It was a raving success! Although we did learn a lot about hosting a workshop that involves using advanced soldering and electronics skills. The workshop was scheduled to run from 1-3PM...but some of us didn't get out until 4:30. That being said, everyone walked away with a light up project that worked!
The workshop started out with an introduction from my sister and me about our background and history in wearables. We also showed off some of our favorite examples of light-up costumes from our stash.
 |
| Installing the LEDs, using buttons as backings. Here is a light-up bra example showing the buttons inside (LEDs shine facing out). |
 |
| Trimming the LED leads. |
 |
| Wiring up the LEDs into a parallel circuit. |
 |
| Check circuit, then seal off with hot glue. |
Students brought a variety of projects, including sweatshirts, jackets, t-shirts, and purses. There was much crafting to be had!
 |
| Final steps in the light-up coat collar. |
 |
| Light-up dog bandana - never lose your pooch at night! |
 |
| Fabulous light-up top! |
e-Textiles: Light Up Your
Wardrobe
with Katherine Becvar and Amaya Becvar Weddle
Instructions
Step 1: Design
Before you start,
spend some time planning your project.
Things to think about :
•
light
placement
•
type
of battery needed
•
battery
placement
•
lining
/ wiring protection
•
light
treatment / diffusion
•
channels
or effects
•
resistor
math (V = iR)
•
microcontrollers
/ channels
Step 2: Install your Lights
( 0. prep-work? drilling holes or cutting LED
leads to make them sharper)
1.
poke
LEDs through fabric
2.
add
button to the back
3.
fold
over LED leads and mark positive + and negative -
-
fold all the plusses one way and minuses the
other
4.
Trim
lead to edge of button
Step 3: Wiring and Soldering
1.
measure
& cut wire harness parts, leaving a bit of slack between buttons
2.
strip
wire ends
3.
twist
wire ends together and "tin" (pre-apply solder)
4.
solder
harness to button backs, starting farthest from where the batteries will go
4. - save the
battery for last; solder in switch and
resistor
5.
TEST
the circuit!
Step 4: Finishing
1.
apply generous blobs of hot glue over your
solder joints
1.- test your circuit
again
2.
sew
in lining or covering over the wires, and enjoy your new awesome project!
e-Textiles: Light Up Your Wardrobe
e-Textiles: Light Up Your Wardrobe
Resources
•
Instructables (www.instructables.com)
•
Particularly the one done by Enlighted
Designs (our mentor, Janet Hansen)
•
All Electronics www.allelectronics.com
•
Electronics Goldmine www.goldmine-elec.com/
Tool List
•
LEDs
- all one color, from the same manufacturer's batch
•
2 -
hole buttons
•
switch
•
resistor
(~30 or ~50 ohms, depending on your light color)
•
battery
holder & batteries appropriate to the number of lights you're adding
•
needlenose
pliers
•
cutting
pliers
•
wire
strippers
•
helping
hands
•
glue
gun & glue
•
permanent
marker
•
ruler
•
needle
& thread
•
scrap
fabric to line your project with
•
insulated
wire (approx 20 gauge)
Resistor Math
|
Light color
|
Resistor Value
|
Light Color
|
Resistor Value
|
|
Red
= 1.8-2.2V
|
50 ohms
|
White = 3.0-3.4V
|
20 ohms
|
|
Yellow = 1.8-2.2V
|
50 ohms
|
Blue = 3.0-3.4V
|
20 ohms
|
|
Orange = 1.8-2.2V
|
50 ohms
|
Pink = 3.0-3.4V
|
20 ohms
|
|
old Green = 1.8-2.2V
|
50 ohms
|
Purple = 3.0-3.4V
|
20 ohms
|
|
new Green = 3.0-3.4V
|
20 ohms
|
Aqua = 3.0-3.4V
|
20 ohms
|
Different light colors want different resistor values
Reduce the resistor values if you add more lights
(because more wire & LEDs increases the resistance in
the circuit)
