It can be funny, what projects end up being used for a very long time. But with time comes maintenance, and possibly even improvements. Which is what happened as I was considering ways to make my beloved Gemma projects less fragile. When they were constructed I didn't have a 3d-printer, which ruled out experimentation. But I do now.

( Gemma case )

( Tiara )

But if we're talking about improvements around things involving Gemmas, then I'd like to present a lifetime achievement award to the maker of this JST connector extractor model. It's explicitly for micro:bits, but it's the same JST-PH form factor as used by Gemmas, Floras, and Lilypads. It is the 20 minute print that I wished I've had for the last 15 years. *applause*

JST-PH extractor tool
Photo by chebe

A long time ago, during Makevember I made a galvanised coated garden wire shamrock, for use as a sign at events. Here it is at Congress. To make it I printed the shape I wanted on A4 paper, put that on top of some cardboard, and used a pattern tracing wheel to transfer the outline to the cardboard. Then I cut the cardboard along that outline. And used pliers to bend and shape the wire to follow the outline of the cardboard shape. Including some feet so it could stand.

( Process )

Lit up LED shamrock sign, brightest setting
Photo by chebe

After making my Gemma-Jewel circuit I needed something to put it in. I couldn't find a tutorial that fit my minimalistic needs (and skills) so I'm trying to figure something out for myself (inspired by those existing tutorials) and learning as I go.

( Some attempts )

Magnets and Sugru Sculpey pendant closed
Photo by chebe

I have something much more complicated in mind, we'll see how it turns out. (Btw, the code used is once again the FastLED library, OceanColors palette. It's simply mesmerising.)

Choly 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.))


( Labour for the Great Old Ones! )

All hail
Photo by chebe

All the pieces were inspired by bits of Irish heritage or sayings. Some people seemed a little insulted that we were explaining the inspiration to them, while the majority of people had never heard of them at all. Were they just very regional activities/sayings, or are we largely discarding our past?

Which brings us to my own personal favourite piece. My favourite because of its relative simplicity, and because it's the closest to actual etextiles. During this piece I discovered just how wonderful real felt is to work with, and how perfect the thick soft fabric is for running channels of conductive thread, completely hidden.

And so I present, arguably, the piece most suitable for modern Ireland (perfect for the daily grind in an office); a waistcoat that lets you know someone is standing behind you, by sending a shiver down your spine.

Waistcoat at Dublin Maker
Photo by chebe

( Magnificent details )

And so our tale comes to an end. I learned a lot, had fun, stress, and sleep deprivation, along the way. But it's always worth it. I'll leave you with photos of the day from the official photographer. *falls down in an exhausted heap*

If you follow me on twitter you may have noticed that I have been playing with getting the maximum number of LEDs for the minimum amount of microcontroller that I can. Here's a short summary.

( Pictures! Video! Text! )

I have to thank Rob for being very patient in answering all my questions. And also to note that although I'm using the Adafruit wearables, Rob has been using the LilyPad boards (including the Tiny!) with the SewIOs quite successfully. Yay for interoperability! And finally, that they don't have to be regular LEDs, you can connect anything you could normally. I think RGB pixels, and smile.