tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79677863067360797952024-02-07T15:43:02.112-08:00Knit a NeuronWelcome to the Knit a Neuron blog. Here you can find out all about the project and who's behind it, along with knitting and crochet patterns.Helen Featherstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992759367895390159noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967786306736079795.post-65978782479222865002013-04-11T09:32:00.003-07:002013-04-11T09:32:51.618-07:00Doing it for yourself<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaonptBwRiDTmL5e431UMz9fuEMNAubDoaLbzTcV4SoxHjmmBi0mSOZjmjIt5m7jOg_GPBoKURrxjHXrGuc02W05WJdT9QzynZd2yffx4mmdxUxkwayl36101OJXtePN-NHzuJ02JeHjc/s1600/20130407_175002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaonptBwRiDTmL5e431UMz9fuEMNAubDoaLbzTcV4SoxHjmmBi0mSOZjmjIt5m7jOg_GPBoKURrxjHXrGuc02W05WJdT9QzynZd2yffx4mmdxUxkwayl36101OJXtePN-NHzuJ02JeHjc/s320/20130407_175002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now then, we said that we're all done with Knit a Neuron. But we met so many people at the Barbican's Wonderseason who were enthused by Knit a Neuron that I thought it might be useful to share a few top tips for running a Knit a Neuron event yourself.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKvUHtMLMf93UgcaYi99t-OnWw5zd24fwapvDx3UWMVlS11aS9CO9lzVL9du6SEqpc9ENSZfzdOr0yRWGlAdWNqix3Yx2QVwhFTH4nMCsqHXpQMtkg6hiSS5BnxerjiRvVQhKCloYfck/s1600/20130408_172247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKvUHtMLMf93UgcaYi99t-OnWw5zd24fwapvDx3UWMVlS11aS9CO9lzVL9du6SEqpc9ENSZfzdOr0yRWGlAdWNqix3Yx2QVwhFTH4nMCsqHXpQMtkg6hiSS5BnxerjiRvVQhKCloYfck/s320/20130408_172247.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<b>1. Knit a Neuron events are easy to run</b>: you need some yarn, some needles, patterns, a neuroscientist, and a comfy space. A good audience for KAN events are adults who can knit, but we've also had success with families.<b> </b><br />
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<b>2. It helps if you have a focus for the knitting</b>. Think about where the neurons are going. Perhaps you're going to create an installation in your place of work, at a local charity or school. People like to know that their efforts aren't in vain. Some people like to take their neurons home, but not many.<br />
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<b>3. Events can be timed or drop-in.</b> It takes about an hour for a competent knitter to make a neuron. If you are running a timed event make sure it's leisurely eg two hours. Your local Cafe Scientifique could be a good place to start. Drop-in format works well at festivals where people have time to kill and are looking for something fun and interesting to do (we knitters miss our knitting when we are at festivals so relish the chance to pick up some yarn and needles).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji4mW8KrU9VXZhwxjSt_hAXtHYuwVU8IP3h4rIOZEyzmGaABLR0VsalSoIMRt0_XXvE6bBnxSEtgrwugg12X5heN6_LxAZvYLS7zmct7gw1Z1v4MQ-xWAYUxqP0-2el2KlJg6vdOAlM8c/s1600/20130409_134113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji4mW8KrU9VXZhwxjSt_hAXtHYuwVU8IP3h4rIOZEyzmGaABLR0VsalSoIMRt0_XXvE6bBnxSEtgrwugg12X5heN6_LxAZvYLS7zmct7gw1Z1v4MQ-xWAYUxqP0-2el2KlJg6vdOAlM8c/s320/20130409_134113.jpg" width="192" /></a><br />
<b>4. Not everyone can knit.</b> If you are running your event where you likely to encounter people who can't knit or are a bit rusty it really helps to have an expert knitter on hand. However, you'll likely find that expert knitters join in and will help anyway. Have some knitting Nancies on hand for French knitting. These are great for kids and create lovely axons. Axons and dendrites can be plaited.<br />
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<b>5. Market your events in knitter speak.</b> For example you could encourage
people to "dive into their stash" to find odd bits of yarn they could
bring to the event for people to make neurons. We've found knitters to
be very generous with their stashes and their old needles. Charity shops
are great sources for needles and yarn.<br />
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<b>6. Other people will want to join in too. </b>Think about who
might be interested in taking part and market through those routes.
