Hardware Hump Day: LED Constellation Hoops
Check out these super cute DIY constellation embroidery hoops!
Over the past few years I have noticed a resurgence of the New Age movement. Many of my friends (me) have begun collecting crystals, sage smudging and blaming bad days on Mercury in retrograde --- although I admittedly don't understand what that even means.
A few months back, I was meeting with some of my team here at SparkFun, and our very creative Sr. Marketing Manager, Chelsea, came up with a brilliant project idea: embroidered constellations using LilyPad LEDs for the stars. Given people's (my) recent obsession with all things space and astrology I decided to use the Zodiac constellation patterns and make one hoop for each sign.
Around the same time, I was experimenting with parts for the PomPom Headbands. I discovered that our LilyTiny --- a tiny, sewable microcontroller from the LilyPad line --- comes pre-programmed with really lovely LED animations. Each of the four digital pins has its own unique animation, such as pulsing, flickering, twinkling, etc.
The necessary materials and build process are described in the video below.
We've also made a video diagram of how to connect this circuit.
I am so happy with how these turned out, and they make an awesome gift for literally any occasion. These patterns are perfect for group crafting circles or workshops and look really wonderful hanging on a wall.
Which constellation would you want hanging on your wall? Any other ideas? Share with us in the comments below!
Interested in learning more about LEDs?
See our LED page for everything you need to know to start using these components in your project.
