Introduction: Sound Effect Minesweeper Pillows
In this instructable I'm going to show you, how to make your own set of minesweeper pillows. I guarantee you, that you will have a lot of fun, seeing your friends jump up, after they made themselves comfortable on the wrong pillow.
If you don't know how to sew, don't worry you don't necessarily need to.
Step 1: What You Need
-
pillows
- light grey fabric for the pillows (You can of course use finished ones, but bear in mind that if you are planning to applique with a sewing machine it is going to be harder) The amount of fabric you need depends on the size of the pillows you are planning to make.
- stuffing (if you want to make the pillows yourself)
- zippers (optinal)
- green, blue, red and black fabric (The amount you need depends on the size of your pillows, just take a look at the next step)
- thread in the above colours (optional)
- fusible web e.g. Heat N Bond or Steam a Seam 2 (I've used Steam a Seam 2, because it was easier for me to get)
- at least one audio recording and playing device (check out the second picture)
- litz wire
- a push-button
- hot glue
- Duct Tape
- something to house your device in (I've used an Altoids tin, but if you have something that is not conductive, you should use it)
- a plastic container (take a look at step five)
- Velcro (optional)
- fusible interfacing (optional)
Tools
- sewing machine (optional)
- scissors
- soldering iron
Step 2: Design Templates
I've attached the vector file for the flag and the numbers.
In order to open it you need inkscape (amazing freeware tool). If you don't have it, you can download it here: www.inkscape.org/download/
The proportion between the grey background and the numbers/ the flag is the original one. So just scale the pictures according to your pillow size.
Attachments
Step 3: Applique
The first thing you will have to do is to outline your template on one paper side of the fusible web. Remember that your drawing has to be inverted. If you are using inkscape you can do that by selecting the image and pressing "H". You can of course use a set square in order to draw the template.
Now you will have to remove the other paper side of the fusible web, press the template onto your fabric and cut along the lines. Remove the second paper side and press it onto your light grey fabric. If your are happy with the position iron it on according to the instruction of your fusible web.
I've used a straight stitch
to secure the template.
Step 4: Sew the Pillow Cases
If you've bought finished pillow cases, just skip this step.
Else, you will now have to sew them, if you don't know how to do that watch the following video. Sam Lewis made a very good video on how to make a pillow case with a zipper.
Step 5: The Sound Effect
There are many ways to make the sound effect work. I decided to use a very simple one with a finished module, but can of course build it yourself.
First drill two small holes in the Altoids tin for the push button and the speaker and use tape to insulate it. The Velcro helps to hold the recording parts in place. Everything else is glued to the tin with hot glue.
Because the fabric of the pillow inlet is to thin the plastic container supports the push-button from behind and is glued to the inside of the pillow as you can see in picture number 5.
The tape that you can see in pictures number 4 and 5 prevents the fabric of the pillow from fraying.
It bothered me, that the push buttons could still be seen through the pillow case. That why I ironed fusible interfacing to the inside of it.
You are done, organize the pillows on your sofa and have a lot of fun, but make sure that nobody gets a heart attack...
18 Discussions
10 years ago on Introduction
you ROCK, I want a room full of them!
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
A room full of them would be the best. Guests have to step on the right ones to get through. Awesome! Great instructible by the way
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
thanks, lol I would love to see that!! I've got six right now...
9 years ago on Introduction
wow i know what to do with this thanks
10 years ago on Introduction
might try this with mario or space invaderss you've got some great instructables keep itt upp!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
10 years ago on Introduction
Am I the only person who can legitimately beat Minesweeper on any difficulty?
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
No, you're just the only only one who doesn't know what humble means...
10 years ago on Introduction
Oooohhuu I do like those semi-insider jokes :-)
10 years ago on Step 5
This is such a clever idea!!
10 years ago on Introduction
awesomeness i will so make one of these.
10 years ago on Introduction
Love the Instructable. What a great idea, and well-executed.
By the way, if you want a great Minesweeper clone, with the option of much greater challenge, look at Mines-Perfect (http://www.czeppi.de/english/index.html). It's even available as a portable app!
10 years ago on Introduction
Nooo! Vista destroyed the old minesweeper graphics!...
...whatever...
Great job on the 'ible by the way!
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Yeah they did, I actually had to use pictures from the Internet, because I only have Ubuntu and Windows 7 on my computer...
But if somebody prefers the “non violent” version, they could actually applique flowers and play one of theses songs:
http://www.songfacts.com/category:songs_with_flowers_in_the_title.php
;-)
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
That would be, random.
10 years ago on Introduction
These are officially the most awesome pillows I have ever seen. Thanks for the great 'ible, and I will definitely try to make these in the future! Great job!
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Thanks a lot, if you do I would love to see some pictures
10 years ago on Introduction
I think I'm the only person I know that can get past easy on Minesweeper. It makes me sad.
But your pillows cheer me up! :D
10 years ago on Introduction
minesweeper, awesome! The pillows look great, nice job!