Knitters are social beings and like to knit and natter, it doesn't take
much to persuade them to come along. Especially when there's something a
bit unusual (and knitting neurons is pretty unusual!) - find your local
Ravelry or Stitch n Bitch group. Other people who might be interested
include folk who have some experience of brains eg friends/family of
people with brain injury. Find local support groups and see if they'd be
interested. If you are doing this through work - send out the
information through your regular mailing lists.<br />
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<b>7. Work with a neuroscientist. </b>If you are not a neuroscientist and are asking one to join in the fun then this might help:<br />
<ul>
<li>reassure them they don't need to knit!</li>
<li>they are there to talk neuroscience but that won't be the only topic conversation. Encourage them to talk neuro, but they don't need to force it.</li>
<li>be prepared for all and any brainy question, be prepared for personal and moving stories, be prepared to hear funny stories, be prepared to speak with a neuro Prof and someone who left school at 16 without a single qualification. Everyone has amazing stories to tell and they will.</li>
<li>they might want to bring a model brain or pictures of neurons to help illustrate the conversations</li>
</ul>
We hope you enjoy running your Knit a Neuron events. Do get in touch if you want any advice - we're happy to help. Helen Featherstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992759367895390159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967786306736079795.post-3220424268741142942011-12-06T13:06:00.001-08:002011-12-07T08:02:59.493-08:00End of an eraWell, with Anne delivering the artwork to Headway Knit a Neuron must draw to a close. We've had an amazing couple of years meeting so many interesting people who have taken the time to knit, knatter and create neurons. Neurons have travelled in from all over the world, the artwork's been up and down the UK and now has a proud home at Headway.<br /><br />While Knit a Neuron is ending, other woolly science projects abound. From Stitch London's fantastic weekend at the Science Museum, the British Society of Immunology project The Big Knit: Multiple Sclerosis and just today I've heard from someone wanting to set up a craft science charity. There are others - too many to mention!<br /><br />We'd like to take this chance to thank everyone who's been involved with Knit a Neuron. It's a project that could only happen with the support, energy and enthusiasm of people all over the world. It's been a great honour to be part of such a great project - we hope you feel the same way too.<br /><br />We won't continue to update this blog, however we hope that it can remain here for a while to serve as record of a unique woolly science project.<br /><br />Now then, where did put that chemistry crochet...Helen Featherstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992759367895390159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967786306736079795.post-46767157454287562322011-12-06T12:51:00.000-08:002011-12-06T13:05:36.070-08:00Knit a Neuron reaches its new home!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAaLucSIvx8g1FWVRVSjelDBEjm0HI1wx7cI92X363gsjTjw26qWF2Is14aKqjqTVb2Fl1cGvn_QmYuQj7-nQ9b_C5zxJklRMrR_FfB2F73aA7jDEU158li_Xr7JuhICRxhQ3MXgeIX4c/s1600/aaP1130304.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 142px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAaLucSIvx8g1FWVRVSjelDBEjm0HI1wx7cI92X363gsjTjw26qWF2Is14aKqjqTVb2Fl1cGvn_QmYuQj7-nQ9b_C5zxJklRMrR_FfB2F73aA7jDEU158li_Xr7JuhICRxhQ3MXgeIX4c/s200/aaP1130304.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683123307127214962" border="0" /></a><br /> <style type="text/css">p { margin-bottom: 0.21cm; }</style> <p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I'm sure that all KAN Fans will be please to hear that the artwork created out of our wonderful selection of donated, knitted neurons has now been presented to the ‘Headway’ centre in Henley-on-Thames, which will be its final home. Headway is a national charity that, <i>“works to improve life after brain injury”</i>. The Henley centre runs a day care program of physical and cognitive therapy and provides vital support to sufferers and carers affected by head injury.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdeBtFO2VSondXXCUfUb8nMGu5qzn9blSbSOOl1O9WqpDSqApHnds2GlOuZJZv3OXvg5jrtP65iWKaDl97_8Hnlrfn47kkWOTqF3w8RNlkGtjHngpkzkfK4ZVt8YTySUYSR5G8nCCHlmg/s1600/aP1130305.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdeBtFO2VSondXXCUfUb8nMGu5qzn9blSbSOOl1O9WqpDSqApHnds2GlOuZJZv3OXvg5jrtP65iWKaDl97_8Hnlrfn47kkWOTqF3w8RNlkGtjHngpkzkfK4ZVt8YTySUYSR5G8nCCHlmg/s200/aP1130305.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683124210879159778" border="0" /></a></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Anne visited Headway on 21 November to present the artwork. She also spoke about the project, brain injury research going on in Bristol, and answered lots of questions on neuroscience (and other things besides!). Anne had a great day, enjoying the opportunity to meet and chat with all the clients in that day. Some had knitted their own neurons, and all of them were very interested in seeing the artwork depicting brain injury. One lady, Jane, was particularly thrilled with it as a brain haemorrhage had damaged her sight, but she could feel all the neurons and make out the colours.