The LilyPad Arduino - It's Like a Scavenger Hunt for Information!

I'm a maker because everyone's a maker.  I'm a maker because I have said that I am.  And we all know that when you say something, you should do your best to make it happen.  It's a powerful thing, the Spoken Word.

I like to sew.  I've had a fair amount of experience with the sewing machine, althought there are so many more who can sew more neatly than I can.  I've been exploring the Maker Shed.  A friend mentioned it to me and upon some poking around, it's a shopping spot for those who are new to the concept of making and the Maker Community.  I could spend a fair amount of time talking about the maker shed, but I've got other things to talk about.

Enter the concept of wearable electronics.  I found the LilyPad.  It's categorized under Wearables.  Sounds good to me... I've been wondering what I should wear to the Maker Faire.  It's a bit expensive for an exploration, but hey, "You just got paid hon... I can do this, can't I?".  I love my husband!  So I ordered the

My LilyPad came in the mail about a week ago.  It was part of a package without instructions.  NOW WHAT?

Have you ever thought.... THANK GOODNESS FOR THE INTERNET?  I have!  I've been thinking it a lot now that I'm trying to figure out what to do with the LilyPad.

So... Search engines.... our friends... I went online and entered lots of different search word combinations.  Try a few yourself if you'd like.  "arduino lilypad" "arduino lilypad software" "arduino liypad easy projects" "learn arduino lilypad".

Here's a nice link that talks about the LilyPad.  There's a lot of stuff I don't understand, schematics are scary.  Still, I'm a maker and I need to be able to look at this stuff.  Without fear. 

Here's a less techie (techy?) compilation of information about the LilyPad.

I'm also putting up a link to a fun video that I found by Make magazine.

OK.  It seems that there's a lot for me to do here.  So... as a prior governor of California once said.... "I'LL BE BACK!"

Trish must admit that she does have some technical background and a job that involves technology.  HOWEVER, all the emotions expressed in the post are real.  It's sometimes difficult to take work thoughts outside of the context of the work day.

Trish is very excited about her impending visit to the Bay Area Makerfaire in May.

Trish writes as for Patch and as Handmade Penguin for the Handmade Penguin blog