I learned so much during this project!
- How to sew by hand and with 2 different sewing machines
- How to solder electronics – I needed this project to truly learn this process, as it solidified my knowledge from our previous exercise.
- How to conceptualize and execute a stuffed animal from initial ideation & pattern to the physical product
I drew a quick sketch and cut out practice fabric in the shape I wanted, which I used throughout the process whenever I needed some low stakes practice. Then, I decided to cut out my pieces with the laser cutter, for a more precise outcome.
At first, I failed to consider that the crab would shrink in size due to its stuffing, seam allowance, and its flip inside out. I used the fabric I had thrifted and started sewing by hand, before realizing my mistake.
Then, I went back to the drawing board and redrew the crab on illustrator with chunkier limbs. I used an old T shirt for the new crab body, but kept the cut out shapes from the thrifted shirt of starfish & clam shells.
Next I soldered lights into 4 branches, mapping out where they would be inside of the crab shape that I cut out. I made sure the lights worked and then moved on to the sewing.
Then, I sewed the patches on by hand.
and lastly, I used the sewing machine in the VFL to finish the sew job, and then I added the branch of LEDs into the body, and put stuffing around it. I made the mistake of closing the shape and I had to backtrack by removing stitches- which made the final outcome messier than I had wanted. I also had a lot of trouble turning the crab inside out, because of the sharp points. But ultimately, I learned so much and feel very satisfied with the result!