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTawBU603lPX7UgD47VHVvn8Aq2GwtNz2dvihWAlNJTvsWRvZwbwf-WaDuYhHoUeykxanuaLNh8DYSGlcn_uj8mmonagNjTU-3ObuN9SWNw9e5jnqlc_HpQFwzGKWShmdSPdAN84cHEno/s1600/aP1130297.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 143px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTawBU603lPX7UgD47VHVvn8Aq2GwtNz2dvihWAlNJTvsWRvZwbwf-WaDuYhHoUeykxanuaLNh8DYSGlcn_uj8mmonagNjTU-3ObuN9SWNw9e5jnqlc_HpQFwzGKWShmdSPdAN84cHEno/s200/aP1130297.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683124202460341762" border="0" /></a></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The KAN neurons are now installed as a wall hanging in one of the rooms at Headway that is used for therapy or as a quiet space by clients. </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Big thanks to everyone at Headway for welcoming KAN and giving it a new home!</p>Helen Featherstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992759367895390159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967786306736079795.post-72258916218395331902011-07-17T09:38:00.001-07:002011-07-17T09:43:41.508-07:00One year on...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxMLPMNNrlYIF8EapwzkWqUO13abK9CKhpxTE2a_pv-EmsO2FSDL8KM8PxRXSGR6zNqTRzZoc85li8oVdHRbNZt1lGIETgV2SKa5N0M2d7DgeCQ9WeMMrvNt539g9REOORF1LD_Fpmpo/s1600/Neural+network.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxMLPMNNrlYIF8EapwzkWqUO13abK9CKhpxTE2a_pv-EmsO2FSDL8KM8PxRXSGR6zNqTRzZoc85li8oVdHRbNZt1lGIETgV2SKa5N0M2d7DgeCQ9WeMMrvNt539g9REOORF1LD_Fpmpo/s200/Neural+network.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630362408179734354" border="0" /></a><br />...from Green Man (OK, so it's 11 months on, but it's close enough for me!) where we met Elaine from the Encephalitis Society. We've just heard that Elaine and the knitters at the Encephalitis Society have finished their neural display. Doesn't it look great? Taking pride of place in the office. We're delighted that she's taken the KAN concept and reworked it for the Encephalitis Society.Helen Featherstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992759367895390159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967786306736079795.post-2659612932074432402011-07-17T09:20:00.000-07:002011-07-17T09:37:25.327-07:00Stitched science - the evidence<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsJwzNbCzcG5f1InxkfEAoD-gcg0pYtoQIzn9drm3WCifbAe4UU7-Zq7EaNazKg9TU94U5uOwlfy1v833ymbUh-1v8fOJlwFx4oX-mM-Ygl44rT4Bm6wHKxn7E1XQqLNqa4iGA8ZGVK0/s1600/P1090042.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 143px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsJwzNbCzcG5f1InxkfEAoD-gcg0pYtoQIzn9drm3WCifbAe4UU7-Zq7EaNazKg9TU94U5uOwlfy1v833ymbUh-1v8fOJlwFx4oX-mM-Ygl44rT4Bm6wHKxn7E1XQqLNqa4iGA8ZGVK0/s200/P1090042.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630360966965034930" border="0" /></a><br />It doesn't seem so long ago that we were packing our needles and yarn to wend our way to the great temple of science that is the Science Museum for their Stitched Science weekend. What a great weekend it was! So many knitting, creative, sciencey folk with amazing creations. See <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/38202796@N06/sets/72157627080202028/detail/">flickr</a> for stacks of photos.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRf6NikJRm8WhMGx1iAmXH0yPxBR9aqzDrRnopwMqAL_YWDFOzE6PYsnLqYujbexyn44kE2aXBfn57G3Thy9U0A0ZoNyInjLELgk2GTKV-Jbe1vsL-IQTmT5rpG1nWh0a3iI2snzqyl9M/s1600/P1090147.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 154px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRf6NikJRm8WhMGx1iAmXH0yPxBR9aqzDrRnopwMqAL_YWDFOzE6PYsnLqYujbexyn44kE2aXBfn57G3Thy9U0A0ZoNyInjLELgk2GTKV-Jbe1vsL-IQTmT5rpG1nWh0a3iI2snzqyl9M/s200/P1090147.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630360260099526722" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Here are some of our favourite pictures from Knit a Neuron corner. It was lovely meeting so many <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig6LpHyYwqru8r8CWFZlPRQ5rSUmrEwkGlWPNBN-MbhcDa-Nu6O6_cxJIY1DH4UntnCU4Ramo1BWU7sJWM5HjrY0xKkcE85fcA9ay-FfYOmpeLyZjie7Yf_a7CTezHDM6UZrj7YroW_7U/s1600/P1090148.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 143px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig6LpHyYwqru8r8CWFZlPRQ5rSUmrEwkGlWPNBN-MbhcDa-Nu6O6_cxJIY1DH4UntnCU4Ramo1BWU7sJWM5HjrY0xKkcE85fcA9ay-FfYOmpeLyZjie7Yf_a7CTezHDM6UZrj7YroW_7U/s200/P1090148.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630360970180645154" border="0" /></a>people who wanted to knit and natter about neuroscience.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8nER-_lOtLKkT55_tce0uAtcpJBU0lSxFHc3n4UqaLWoLfJ3JUMij7PhhIhyphenhyphenJnspqCJtqqloBszjswE0Hc-OBXqfe5AfCY9L08oplidZkt5u9bKL80LrDBaK9YeDb2NGsrvMlXutgnIU/s1600/P1090162.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 142px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8nER-_lOtLKkT55_tce0uAtcpJBU0lSxFHc3n4UqaLWoLfJ3JUMij7PhhIhyphenhyphenJnspqCJtqqloBszjswE0Hc-OBXqfe5AfCY9L08oplidZkt5u9bKL80LrDBaK9YeDb2NGsrvMlXutgnIU/s200/P1090162.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630359391344110402" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetu-z_9vU0ECU43i9IPyU68rToh_iI_aWNWM8gdEOwuFxpjeEglFR9dvgWGUb2Lya8R4Pdu0WGdyR2E3Hfw6fsxyUSZLTZMHmLsoiihEqQYIXEA3p0R6xPl1jA14yG65xjdgEK0UU_NM/s1600/P1090194.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetu-z_9vU0ECU43i9IPyU68rToh_iI_aWNWM8gdEOwuFxpjeEglFR9dvgWGUb2Lya8R4Pdu0WGdyR2E3Hfw6fsxyUSZLTZMHmLsoiihEqQYIXEA3p0R6xPl1jA14yG65xjdgEK0UU_NM/s200/P1090194.