conductive Thread
Conductive thread is used when sewing the different components together. Make sure to grad a spool or two so you can get started!!!
Alligator Clips let you “breadboard” your project with the sewable components. Since the sewable components can not easily be inserted into a bread board to test your circuit clip them together with the alligator clips.
The Different ProtoSnaps you can buy
At the center of the ProtoSnap Plus is the LilyPad USB Plus microcontroller, pre-wired to a LilyPad board including a LilyPad Light Sensor, LilyPad Buzzer, LilyPad Button Board, four pairs of colored LilyPad LEDs and a LilyPad Slide Switch
The LilyMini ProtoSnap ships with pre-loaded code that uses all the LilyPad pieces connected to it. This sample code has three modes, which can be selected by pressing the LilyPad Button on the bottom-left side of the ProtoSnap. The built-in RGB LED on the LilyMini will change color to indicate which mode has been selected:
The E-Sewing ProtoSnap includes three white LilyPad LEDs: two connected to a LilyPad Slide Switch and one connected to a LilyPad Button Board. A LilyPad Coin Cell Battery Holder with a CR2032 coin cell battery provides all the power you need for the circuit. All you need to do is design how you want your project to be laid out, and then snap everything apart!
The Different LilyPad Boards you can buy
A great beginner board that has more memory that the LilyMini. Great for when you are wanting to program the NeoPixels!!! Added plus it has its own port for a Lipo Battery no extra attachment needed.
The LilyTwinkle is a tiny little board With each port having a different pre programmed sequence on it. Grab some alligator clips and clip a few together to see what each port will do.
The nice thing about LiPower is the ability to use rechargable Lithium Polymer batteries. These batteries are smaller, flatter, and last much longer than a AAA battery. Add them to any project for an easier way to provide power.
The Different LilyPad Sensors you can buy
Have your project change color or patterns depending on what the temperature is outside!!!
depending on how bright it is have your project change color or patterns with this Light Sensor.
Have your project change patterns depending on how fast you are turning or moving!!!
The Different LilyPad Sewable LED’s you can buy
Light up any project with many different colors!!! Connect them to a button battery board and see your project light-up!!!
Lean how to get any color in the rainbow with this tri-color LED. Pair it with a temperature sensor and know the temperature range by the color displayed.
A must for any colorful project!!! String many of these NeoPixels together and control each one individually from one port!!!
Other NeoPixels
A pack of Sewable NeoPixels from adafruit. I always buy extras when I run out because these are the most common LED I use in my projects. They are so versatile.
These are NeoPixels that still need to be solder together. They are cheaper however take time to prep them to insert them into a project.
NeoPixel Strips are a great addition if the project requires the NeoPixels to be inserted in a straight line. However always pay attention to voltage so you know what battery will work!!!
The Different Adafruit Boards you can buy
The Gemma MO is the board I used to create the A-line shirt with the light up flowers on the shoulder
The Adafruit Circuit Playground is an amazing board that can assist in learning how to program NeoPixels!!!
This is am older version of the Gemma MO but I have used it a number of times and highly recommend it as a small board.
Different books to help inspire and instruct!
Looking for a good starter kit to get you the basics? Check this one out!!! It includes a Flora motherboard, four ultra-bright chainable RGB pixels, a 3xAAA battery holder and batteries, a battery extension cable, our high-quality stainless steel thread, alligator clips to help you test out your parts and connections and a USB cable for reprogramming the Flora.