I don’t really get fashion. For example, I don’t understand why somebody would spend $100 on a pair of “Jean-Patrick Coultier” trousers, while you could get pretty much the same for about $20. My clothes just need to keep me warm and comfortable. And now I can see people starting to attach blinking lights to their clothes. Heresy!!!
But others have a different opinions, and people interested in fashion, may not be interested in electronics, but still want those shiny things on their clothes. StitchKit is an Arduino compatible board that can also take Seeed Studio Grove module designed for those kids, teachers, designers, and cosplayers who want to easily add LEDs and other electronics to clothes or other wearable pieces without having to dig into the technical details.
The system works around MakeFashion board powered by an Arduino compatible Microchip / Atmel ATMega32U4 AVR micro-controller with two rows of 6 pin headers, and holes to lock the wires to modules. The board will be powered through a USB type C port (photos look like micro USB), usually via a power bank for this type of application. You can then connect Grove module like RGB LED strip, and other sensor modules. It’s unclear whether they use the Arduino IDE for programming, or a simple-to-use visual programming tools, but sample code is coming soon, and instructions are included in the various kits. The next step is to fit the electronics under or on your clothes, and you could end up with results as shown below.
The project has launched on Kickstarter with a funding goal of $10,000 CAD, and nearly $8,000 CAD raised so far with 42 days to go. Rewards start with $49 CAD ($38 US) FashionTech Starter kit including MakeFashion board, a full color LED pixel string, Grove button and connector, plastic case, a USB type C cable, and instructions. You could go up to $199 CAD (~$155 US) for the FashionTech Creator kit with everything from the Start kit plus a one meter sewable RGB LED strip, RGB LED halo rings, 5 meter waterproof RGB LED strip with 300 LEDs, more Grove modules (Vibration, Light sensor, Loudness sensors…), 50cm long Grove cables, and more. Bundles for educations and collectors are also offered. Rewards are expected to ship in April 2018. More details nay also be found on StitchKit.io website.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/stitchkit-io/stitchkit-the-fashion-technology-kit-for-everyone
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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