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630359389171300418" border="0" /></a>Helen Featherstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992759367895390159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967786306736079795.post-44162827085818233882011-06-23T01:49:00.000-07:002011-06-23T01:55:15.137-07:00Stitched Science<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesZ2z-PzHA5Q5OoIK-yHE2t_8HpgWHBWVctFg92_E2Q0lKn1MFdgp6TT15ux9B8dz5ITPd_mLxVgt-VeaiUngJVAZnbErP-smBJ38fgKQBGIxv5xXm4HQB5OfHaG3Z7f0WmWkA8PBfzY/s1600/SM-logo.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 151px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621335830018878146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesZ2z-PzHA5Q5OoIK-yHE2t_8HpgWHBWVctFg92_E2Q0lKn1MFdgp6TT15ux9B8dz5ITPd_mLxVgt-VeaiUngJVAZnbErP-smBJ38fgKQBGIxv5xXm4HQB5OfHaG3Z7f0WmWkA8PBfzY/s200/SM-logo.jpg" /></a> Here at Knit a Neuron Towers we're really looking forward to being part of <a href="http://www.stitchldn.com/stitchedsci.html">Stitched Science </a>at the Science Museum in London. There's so much on from stitching the solar system, to cross stitch emoticons and illusion knitting from our friends at <a href="http://woollythoughts.com/">Woolly Thoughts</a>.<br /><br />If you missed out on knitting a neuron, or want to make one for yourself - come along this weekend. It's free and we'd love to see you there!Helen Featherstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992759367895390159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967786306736079795.post-70149180537640297102011-06-14T09:30:00.000-07:002011-06-14T09:40:11.655-07:00Knitted MS is revealed<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKwwjqOQobf5N_VtDMdQVg-f1ZX6fav9AtbBkEtRX7i4vAMBIc5oho4voCD53eUId0NkzEE0LlAreucjhy6qE7i2OalOte2beUKhyphenhyphen0xwrdQ5Ba-pJFBoLpujY1VKxGrFovC9mTtLaqD8/s1600/MS+the+disease.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 141px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618114732509831218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKwwjqOQobf5N_VtDMdQVg-f1ZX6fav9AtbBkEtRX7i4vAMBIc5oho4voCD53eUId0NkzEE0LlAreucjhy6qE7i2OalOte2beUKhyphenhyphen0xwrdQ5Ba-pJFBoLpujY1VKxGrFovC9mTtLaqD8/s200/MS+the+disease.jpg" /></a>Our friends at the <a href="http://immunology.org/">British Society for Immunology</a> have spent a week knitting and nattering at the <a href="http://www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/science">Times Cheltenham Science Festival</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br />We popped along over the weekend to join in the fun. It was really exciting to see so many knitters coming along to talk with Sandra, Nicola and David. Knitters talked about the latest research looking into stressed oligodendrocites, population dynamics, genetic links and living with MS. The finished tableaux look stunning and brightened up the stage on a rainy windy Sunday.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibcAVlbSnPcYpTVL0LTnVPP9Gh79o3AXeUdi1Io2x_nTll9QnQ7w5MDQjH4PXRssB2yZOSM2DpjttoToERQw3VFADa0LVSBfRE4rknctO86QiqxbmEO_9Au4aYdgbdnyBFI9fryTlUaD4/s1600/MS+talk+stage.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618114820906626626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibcAVlbSnPcYpTVL0LTnVPP9Gh79o3AXeUdi1Io2x_nTll9QnQ7w5MDQjH4PXRssB2yZOSM2DpjttoToERQw3VFADa0LVSBfRE4rknctO86QiqxbmEO_9Au4aYdgbdnyBFI9fryTlUaD4/s200/MS+talk+stage.jpg" /></a>Helen Featherstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992759367895390159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967786306736079795.post-30342823512151015982011-05-26T02:09:00.000-07:002011-05-26T02:16:29.676-07:00Another spin-off project!Because we enjoyed Knit a Neuron so much, and MS: The Big Knit is going so well, we thought it was time to kick off another project! The <a href="http://www.continuousloopproject.blogspot.com/">Continuous Loop Project</a> makes use of the natural synergies between yarn fabrics and the principals of structural engineering. We have creative workshops in the next couple of weeks, training in early July and then our team of engineers will be heading off to Vintage Steam Engine Fairs over the summer. <br /><br />If you can't join us at the events, do follow us on the blog!Helen Featherstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992759367895390159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967786306736079795.post-38819377847337882302011-05-20T01:59:00.000-07:002011-05-20T02:10:55.864-07:00Knit a Neuron takes part in Glasgow Science Festival<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinxF4u_etWjaBsgXvyevsAkKER4N3btVLaus_5sC306SRG9QN6xqUd6VGurtPTvT3MJJvb7F5nlnNa4OylShyphenhyphenVeTWDwBDYUTEu2VQ7kGTH3nP9HWPzaTlc-XFyVVKjnb1tHMBIXk_jfuY/s1600/GSF.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608721911993954914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinxF4u_etWjaBsgXvyevsAkKER4N3btVLaus_5sC306SRG9QN6xqUd6VGurtPTvT3MJJvb7F5nlnNa4OylShyphenhyphenVeTWDwBDYUTEu2VQ7kGTH3nP9HWPzaTlc-XFyVVKjnb1tHMBIXk_jfuY/s200/GSF.jpg" /></a> <br /><div>We've just packed up the artwork to send to <a href="http://www.glasgowsciencefestival.org.uk/">Glasgow Science Festival</a>. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>We're delighted that Knit a Neuron will be on display at the CCA on 11 June for the Knit and Natter. From 12-30 June you can also see it at the fabulous knitting cafe: The Yarn Cake, Queen Margaret Drive. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Here's the display part-way through packing. Safe travels woolly neurons!