LilyPad - What is it?
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LilyPad is a programmable, electronic, sewable system for creating textiles with an electronic twist! The electronic LilyPad component is programmed using Arduino and embedded into the textile project using conductive thread. This allows the creator to imagine, and bring to life, interactive clothing, accessories, or other textile-based products. This may include a small bear with eyes that light up, a purse with a handle that changes color when touched, or a temperature sensitive lighting pattern in a clothing item.
A LilyPad design kit will cost about $80, and allow the creation of about six projects. There are a large variety of tutorials, forums, and sample projects, covering topics from coming up with an idea, to programming with Arduino, to sewing with circuits and conductive thread, available to get your LilyPad adventure started. 
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Materials to Get StartedFor the sewing:
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LilyPad Arduino can seem daunting to start. It's true, you need to know how to code using Arduino, how to build the circuity for the project, and to sew using conductive thread to bring it all together. But never fear, there are step-by-step tutorials for everything you need to know! The Sewelectric.org is a simple, well-laid out how-to resource for beginning with e-textiles. This is an excellent place to start as it is laid out in a clear, info-graphic style. Ready to begin? Start with the Sew Electric Beginner's Kit to use with the DIY projects provided on the site.
Lilypadarduino,org provides great tutorials for continuing your learning for both coding and sewing. Learn about the sewing aspect here. Learn about the coding aspect here. The LilyPad Design Kit provides all that you need for beginning projects, except for fabric. The next thing you need to do is find a project. Start small, as to not overwhelm yourself. You have learned a lot about sewing and coding, now let's see what you can do! You can find starter projects, complete with tutorials, here. The LilyPad Design Kit will likely still provide you with the basics you need, however, if you need more pieces, or specific elements, you can find them here.
There is always a "further" with LilyPad! Once you understand the basics of the coding, sewing, and the various elements LilyPad has to offer, the limit is your imagination! Take a look at these innovative creations made with LilyPad or these ones from Makezine!
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How can I use LilyPad in my makerspace?
The LilyPad Arduino is well supported through online tutorials and videos. These tutorials are provided by LilyPad, Sew Electric, and by Sparkfun, the carrier of the LilyPad products. In addition, there are many user generated tutorial videos available to help along the way. Sew Electric provides two excellent beginner projects. Click on the images to access the instructions for each.
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Like what you see? Get the Sew Electric book here.
LilyPad Student Challenges!
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LilyPad Resources
Getting Started!Sparkfun provides written tutorials to help you get started with the basics, in detail, of LilyPad. Great for the detail-oriented user!
Looking for Something Specific?Instructables offers video tutorials for many e-textile topics.
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Coding!Sparkfun also provides the same style of manual to help you get started on the coding aspect of LilyPad. This is great for the detail-oriented user!
Instructables!Looking for inspiration? Instructables offers many projects with step-by-step instructions to make it happen! You can follow along online, or subscribe for a pro account to download the PDF instructions.
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Do you have a lesson idea to contribute? Please contact us to share your idea with our community of educators!
Wearable Electronics is a book that walks you through the stages of creating a variety of e-textile projects. Check it out here.
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