Sewing LEDs and lilypads is… its really challenging–that’s all I can really say because I was so close to losing my cool. The conductive wire is really difficult to work with, especially when there’s not enough experience.
Initially, I thought as long as there’s a piece of fabric in the intersections, the LEDs will have no problem lighting up. However, little do I know, the porous fabric affects the circuit and the lights are unable to work.
Tries
After trying different methods and searching online for a method a girl used for her halloween outfit, the LED lights were unable to light up. I started to get unsure of the time I need on this and also, how much can I trust this lights to deliver during the exhibition and fashion show? After sewing a few paths and having the third one to not light up at all, I didn’t know if I should continue with this method.
In addition, the lights these LEDs are giving off isn’t strong enough to enable audience to see through the pleats and into the dyed satin fabric. I am hesitant to change the method.
Then, my sister came in with her christmas LED white lights, asking me to try them. I placed them under the dress and it was aaaaaamazing. It is bright and fully insulated. Most importantly, it gave me the effect I wanted and these lilypads LEDs couldn’t. I am sure of the change of method.
Off to get batteries powered white LED lights
Trying out with my sister’s christmas LED white lights and below is how it turned out with the lights off. I truly love it and I think it is the right direction to move forward to instead of figuring out the lilypad and LEDs at such a time crunch. The blue tones and gradient can be seen under the strong white light and it really pushes the apparel onto the next level.
However, one down side would be the lack of programming and there’ll be no twinkle in the lights. Weighing the pros and cons, I personally felt that the bigger LED christmas lights worked better as it showed the handwork that went through the dyeing process. Even though it lacked interactivity as there will be no sensors and programming involved, it doesn’t change the concept of the project. Therefore, interactivity is something I am willing to forgo.
I am glad that you truly used the methods of wearable technology stitching the lilypad LED with conductive thread and created your own circuits which is part of the course practise for the proof of concept.You also made the smart move and came up with your own decision at the end , which doesn’t change the concept of the project.
Thank you for assuring me Galina 🙂 Am really glad I manage to get help for the pressure sensor and lilypad to achieve the effect I wanted at the beginning.