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0g5kpvmAlhy4VCzyMi3QvQM-zUpP5E1t6oRugeKsw1N_cQLgWo45cKmEx_ReF8HTUvDOiE9ev_Ser0G_INA7gbcHmG4Vcf-_3yDP8dAjyMfd7U4dACjNkSGKmF-2IiFx59O7MUgzYuWg/s1600/KAN+packed.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 125px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 131px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608723036127643026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0g5kpvmAlhy4VCzyMi3QvQM-zUpP5E1t6oRugeKsw1N_cQLgWo45cKmEx_ReF8HTUvDOiE9ev_Ser0G_INA7gbcHmG4Vcf-_3yDP8dAjyMfd7U4dACjNkSGKmF-2IiFx59O7MUgzYuWg/s200/KAN+packed.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Helen Featherstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992759367895390159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967786306736079795.post-78379639026232104022011-05-10T02:37:00.000-07:002011-05-10T02:40:15.514-07:00MS: The Big KnitYou may remember some time ago that the British Society for Immunology got in touch about the possibility of doing a project related to Multiple Sclerosis. Well, we've been busy working away behind the scenes and it's all kicked off! Check out <a href="http://www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/knitting">MS: The Big Knit</a> for the story behind the project, patterns and details of Cheltenham Science Festival.Helen Featherstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992759367895390159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967786306736079795.post-30421580221453331772011-04-18T14:33:00.000-07:002011-04-18T14:45:20.032-07:00Nattering with neuroscientists<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCH51CE2B9453jn9rK2dPVSKW2gDSdH7KTG7heDosyB-f3QPRWWOzHtoMPC53dTWS33vJsP4q_EhTZ9vqNHosHWKy-qWNKjgkNW2G3zf085gXS-TU8XIho3E14rrjg9bnsT5G6D95iyM/s1600/P1080080.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCH51CE2B9453jn9rK2dPVSKW2gDSdH7KTG7heDosyB-f3QPRWWOzHtoMPC53dTWS33vJsP4q_EhTZ9vqNHosHWKy-qWNKjgkNW2G3zf085gXS-TU8XIho3E14rrjg9bnsT5G6D95iyM/s200/P1080080.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597041546365473506" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsns6oEOFfw8khGS1yD6alrr_lrmPNBGLOqYOFODiXpmzlQa1Xe8VAg4Eny8DVsj_Uoz9hovPn9PAVCRCz4wgFY57aG13hcrKibyM_jfInsfO6SGoHxws5HpiTBj1yF5Q9I1AKW7Irxm4/s1600/P1080076.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 154px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsns6oEOFfw8khGS1yD6alrr_lrmPNBGLOqYOFODiXpmzlQa1Xe8VAg4Eny8DVsj_Uoz9hovPn9PAVCRCz4wgFY57aG13hcrKibyM_jfInsfO6SGoHxws5HpiTBj1yF5Q9I1AKW7Irxm4/s200/P1080076.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597041544019205858" border="0" /></a><br />Anne's at the <a href="http://www.bna.org.uk/">British Neuroscience Association's</a> biennial conference where she's got a fabulous display all about Knit a Neuron.<br /><br />We've had so many comments from people here on the blog, from knitters around the world and at events that we've decided to share them with BNA-ers. You can see the tags attached to some of the neurons - that's where your comments reside. Being read by the best neuroscientists in the world!Helen Featherstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992759367895390159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967786306736079795.post-20359770769602409552011-04-02T00:16:00.000-07:002011-04-02T00:21:42.848-07:00Drop-in event on Saturday 9 AprilWant to knit more neurons? Or see the artwork that's been created from the neurons we've received so far? Come along to the <a href="http://www.grantbradleygallery.co.uk/">Grant Bradley</a> gallery on Saturday 9 April from 2.30. We'll be there knitting pale neurons for a parallel artwork being created by our friends in the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.encephalitis.info">Encephalitis Society</a>. See you there!Helen Featherstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992759367895390159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967786306736079795.post-29643990501990373962011-03-22T15:46:00.000-07:002011-03-28T06:07:23.425-07:00Knit a Neuron - on display<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwVDYi_ROV3X1OHRyWO4W7VSfNORWSPiZ-I9h8Ks4UpQLDJ4jSwqr8uwck6dNOkOETneha-ID7H7abDVlu50YafKpq7chYBlCXui8Dz8FrszMGQN4TrAHj1zlYUFt-tldGwmHIEBKKQk/s1600/PH_154.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589116481270167186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwVDYi_ROV3X1OHRyWO4W7VSfNORWSPiZ-I9h8Ks4UpQLDJ4jSwqr8uwck6dNOkOETneha-ID7H7abDVlu50YafKpq7chYBlCXui8Dz8FrszMGQN4TrAHj1zlYUFt-tldGwmHIEBKKQk/s200/PH_154.jpg" /></a> <br /><div>In great news, all our collective efforts are coming to fruition as part of the <a href="http://www.bris.ac.uk/changingperspectives/exhibitions/#grantbradley">Changing Perspectives</a> exhibition at the Grant Bradley gallery in Bedminster Parade, Bristol. The exhibition is free and open from Saturday 26 March until Saturday 30 April. We hope you'll be able to make it and we'd love to hear your comments.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Here is a picture of the artwork on the wall behind where all the speeches took place! I'm sure there will be better pictures soon...</div>Helen Featherstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992759367895390159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967786306736079795.post-47868040510531560032011-03-11T09:20:00.000-08:002011-03-31T15:09:26.697-07:00We are in Newcastle!