Thank you so much for your guidance here! The feedback was VERY helpful in moving my project along. Sorry it took so long to post my reply and thanks here -- I was grappling with the project in a very real way for way too long. 
But I wanted to be sure to share the outcome here just to share the learning path I took -- and to possibly learn even more!
I wrote this up to describe the journey and solution: My Wu-Tang E-Textiles Adventure. For the last couple of months, I’ve… | by Jennifer Hasegawa | Medium. It includes the patterns, circuit diagram, and code, if anyone is interested.
Take good care - and hopefully as I continue to learn and build, I'll be able to contribute back to this community. Thank you again!