Workshop Weekend: e-Textiles & Light Up Your Wardrobe!

This past weekend, my sister, Katherine Becvar, and I were super excited to host a Light Up Your Wardrobe workshop as part of the Workshop Weekend Event in Oakland.

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.

We walked the class through the process of LED installation in clothing, using techniques inspired by our mentor, Janet Hansen.

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.

Finally, add resistor and battery pack!

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.

Here are some examples and their proud creators.

Light-up dog bandana - never lose your pooch at night!

Fabulous light-up top!

Katherine put together a wonderful handout that summarizes the process, gives shortcuts on resistor math, and has links to some helpful resources.

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

Resources

•        Instructables  (www.instructables.com)

•        Particularly the one done by Enlighted Designs (our mentor, Janet Hansen)

•        www.instructables.com/member/enlighted/

•        www.enlighted.com

•        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)

Valentine's Paper Heart Wreath

I've been saving up paper towel and TP rolls *just knowing* I'd find something crafty to do with them one of these days.  I was inspired by a Google image search to make this lovely craft!

First, paint 2-3 paper towel rolls.  I used red Tempra paint, and one coat did the trick.  Before the paint dried, I sprinkled it with red glitter.  I found that my wine bottles made a great holder while waiting for the paint to dry.

Wine bottle drying rack

Next, I cut the tubes into 3/4-1 inch chunks with scissors.  Then, I folded them in half, and pushed in one side to make a heart.

I was surprised at how easy this was!

Sweet Little Hearts

Next, I cut a circular wreath shape out of craft paper, and glued the hearts in a fitted pattern.

Just a tiny bit of glue on the edge works great

Using some ribbon, I made a fastener.

Welcoming Valentine guests to our home

As a future design iteration, I might choose to paint the inside of the hearts with red or white paint.  I didn't think to do this until the pieces were already glued in place, but it might be a nice improvement.