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlVbhlefB_u9GvgJcn0IosGoLimkfQtVMs4zhhC9aYXdxOlkvDYFHcruz5-jN1Ed48rueqXvHjKZSDckzSjEQtMljnXGuIp3uDmhN5LlPpVPUQfQju12BxYuZe7C3KKD4xXh0hVY-HAk/s1600/100_5148.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlVbhlefB_u9GvgJcn0IosGoLimkfQtVMs4zhhC9aYXdxOlkvDYFHcruz5-jN1Ed48rueqXvHjKZSDckzSjEQtMljnXGuIp3uDmhN5LlPpVPUQfQju12BxYuZe7C3KKD4xXh0hVY-HAk/s200/100_5148.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590368390279623826" border="0" /></a><br />We've arrived in Newcastle and have set up our knitting wares in the fabulous Centre for Life. We're taking part in the crazy world that is Maker Faire UK. Come along, sit with us and knit a neuron. You can even take these ones home with you! Pictures to follow...<br /><br />if you tweet about us over the weekend use the #KANMF.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJryOzFhfjF7Gd46z49k3W5SxIcc13YFiYzm_HhfMmGQooY3XySB_JoCJ0sPSAZPKhFmk6tPe1Urk6y7s4sHwRqFaNdpJF1xbaemMHra5SRJmI5MpFWjngDaQ9EDzRkN_GNBW8sfOmbrs/s1600/100_5164.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJryOzFhfjF7Gd46z49k3W5SxIcc13YFiYzm_HhfMmGQooY3XySB_JoCJ0sPSAZPKhFmk6tPe1Urk6y7s4sHwRqFaNdpJF1xbaemMHra5SRJmI5MpFWjngDaQ9EDzRkN_GNBW8sfOmbrs/s200/100_5164.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590368974064505090" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNffiGr5Enyg6nfkEm401xvjfichaLy_Ho1oqylV7hXo5rkB3vi5jhyphenhyphenU-BL6f05AJXzvoRad34gmdWulxLl1UaMxIGxE26-iaBTmafXTVGpmduqQuA-si3BRt1InooG6lp2jCNVJHmIA/s1600/100_5166.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNffiGr5Enyg6nfkEm401xvjfichaLy_Ho1oqylV7hXo5rkB3vi5jhyphenhyphenU-BL6f05AJXzvoRad34gmdWulxLl1UaMxIGxE26-iaBTmafXTVGpmduqQuA-si3BRt1InooG6lp2jCNVJHmIA/s200/100_5166.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590369444996022002" border="0" /></a>Helen Featherstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992759367895390159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967786306736079795.post-50929133832688955122011-02-19T05:29:00.000-08:002011-02-19T05:38:17.792-08:00Knit a neuron takes shapeWe made a start on joining all the lovely neurons to<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFX2XwIGQunC4jomdZb-RFASxPi3AmZx4wQYNMxO4bLjdGojjhsMRECd3-YJfCV-YhyKgHBrPJhIORJG4ReNUAk3z9LSSvzC9CqwO2Ml7ed2QiqAz-lf52IMNjaGWehS-VWT_N7R4V7zk/s1600/KAN+making.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFX2XwIGQunC4jomdZb-RFASxPi3AmZx4wQYNMxO4bLjdGojjhsMRECd3-YJfCV-YhyKgHBrPJhIORJG4ReNUAk3z9LSSvzC9CqwO2Ml7ed2QiqAz-lf52IMNjaGWehS-VWT_N7R4V7zk/s200/KAN+making.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575392820587978546" border="0" /></a>gether last weekend. We have so many that we don't think they'll all fit into this artwork. But we're going to use them in Newcastle at the Maker Faire, during workshops in Sterling and to enhance the display at Grant Bradley. It's fabulous to have so many neurons!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2uvBWiVYsLPr2Z2QyMxVg3mbShTSC1mjuwZr0xis_L5pVE2U8ifDJtNiHHS9LFOF0e7bhx2Y0GV15WkpvTrRFrUy_STwlPceDxmAuBOx23VMDfQVOl6rslnM3n3UFjjQ3A0f7S-Wvg0/s1600/KAN+making+2.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2uvBWiVYsLPr2Z2QyMxVg3mbShTSC1mjuwZr0xis_L5pVE2U8ifDJtNiHHS9LFOF0e7bhx2Y0GV15WkpvTrRFrUy_STwlPceDxmAuBOx23VMDfQVOl6rslnM3n3UFjjQ3A0f7S-Wvg0/s200/KAN+making+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575393975108286818" border="0" /></a>Helen Featherstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992759367895390159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967786306736079795.post-15520862893335698532011-02-19T05:15:00.001-08:002011-02-19T05:16:58.495-08:00up yer hooter!Neurons are being put to a new use. You can find them making up the olfactory bulb in a model nose at the <a href="http://www.thebigbangfair.co.uk/home.cfm">Big Bang</a> fair. Brilliant!Helen Featherstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992759367895390159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967786306736079795.post-56838176517145083222011-01-31T12:28:00.000-08:002011-01-31T12:43:24.580-08:00Knit a Neuron - on tour!Good news at Knit a Neuron towers. We've had so many offers of support for the artwork that we're going on tour.<br /><br />We'll be unveiling the piece as part of the University of Bristol's Changing Perspectives event at the Grant Bradley Gallery. After a month in Bristol, the piece will head up to Glasgow for the month of June and a tour round a few venues as part of Glasgow Science Festival. Staying in Scotland, Stirling Youth Services are hosting for July and August and using the artwork as a springboard for a series of activities for young people in the area.<br /><br />And finally, Headway are keen to host the installation on a permanent basis once it returns from Scotland.<br /><br />We couldn't be more delighted with how things have turned out, and how much support there is for the project and the artwork. Thanks everyone!<br /><br />[I'll update this post with weblinks when things go live.]Helen Featherstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992759367895390159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967786306736079795.post-28395587318631117512011-01-21T09:18:00.000-08:002011-01-21T09:27:52.530-08:00Knitting & Multiple Sclerosis<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFex3qF1n-7kuKnoDEF3NMknK9Gm_jjTLBM1OECR0aTyeMhaqkUiLX62vFM7L0yYi0iOIqiIAxEhVRqXRkoOCywtwuUXeiCyELfZvIhxRsO5WIGNigFT0YTduJswZM5LomTRkH6ngY5-0/s1600/BSI.