Project Update (week 8-9)

Wearable Technology

To embark on our project on wearable technology, I went to buy cloths and electronics.

Choosing the necessary electronics

I had to choose between two types of lilypad main boards, one with USB port for charging and programming and another without the ports but with more holes. I decided to get the one with the ports so I don’t need to buy additional components, such as the ports.

Other electronics I bought include an infrared sensor, RGB LED and conductive thread.

Choosing between two Lilypads
Choosing between two Lilypads

 

 

 

 

 

 

Creating textures on the surface of polyester fabric
First, I tied marbles with the polyester fabric.
First, I tie marbles with the polyester fabric.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After I have finished attaching three dimensional objects on to the polyester fabric.
End product with three dimensional objects (marbles and pleating made with aluminium foils) attach onto the polyester fabric.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before I start boiling the fabric, I did some research to make sure that I do not burn my fabric. I made some reference to this PDF: The effect of changing temperature on polyester

Next, I wrap the fabric with the marbles in aluminium foil (like the roast chicken in NTUC) and place it in a pot to boil for about 45 minutes.
Next, I wrap the fabric with the marbles in aluminium foil (like the roast chicken in NTUC) and place it in a pot to boil for about 45 minutes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After 45 minutes, I flip open the lid of the pot to check if the fabric have change its form under heat. Apparently, it was loose. So I place it back to boil for a second time (about another 30 minutes).
After 45 minutes, I flip open the lid of the pot to check if the fabric have change its form under heat.
Apparently, it was loose. So I place it back to boil for a second time (about another 30 minutes).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After the second boiling, I took out the fabric using tongs and placed it on top of a towel to cool.
After the second boiling, I take out the fabric using tongs and place it on top of a towel to cool.
After the second boiling, I took out the fabric using tongs and placed it on top of a towel to cool.
When the fabric has cooled, I remove all the marbles and aluminium foils.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When the fabric has cooled
Removing the aluminum foil to reveal the pleated fabric
process 10
Pleated fabric

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pleated fabric
Pleated fabric

 

 

 

 

 

 

I let the fabric dry under room temperature.
I let the fabric dry under room temperature.

 

 

 

 

 

 

process 6 process 7 process 8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A second piece I made which is smaller than the first one.
A second piece I made which is smaller than the first one.

 

Testing the RGB LED with conductive thread: Apparently, the light did not light up when I used the conductive thread in replacement of wires...more testing with soldering needs to be done.
Testing the RGB LED with Arduino Uno using conductive threads: Apparently, the light did not light up when I used the conductive thread in replacement of wires…more testing with soldering needs to be done.

 

 

 

Changing the colour of the lights by working between the numbers 0 to 255 on the RGB colour codes(refer to RGB colour codes chart).
Changing the colour of the lights by working between the numbers 0 to 255 on the RGB colour codes using Arduino programming kit (refer to RGB colour codes chart). To do so, you have to download and install Adafruit_neopixel.

Credits to Nagar, Kamaru, and Randall for guidance.

RGB Colour Codes Chart

 

Working on the dress

Previously, I have created a sketch of the dress inspired by Jellyfish.

Sketch of Jellyfish dress
Sketch of Jellyfish dress

With guidance by my professor, Galina, I have managed to create a simple dress with some alterations made to the initial sketch.

Dress idea 1
Dress idea 1
Dress idea 2
Dress idea 2
Dress idea 3
Dress idea 3
Dress idea 4
Dress idea 4
Dress idea 5
Dress idea 5
Close up of asymmetrical layering of fabric
Close up of asymmetrical layering of fabric
Top view
Top view

More coming up…

Author: Ong Xin Hong

Painting is not just a mere documentation of what you see.

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