My task was to create a bookmark with a light using a battery and a microprocessor. First I cut out a black piece of felt. Next, I glued down the battery, the microprocessor, and the two lights. Using a needle and connective thread, I sewed the negative end of the battery through the negative end of the microprocessor and through the negative ends of the two lights. I did the same for the positive ends and also sewed it through the 1 function to get my light to look like a heartbeat. This had to be done without having the positive and negative threads touch.
The most difficult task for me was understanding that two separate connections needed to be created to power the lights. I knew where each component had to go based on the handout provided, however I didn't originally have the microprocessor and lights set up in a way that would make sewing easy. It was really helpful to have my professor as a reference; she helped me to understand the most efficient methods of completing different components of the task at hand if I was having trouble. It's nice to be able to go about a project for the first time in your own way, even though for me I don't always know if I understand the directions until I'm actually trying to complete an aspect of the task. I feel reserved about starting new projects because I tend to think I'm not coordinated enough to complete them. I have always felt that my peers are quick thinkers, in comparison to myself. Listening to someone give directions is not easy for me; I don't think I learn well through audio. I do well with visuals and specific explanations from others as I go along. The bookmark book light project was a task I needed to understand step by step. It was very intricate and detailed, and it was easy to make mistakes.
Once I completed the most difficult part of the project, sewing the connective thread through the battery, microprocessor, and lights-I worked on the aesthetics of my bookmark. I believe most other students did this as they went along but my primary focus was on getting my light to work properly. I added a maroon piece of felt to the opposite side of the black piece. Then I took 2 colored wires (green and orange) and wrapped them around the bookmark. On the maroon side, I added 3 buttons; these are symbolic for me in that they match the pattern of the 3 birthmarks on my face which remind me of Orion's Belt. Lastly, I attached the blue and green popsicle sticks.
For this project, getting the light to function was my interest. I imagined I would struggle a bit with the sewing, however I think I managed to do a decent job. It might not be the best pattern, but still it is a pathway representing my journey toward a heartbeat light. I was more driven to make it work rather than to have it look good, but I'd like to think it's still unique. I don't quite know if I have the energy for such tedious work, so I was certainly challenged with the details (aka getting the thread through the needle.) I noticed that I wasn't as thoughtful about appearance as I could've been, and I don't know if it's because I felt nervous about the time constraint, or if I didn't want to take the time to make it perfect (because I tend to think imperfection is better.) Maybe a little bit of both.