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 45px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564692108962967314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFex3qF1n-7kuKnoDEF3NMknK9Gm_jjTLBM1OECR0aTyeMhaqkUiLX62vFM7L0yYi0iOIqiIAxEhVRqXRkoOCywtwuUXeiCyELfZvIhxRsO5WIGNigFT0YTduJswZM5LomTRkH6ngY5-0/s200/BSI.jpg" /></a>What exciting news for a Friday evening. We have another KAN spin-off project.<br /><div> </div><div>We've been approached to help the <a href="http://www.immunology.org/">British Society for Immunology </a>to help out with a Knitting & Multiple Sclerosis project as a contribution to the <a href="http://cheltenhamfestivals.com/science/">Cheltenham Science Festival</a>. The exact details are still be worked out, but one of the first things we need is some artistic advice. Are you a knitting/crochet/fibre artist who would be interested in talking with us? Do you know someone who is? We'd love to hear from you. </div>Helen Featherstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992759367895390159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967786306736079795.post-55486724754991740852011-01-15T05:09:00.000-08:002011-01-18T14:45:22.850-08:00Knitting Neurons in Newcastle<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIilatfcyJBJcwF8agAyLaQoLJNE_lZzIjswAb-G6A_-1PI8l2jZV9UaDw7t10wlf1RSrwq44cb-g2ztK2zgrvDMaysihw_ecMSkZlDqqdIWQ7eXyMGbGf0ErvGd0WfqtxeoZh2zdh1Pw/s1600/maker_faire_logo.gif"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 46px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIilatfcyJBJcwF8agAyLaQoLJNE_lZzIjswAb-G6A_-1PI8l2jZV9UaDw7t10wlf1RSrwq44cb-g2ztK2zgrvDMaysihw_ecMSkZlDqqdIWQ7eXyMGbGf0ErvGd0WfqtxeoZh2zdh1Pw/s200/maker_faire_logo.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562400075693702866" border="0" /></a><br />Ah, we love an alliteration here at KAN Towers. Why Newcastle we hear you ask? We've been invited to have a stand at the fabulous <a href="http://www.makerfaireuk.com/">Maker Faire</a>. We like Maker Faire very much - not only is it hosted by our friends at the <a href="http://life.org.uk/">Life Science Centre</a>, it's full of creative inventors with amazing contraptions.<br /><br />Come along to our stand where you can knit a neuron and have a natter about neuroscience. We should have a fabulous display of neurons by the end of the weekend.<br /><br />If you can't wait for March, then head over to <a href="http://www.tynesidecinema.co.uk/whatson/events.php">Tyneside Cinema</a> next Tuesday. You'll meet fellow knitters and <a href="http://www.ncl.ac.uk/ion/staff/profile/j.c.a.read">Jennifer Read</a> will be there with all her brain expertise. Bring your neurons to the Maker Faire and add them to the display. Go on, you know you want to!<br /><br />STOP PRESS! If you're a knitter (or crocheter) from Newcastle then why not join the Yarnbombing activities? Check out the “maker faire guerrilla knitting" group on Ravelry for more information. Neuronal network across Newcastle anyone?Helen Featherstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992759367895390159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967786306736079795.post-4835607474330703582011-01-12T13:01:00.000-08:002011-01-23T04:12:07.734-08:00New Year, new neuron...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOxg0M98wWlY95SaPujEVLYNX55TCyduEft4C5J1wrS05Cu6CAwDeMwo-8WFGfr1BGZQTH55GlV_AtjAtA0u8AbTjt4EizYcw6SlE2IPDpcYtXKXGdEaWt6uhToT_fcQPOqyH1A_PJes/s1600/22082010303.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOxg0M98wWlY95SaPujEVLYNX55TCyduEft4C5J1wrS05Cu6CAwDeMwo-8WFGfr1BGZQTH55GlV_AtjAtA0u8AbTjt4EizYcw6SlE2IPDpcYtXKXGdEaWt6uhToT_fcQPOqyH1A_PJes/s200/22082010303.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561411130982581410" border="0" /></a>Happy New Year to all our supporters! And that's a lot of supporters: we've had over 10 000 views of our blog from all over the world - woo hoo! In a rather satisfying link: if all those hits were connections we'd be like one single neuron.<br /><br />We're sure you'll be pleased to hear that we've several offers of support for hosting the final piece. We're just going to take a look at it all and see what we can do.<br /><img src="file:///tmp/moz-screenshot.png" alt="" /><br />We're delighted with the level of support for the piece - thanks to everyone who's offered thoughts, recommendations and physical space. Watch this space for more information.<br /><br />We know the nights are getting shorter, but summer still seems a long way off. So here's a picture of some of our Green Man knitters enjoying the Welsh sunshine!Helen Featherstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992759367895390159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967786306736079795.post-28472549942862757972010-11-21T11:25:00.000-08:002010-11-21T11:48:44.505-08:00The final artwork - your input is neededWe're at an interesting point in Knit a Neuron. We've got all the neurons in, we've been speaking with Catherine and we are all set to create the final artwork. But we've hit a snag, well, it's more than a snag, it's a problem.<br /><br />As you know, when we started the project we got the go-ahead to house the final artwork in the Clinical Research Imaging Centre (CRIC). The CRIC will open in Easter next year, and we've only just been able to see the space. It turns out that it's not somewhere that can handle several hundred woolly neurons. We didn't realise just how popular knitting neurons was going to be and we now have too many (far too many!) to create an artwork that will fit into the space available. Particuarly as there are other artworks to go into the space.