# Sparkle Skirt ## Overview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cg3uBXMrshI ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/008/131/medium800/flora_JMD_1715_rbr.jpg?1396861117) Make clothing that lights up when you move! This is a sewing (no soldering) Flora project using 12 color-changing NeoPixels and the Flora accelerometer/compass module. Spikes in the sensor readings cause the pixels to flash, and sparkle. The pixels are sewn to the skirt's lining and are diffused by the outer layer of fabric, whether it be a sheer overlay or a cutout lace design. If a skirt doesn't appeal to you, use this circuit and code on a hat, a belt buckle, and even a blinky dog collar. Prerequisite guides: - [Getting Started with FLORA](http://learn.adafruit.com/getting-started-with-flora) - [Conductive thread](http://learn.adafruit.com/conductive-thread/) - [FLORA Accelerometer](http://learn.adafruit.com/flora-accelerometer) - [FLORA RGB NeoPixels](http://learn.adafruit.com/flora-rgb-smart-pixels "Link: http://learn.adafruit.com/flora-rgb-smart-pixels") ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/008/132/medium800/risa_rose_flora_twinkle_skirt.jpg?1396861147) Model photos by John de Cristofaro, construction assistance and modeling by Risa Rose. Hat tip to [Bona Kim](http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CDIQtwIwAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DRUPiSr8NaoM&ei=CcZ3UfKzKaLI0QGEhICoCw&usg=AFQjCNFsuj7FFeMY3Rv3f0nyaAFsm1S0RQ&sig2=ITOdr8wYcDv6-Fa-cTuuLA&bvm=bv.45645796,d.dmQ "Link: http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CDIQtwIwAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DRUPiSr8NaoM&ei=CcZ3UfKzKaLI0QGEhICoCw&usg=AFQjCNFsuj7FFeMY3Rv3f0nyaAFsm1S0RQ&sig2=ITOdr8wYcDv6-Fa-cTuuLA&bvm=bv.45645796,d.dmQ"). # Sparkle Skirt ## Tools & Supplies ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/008/066/medium800/flora_sparkle-skirt-01-materials.jpg?1396859743) Bill of materials: - [FLORA main board](http://www.adafruit.com/products/659) - [FLORA accelerometer + compass module](http://www.adafruit.com/products/1247) - 12 [FLORA RGB NeoPixels](http://www.adafruit.com/products/1260) - [150mAh LiPo battery](http://www.adafruit.com/products/1317) or [3xAAA battery pack](http://www.adafruit.com/products/727) - [Conductive thread](http://www.adafruit.com/products/641) - Standard thread - Lined skirt with either a [sheer overlay](http://shop.2020ave.com/clothing-bottoms-skirts-cascadingsheerskirt) or [cutout top layer](http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/us/en/zara-nam-S2013/358006/1048498/FAUX+LEATHER+CUT+WORK+SKIRT) Sharp scissors are a must! ![flora_scissors.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/008/119/medium640/flora_scissors.jpg?1396860931) You'll use a [needle](https://www.adafruit.com/products/615) and to stitch up the circuit. ![flora_needles.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/008/120/medium640/flora_needles.jpg?1396860941) [Conductive thread](http://learn.adafruit.com/conductive-thread) will carry signal and current to the Flora NeoPixels. ![flora_conductive-thread.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/008/121/medium640/flora_conductive-thread.jpg?1396860956) You will need a good quality basic multimeter that can measure voltage and continuity. [Click here to buy a basic multimeter.](http://adafruit.com/products/71) [Click here to buy a top of the line multimeter.](http://adafruit.com/products/308 "Link: http://adafruit.com/products/308") [Click here to buy a pocket multimeter.](http://adafruit.com/products/850) [Don't forget to learn how to use your multimeter too!](http://learn.adafruit.com/multimeters) ![flora_multimeter.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/008/122/medium640/flora_multimeter.jpg?1396860966) We recommend beginners use an embroidery hoop to stabilize the circuit-supporting fabric during sewing. It makes things a lot easier and results in a better-looking finished project. For more information on using an embroidery hoop correctly, check out our [Cross Stitch tutorial](http://learn.adafruit.com/cross-stitch/instructions "Link: http://learn.adafruit.com/cross-stitch/instructions"). ![flora_embroidery-hoop.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/008/123/medium640/flora_embroidery-hoop.jpg?1396860981) Clear nail polish or fray check to seal knots ![flora_clear-nail-polish.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/008/124/medium640/flora_clear-nail-polish.jpg?1396860991) ![flora_fray-check.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/008/125/medium640/flora_fray-check.jpg?1396861000) To mark out your circuit use a water-soluble embroidery marker or tailor's chalk. ![flora_marking-pen.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/008/126/medium640/flora_marking-pen.jpg?1396861014) # Sparkle Skirt ## Layout & Circuit Diagram ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/007/396/medium800/flora-sparkle-skirt-diagram.jpg?1396850846) Select a skirt and start planning where your pixels will go. Above is a diagram showing how to connect all the parts of this circuit (click to enlarge). Since the conductive thread has nontrivial resistance, pay close attention to the extra connecting power and ground lines on either side of the skirt-- they will help your colored lights shine to their full potential. