LED'd plush Cthulhu
2017-Oct-19, Thursday 12:56 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
chebeCholy Knight has a free plush Cthulhu pattern on their website that is totally adorable. (Actually, many cute plushies!) But, maybe, could be a little more terrifying? LEDs, yes, LEDs for eyes!
Also, I want to play with the Gemma M0, which is much like the previous Gemma, but it comes set up with CircuitPython, a derivative of MicroPython. So instead of installing the Arduino IDE and installing all the boards and libraries, it mounts as a USB flash drive, and you just write your python script in any text editor. Save it, unplug, and it will start running it. (Caveat; space is limited so not all libraries are on the Gemma M0. You'll have to copy over a library if it isn't there. Luckily there's lots of documentation. (And the NeoPixel library is already there.))
First, cut out your pattern pieces.
Then, prototype your circuit. It's straight-forward; two NeoPixel LEDs chained to D1 (D1->Input, Output->Input). Power and Ground chained as needed.
The pattern says to appliqué the eyes onto the face first. I'm only use the outer black eye forms, so I sew them on. Then place the NeoPixels and stitch them in place. The circuitry will be inside the plushie, so stitch the NeoPixel terminals through the fabric with conductive thread. I intend to use wires, so I stitch them to silver jewellery jump rings that the wires can be soldered to.
Continue assembling the plushie as the pattern directs. Just before you are ready to turn the whole thing out to be stuffed, solder the wires in place. I have added a small slit over the wings on the back, that's where my wires are going to emerge. This will give me easy access to the Gemma, and even allow me to hide the battery in a gap in the wings.
I soldered snap connectors to the Gemma terminals for easy connection/disconnection. It can be tucked inside the slit above the wings once you're finished tinkering.
Now you can play around with the code and find the most terrifying look for your plush Cthulhu. The Gemma has two empty pins, so you could add some input, like a tilt switch, or squeeze sensor, and have your lord express anger when touched. But, look at the cute 'ickle tentacles! So cute!
Also, I want to play with the Gemma M0, which is much like the previous Gemma, but it comes set up with CircuitPython, a derivative of MicroPython. So instead of installing the Arduino IDE and installing all the boards and libraries, it mounts as a USB flash drive, and you just write your python script in any text editor. Save it, unplug, and it will start running it. (Caveat; space is limited so not all libraries are on the Gemma M0. You'll have to copy over a library if it isn't there. Luckily there's lots of documentation. (And the NeoPixel library is already there.))
First, cut out your pattern pieces.
Cut
Photo by chebe
Then, prototype your circuit. It's straight-forward; two NeoPixel LEDs chained to D1 (D1->Input, Output->Input). Power and Ground chained as needed.
Prototype circuit
Photo by chebe
The pattern says to appliqué the eyes onto the face first. I'm only use the outer black eye forms, so I sew them on. Then place the NeoPixels and stitch them in place. The circuitry will be inside the plushie, so stitch the NeoPixel terminals through the fabric with conductive thread. I intend to use wires, so I stitch them to silver jewellery jump rings that the wires can be soldered to.
Conductive thread and silver rings to anchor eye LED terminals
Photo by chebe
Continue assembling the plushie as the pattern directs. Just before you are ready to turn the whole thing out to be stuffed, solder the wires in place. I have added a small slit over the wings on the back, that's where my wires are going to emerge. This will give me easy access to the Gemma, and even allow me to hide the battery in a gap in the wings.
Solder wires in place
Photo by chebe
I soldered snap connectors to the Gemma terminals for easy connection/disconnection. It can be tucked inside the slit above the wings once you're finished tinkering.
Gemma poking out from above wings
Photo by chebe
Now you can play around with the code and find the most terrifying look for your plush Cthulhu. The Gemma has two empty pins, so you could add some input, like a tilt switch, or squeeze sensor, and have your lord express anger when touched. But, look at the cute 'ickle tentacles! So cute!
All hail
Photo by chebe
