c.hadleydikeWhen first starting out with wearable technology I always suggest getting a LilyPad snap kit. These kits are so easy to create fast with very few extra tools needed. They will quickly get your Sewable electronics ToolKit started!!!
The first Project
I purchased an e-sewing LilyPad snap for my first project and quickly made it into a light-up bracelet. Since I already had basic sewing supplies I didn’t need to buy anything else to really get started. However, if you do not have a small sewing kit around your house you would need to purchase one. The only other item needed is a conductive thread spool to actually connect the different ports.
Turning my first project into my second
What is so great about these sewable projects is that nothing is soldered and can be quickly ripped out to create another project!!! I did this many times at the beginning to test out different techniques of sewing and layout. However I will say there is only so many thing you can do with the e-sewing boards because there is no micro controller to change the code.
Buying the LilyPad Proto Snap Board
Next, I really wanted to do more with my projects than have my light turn on and off. I wanted to start coding the LED myself to create the different sequences. I started looking at the different boards LilyPad has to offer and found the LilyPad ProtoSnap. (unfortunately, the one I bought that has everything on it I can’t find anymore but they do have another one that is close) I was able to quickly hook it up to the computer while it was still together on the board and mess around with the different pieces.
I was able to work with LED, an RGB LED, a vibe board, a buzzer, a toggle button, a switch, a temperature sensor, and a light sensor. Having such a variety of products within this one board was a great way for me to really start testing and learning my code. The difference in the board now is that it has multiple empty spots that can easily connect to other components with alligator clips. However, it was great not to have to deal with alligator clips. I hope they bring back this full board one day for people to work with.
Dreaming New Projects
Playing around with the different components within this new Mini Sewable electronics toolkit really sparked my imagination and got me excited to create some more intricate projects. One notable one is the temperature sensing scarf I made. Check out that blog post here.
Get one for yourself and create your very sewable electronic project!
Great Books to help you get started!!!
The adventures in wearable technology have only just begun! There are so many different options for creating your own unique style. Here’s some great reads on the topic that will help you get started – these books Light Up My Life!.
Want my Wearable Technology Toolkit Checklist? Grab it here to help you get started on your own Kit.