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/008/067/medium800/flora_sparkle-skirt-02.jpg?1396859774) Lift the outside layer of the skirt away from the lining. If they are attached with small threads, snip them. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/008/068/medium800/flora_sparkle-skirt-03.jpg?1396859802) Place your components on the front of the skirt lining according to the diagram. We'll do the back pixels separately, after all six of the front pixels are working. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/008/069/medium800/flora_sparkle-skirt-04.jpg?1396859822) Lift each component and make a mark with a water-soluble marking pen (or just use a very fine tip permanent marker to make a tiny dot). # Sparkle Skirt ## Sew Circuit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGtGoPhjmcc Begin by tacking down the FLORA main board to the skirt lining with regular thread, using two unused pads. Set up the fabric in a large embroidery hoop. ![flora_sparkle-skirt-05.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/008/070/medium640/flora_sparkle-skirt-05.jpg?1396859849) ![flora_sparkle-skirt-06.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/008/071/medium640/flora_sparkle-skirt-06.jpg?1396859885) Stitch the four connections between the Flora main board and the accelerometer board. Check out the [Flora Accelerometer Guide](http://learn.adafruit.com/flora-accelerometer) for more info. Then begin stitching to connect your pixels data pads (marked with inward facing arrows and outward facing arrows) from FLORA pad D6. ![flora_sparkle-skirt-08.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/008/072/medium640/flora_sparkle-skirt-08.jpg?1396859906) ![flora_sparkle-skirt-07.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/008/075/medium640/flora_sparkle-skirt-07.jpg?1396859936) ![flora_sparkle-skirt-10.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/008/091/medium640/flora_sparkle-skirt-10.jpg?1396860267) ![flora_sparkle-skirt-11.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/008/092/medium640/flora_sparkle-skirt-11.jpg?1396860299) Read our [Conductive Thread](http://learn.adafruit.com/conductive-thread) guide for more tips on working with this odd steel fiber! Knot, seal and clip the ends of the threads, being careful to avoid unintended connections (aka shorts). ![flora_sparkle-skirt-16.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/008/093/medium640/flora_sparkle-skirt-16.jpg?1396860336) ![flora_sparkle-skirt-17.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/008/094/medium640/flora_sparkle-skirt-17.jpg?1396860370) Using one extra long piece of conductive thread, stitch the power bus for the six pixels on the front of the skirt. Repeat with another for the ground line. We'll test these pixels first before connecting more on the back! ![flora_sparkle-skirt-14.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/008/100/medium640/flora_sparkle-skirt-14.jpg?1396860512) ![flora_sparkle-skirt-18.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/008/112/medium640/flora_sparkle-skirt-18.jpg?1396860720) Danger: # Sparkle Skirt ## Code & Battery ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/008/113/medium800/flora_sparkle-skirt-19.jpg?1396860750) Double check that all your conductive thread tails have been trimmed and your skirt is laying flat on a nonconductive surface, and then connect your FLORA main board to your computer with a USB cable. Open the Adafruit Arduino IDE, which you can download from the [Getting Started with FLORA guide](http://learn.adafruit.com/getting-started-with-flora/download-software "Link: http://learn.adafruit.com/getting-started-with-flora/download-software"). You will need the [NeoPixel library](https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_NeoPixel "Link: https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit\_NeoPixel") for this project-- if you've never installed an Arduino library before, [read our guide on the topic](http://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-all-about-arduino-libraries-install-use "Link: http://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-all-about-arduino-libraries-install-use")! Open up the Library manager ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/049/255/medium800/led_pixels_managelib.png?1513179219) Find the **Adafruit NeoPixel** library and install it... ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/049/256/medium800/led_pixels_neopixel.png?1513179226) First test out all six pixels by uploading the sketch in File \>\> Examples \>\> Adafruit\_NeoPixel \>\> strandtest. If all of your pixels light up and change color, you're good to continue to the back! Disconnect the USB cable before stitching more pixels on the back. For more tips on stitching up a line of NeoPixels, read the corresponding page in our [LED Ampli-Tie guide](http://learn.adafruit.com/led-ampli-tie/sewing-pixels). When you have pixels on the front and back of the skirt, place a piece of scrap fabric in between them for testing (so they don't short each other out), or put the skirt on a dress form. When you're wearing the skirt, your body will keep the front and back from touching. ![flora_sparkle-skirt-20.