New soft circuit kits in the maker shed and massive soft electronics roundup

Arduino Wearables
New soft circuit kits in the maker shed and massive soft electronics roundup

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These two new kits from Sparkfun debuted at Maker Faire Austin this year, and I can say from playing with them that they’re really cool. If you’re interested in getting started with soft electronics or the LilyPad Arduino, the worlds first sewable microcontroller, give these a whirl:

Lilypad E-Sewing Kit

The LilyPad e-sewing kit contains the bits to sew LEDs into any piece of clothing. Add turn signals to a jacket, accentuate a t-shirt, or light-up your favorite pair of jeans with this simple to use kit. This kit contains the very basics to the LilyPad system. It’s a great entry-level kit for people who want to experiment with wearable electronics. Consider adding the LilyPad Pro Kit to extend control and use of the LilyPad system.

Features:

  • 5 LilyPad Bright White LEDs
  • 3 LilyPad Button Boards
  • 2 Coin Cell Batteries 20mm
  • 1 Coin Cell Holder
  • 1 Spool 4Ply Conductive Thread

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LilyPad Pro Kit

Think of this kit as an ‘add-on’ to the LilyPad E-Sewing Kit. The LilyPad Pro Kit gives you the full flexibility and power of the LilyPad system. Program the LilyPad main board to respond to physical changes in light, sound, or motion. Create displays of light, sound, and get physical feedback using the various LilyPad periphery boards.

Features:

  • LilyPad Mainboard
  • LilyPad Power Supply
  • LilyPad USB Link
  • Mini USB Cable

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Here are some project we’ve featured on the CRAFT/MAKE blogs to get you inspired:

Electronic Embroidery – CRAFT Video Podcast

HOW TO – Make a Turn Signal Bike Jacket

Dress with Electronic Flapping Butterflies

TV-B-Gone Hoodie and Zipper Switch

WAY more projects after the jump including how to make soft sensors! If I forgot your favorite soft circuit project, post it up in the comments.

“My Speed” bike vest

HOW TO – Make a soft-circuit LED bracelet

Open Heart brooch

made with the Open Heart Kit, designed to be sewn!

HOW TO – Make and use conductive glue and thread

Highlights from Maker Faire Austin: Conductive Thread Embroidery

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LED Felt Ornaments Kit, no soldering required!

LED Firefly Baby Booties Tutorial

HOW TO – Fabric Bend Sensor

HOW TO – Flexible pressure sensor

Soft bread board creates a kinder gentler circuit

Paper Comptuing

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LilyPad Arduino Embroidery

LilyPad Arduino workshop projects

Soft Circuit Workshop at SMoCA Wrapup

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Becky Stern is a Content Creator at Autodesk/Instructables, and part time faculty at New York’s School of Visual Arts Products of Design grad program. Making and sharing are her two biggest passions, and she's created hundreds of free online DIY tutorials and videos, mostly about technology and its intersection with crafts. Find her @bekathwia on YouTube/Twitter/Instagram.

View more articles by Becky Stern

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