10 Fabulous and Fashionable Wearable Projects from Becky Stern

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Andrew Terranova is an electrical engineer, writer and author of How Things Are Made: From Automobiles to Zippers. Andrew is also an electronics and robotics enthusiast and has created and curated robotics exhibits for the Children's Museum of Somerset County, NJ and taught robotics classes for the Kaleidoscope Enrichment in Blairstown, NJ and for a public primary school. Andrew is always looking for ways to engage makers and educators.

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July 15th, 2014October 12th, 2015 9

Becky Stern modeling her NeoPixel Punk Collar.

Becky Stern, director of wearable electronics at Adafruit Industries, is the queen of cool couture, the maven of marvelous making, the… OK, you get the idea. She makes really cool stuff and shows you how.

Check out 10 of her favorite wearable projects you can try for yourself.

Start the slideshow to check out the pictures, project descriptions, and a link to the Adafruit project page.

This simple project is both practical and fashionable. Add some interior lights to your purse and never fumble in the dark for your things again. The project makes use of Adafruit’s GEMMA Sequin Starter Pack, conductive thread and conductive hook and loop tape. More info at: https://learn.adafruit.com/interior-purse-light

It’s punk. It’s goth. It’s cyber-goth-punk. Whatever you call it, it’ll look cool while you are out on the town. This project uses the GEMMA microcontroller and some through hole NeoPixels to create a really cool effect. More info at: https://learn.adafruit.com/neopixel-punk-collar

While we are delving into punk territory, check out these cool 3D printed spikes. Accessorize and add some instant cred at a makerspace or dance club. The project again makes use of the GEMMA microprocessor and NeoPixels, this time with 3D printed spikes to diffuse the LEDs. More info at: https://learn.adafruit.com/cyberpunk-spikes

Capture everyone’s eyes as they trace the light patterns running through this awesome bracelet. The project uses four NeoPixel rings and GEMMA. More info at: https://learn.adafruit.com/neopixel-ring-bangle-bracelet

Turn on your heartlight. A GEMMA microcontroller with a light dependent resistor detects when this NeoPixel heart is uncovered and turns it on. More info at: https://learn.adafruit.com/light-activated-pixel-heart

Why should genius billionaire playboy philanthropists have all the fun? Incorporate an Iron Man inspired arc reactor into a cosplay costume or y’know, just wear it around the house. Use a GEMMA, laser cut acrylic frame, and NeoPixels for this one. More info at: https://learn.adafruit.com/superhero-power-plant

I love this project, which was a collaboration between Becky and Phillip Burgess (aka Paint Your Dragon). A velostat step sensor placed inside each shoe activates the light animation at your every step. More info at: https://learn.adafruit.com/firewalker-led-sneakers

Add some sparkle to a skirt or other item with a FLORA controller and accelerometer, conductive thread, and RGB NeoPixels. More info at: https://learn.adafruit.com/sparkle-skirt

Throw pillows? That’s boring. Get some game with these plush controllers that really work. The FLORA controller is integrated into the pillow with capacitive touch sensors. More info at: https://learn.adafruit.com/plush-game-controller

Make a wearable GPS tracker for you or your furry friend. Use a FLORA main board and GPS to log your distance. Integrate it into a backpack, dog harness, or whatever you want to track. More info at: https://learn.adafruit.com/gps-logging-dog-harness

This week, July 14-19 2014, we’re exploring wearable electronics of all kinds on Make! If it is electronic and belongs on your body, we’d love to hear about it! You can find all of our wearable articles by going here.