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/008/114/medium640/flora_sparkle-skirt-20.jpg?1396860785) ![flora_sparkle-skirt-21.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/008/115/medium640/flora_sparkle-skirt-21.jpg?1396860814) Danger: Next test out the accelerometer, install the  **Adafruit LSM303DLHC** **library** using the library manager. Make sure you grab the one with **DLHC** in the name ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/049/257/medium800/led_pixels_lsm303.png?1513179361) Also, install the **Adafruit Unified Sensor** library ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/049/258/medium800/led_pixels_unified_sensor.png?1513179741) Now test by uploading the sketch in File \>\> Examples \>\> Adafruit\_LSM303 \>\> Accel\_Sensor. Open up the serial monitor and watch for changing motion values. For more information, check out our [FLORA Accelerometer guide](http://learn.adafruit.com/flora-accelerometer). Click the Download File button below to get the code. The colors can be specified in the `myFavoriteColors` array, and the sensitivity to motion can be defined with `MOVE_THRESHOLD`. https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_Learning_System_Guides/blob/main/Flora/Flora_Sparkle_Skirt/sparkle_skirt/sparkle_skirt.ino Use a scrap piece of coordinating fabric to sew a small battery pouch. We doubled ours over, used the sewing machine to stitch in an L, then clipped the corner and turned the pouch right-side out. Stitch the battery pouch to the skirt lining with regular thread in a place nearby the FLORA main board. ![flora_sparkle-skirt-22.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/008/116/medium640/flora_sparkle-skirt-22.jpg?1396860851) ![flora_sparkle-skirt-23.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/008/117/medium640/flora_sparkle-skirt-23.jpg?1396860881) ![flora_sparkle-skirt-24.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/008/118/medium640/flora_sparkle-skirt-24.jpg?1396860918) # Sparkle Skirt ## Wear it! ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/008/128/medium800/flora_sparkle-skirt-thumbnail.png?1396850932) Wear your new flashy skirt to your next party, out dancing, make one for each bridesmaid, and be sure to document and share your creations online! Change the colors to match the rest of your outfit or suit the occasion. ## Featured Products ### FLORA - Wearable electronic platform: Arduino-compatible [FLORA - Wearable electronic platform: Arduino-compatible](https://www.adafruit.com/product/659) FLORA is Adafruit's fully-featured wearable electronics platform. It's a round, sewable, Arduino-compatible microcontroller designed to empower amazing wearables projects.FLORA comes with Adafruit's support, [tutorials and...](http://learn.adafruit.com/category/flora) In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/659) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/659/guides) ### FLORA Accelerometer/Compass Sensor - LSM303 [FLORA Accelerometer/Compass Sensor - LSM303](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1247) Add motion and direction sensing to your wearable FLORA project with this high precision 3-axis Accelerometer+Compass sensor. Inside are two sensors, one is a classic 3-axis accelerometer, which can tell you which direction is down towards the Earth (by measuring gravity) or how fast the board... No Longer Stocked [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1247) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1247/guides) ### Flora RGB Smart NeoPixel version 3 - Pack of 4 [Flora RGB Smart NeoPixel version 3 - Pack of 4](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1260) What's a wearable project without LEDs? Our favorite part of the Flora platform is these tiny smart pixels. Designed specifically for wearables, these updated Flora NeoPixels have ultra-cool technology: these ultra-bright LEDs have a constant-current driver cooked right into the LED... 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The output ranges from 4.2V when completely charged to 3.7V. This battery has a capacity of 150mAh for a total of about 0.6 Wh. If you need a larger battery, In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1317) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1317/guides) ### Adafruit Micro Lipo - USB LiIon/LiPoly charger [Adafruit Micro Lipo - USB LiIon/LiPoly charger](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1304) Oh so adorable, this is the tiniest little lipo charger, so handy you can keep it any project box! Its also easy to use. Simply plug in the gold plated contacts into any USB port and a 3.7V/4.2V lithium polymer or lithium ion rechargeable battery into the JST plug on the other end. There are... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1304) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1304/guides) ### Needle set - 3/9 sizes - 20 needles [Needle set - 3/9 sizes - 20 needles](https://www.adafruit.com/product/615) Mighty needles, sew like the wind! This needle set is the only one you'll need for any sort of hand sewing, especially using our conductive thread and wearable electronics parts. Each pack contains 20 gold-eye sharps, with eye sizes ranging from #3 (1.75" long) to #9... 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