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
Creating textures on the surface of polyester fabric
First, I tie marbles with 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.
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 take out the fabric using tongs and place it on top of a towel to cool.
When the fabric has cooled, I remove all the marbles and aluminium foils.
Removing the aluminum foil to reveal the pleated fabric
Pleated fabric
Pleated fabric
I let the fabric dry under room temperature.
A second piece I made which is smaller than the first one.
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 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
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 2
Dress idea 3
Dress idea 4
Dress idea 5
Close up of asymmetrical layering of fabric
Top view
More coming up…