<br /><br />This leaves us in a very uncomfortable quandry - what do we do with the finished piece? We want to hear your suggestions and have a few of our own too. Do use the comments option or email us directly to let us know your thoughts.<br /><br />We've thought we could do the following:<br /><ol><li>Find one (or two, or more) temporary exhibition spaces that will host the installation (we have some in mind, but if you know anywhere that would be interested do let us know) and raise money for charity at the same time<br /></li><li>Talk to a brain injury/rehabitalion charity who would like the display for their office<br /></li><li>Use the neurons for outreach eg doing talks for adult groups, schools etc where each group creates their own temporary installation while finding out about neuroscience, brain injury and therapy and about the project overall</li><li>Create a book using photos from events and include some of the amazing stories we've heard from knitters all over the world.</li></ol><br />We are incredibly sad that CRIC is unable to host Knit a Neuron as we, and we know a lot of you, were excited that the piece was going to have such a relevant home.<br /><br />Do let us know your thoughts, comments and suggestions.Helen Featherstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992759367895390159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967786306736079795.post-37880186006954888652010-11-21T10:48:00.000-08:002010-11-21T11:23:22.343-08:00Knit a Neuron at the Thunderbolt<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi42Dy9FLnstz_Xhz2pFuKxaBAKsCjQxgVngHmuXDuS9Ltzh4j_bHRo1qHbXPMvu9KBLYKF7pX1guanaY-IjAJw33g6gQWQQIj_mpED88bMe0g_bYePWcPc8t1YsxdwDId0fIBSjjDvDc/s1600/KAN+TB+Close+up.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi42Dy9FLnstz_Xhz2pFuKxaBAKsCjQxgVngHmuXDuS9Ltzh4j_bHRo1qHbXPMvu9KBLYKF7pX1guanaY-IjAJw33g6gQWQQIj_mpED88bMe0g_bYePWcPc8t1YsxdwDId0fIBSjjDvDc/s200/KAN+TB+Close+up.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542085034756230274" border="0" /></a><br />Well, it's the end of the Totterdown Arts Trail and our little installation of neurons has gone down well. Here are a few pictures so you can get an idea of how it looked. A great big Thank You to Dave and Sophie at the Thunderbolt for giving us the opportunity to create the display.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-78zhaDKcHG06Yk6sXl-u0jd4lEwb9ntfRrQBL12-LYgK3w57VmeY5Wr1GUuHlS37xuV_Rk4DgZhIovQYcmO8ciqlYdhbSxS2i6Sz_BEJ3b94ay1trDudE_ZuB3elk7X8kUV-wyDDDDk/s1600/KAN+TB+General+view.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-78zhaDKcHG06Yk6sXl-u0jd4lEwb9ntfRrQBL12-LYgK3w57VmeY5Wr1GUuHlS37xuV_Rk4DgZhIovQYcmO8ciqlYdhbSxS2i6Sz_BEJ3b94ay1trDudE_ZuB3elk7X8kUV-wyDDDDk/s200/KAN+TB+General+view.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542084133449450306" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilnzsw3_VtWqY8tBBbEC5-6TfekACBkx-Zl69BNE7ybbCwdSD5e4ADKQMgSYn_V1bCHwumwG6LEgFkY25po3y8BbhJEZqDeQO6x5hyphenhyphenqxOIXU2Zh_wAJnfFi2nnl-UkDfv-PTuRhW19iDY/s1600/KAN+TB+in+context.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilnzsw3_VtWqY8tBBbEC5-6TfekACBkx-Zl69BNE7ybbCwdSD5e4ADKQMgSYn_V1bCHwumwG6LEgFkY25po3y8BbhJEZqDeQO6x5hyphenhyphenqxOIXU2Zh_wAJnfFi2nnl-UkDfv-PTuRhW19iDY/s200/KAN+TB+in+context.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542083347885456130" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Helen Featherstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992759367895390159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967786306736079795.post-9712627882936699432010-11-12T10:52:00.000-08:002010-11-12T11:15:02.458-08:00InstallationsIt's exciting times at Knit a Neuron Towers. We've been having more chats with Catherine about installing the neurons. Lots to think about: how to join the neurons and how they could be shown off to their best.<br /><br />We are also making preparations for the Totterdown Arts Trail next weekend. We've got a little corner in the Thunderbolt where we'll be displaying some of the several hundred neurons we've received. We were at the Thunderbolt sussing out our allocated space and hatching some plans. You can see it was thirsty work!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJMKlltJCNK0yYX3C2_dFkKsJ60BCKBk_6xqaKQbkHog2aZ_lO9yvBxDsssMAAnsdS21PRQKmvXz_H8YWLxL3tFNwFQvyVXcqYu2_vbjadRVUHrAgJgLU3jb81_P4XVegYEUl1rYkokKo/s1600/SNB+Nov+11.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJMKlltJCNK0yYX3C2_dFkKsJ60BCKBk_6xqaKQbkHog2aZ_lO9yvBxDsssMAAnsdS21PRQKmvXz_H8YWLxL3tFNwFQvyVXcqYu2_vbjadRVUHrAgJgLU3jb81_P4XVegYEUl1rYkokKo/s200/SNB+Nov+11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538740865627849602" border="0" /></a><br />Thanks to the Stitch and Bitch group at the Thunderbolt for their ongoing enthusiasm and commitment for the Knit a Neuron project. We're looking forward to the space-themed launch party on Friday night - see you there!Helen Featherstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992759367895390159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967786306736079795.post-42256491546246163392010-10-22T13:13:00.000-07:002010-10-22T13:38:27.822-07:00Wellcome Trust Club Social event<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQLQ7R4rKNWQl7KnzZmlNfuwlnnYsB-EvRND5kS0AVCc70OkSH_Fe9uoG7CPPmI2Dx-g1QPoBwjyc8fQ1eSLnc7Hg8gjKFzhz3UC5rPG0bsoM9ExEWQUc_ClC1bi2heie77b_xcIC9v1c/s1600/101019WTClub29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQLQ7R4rKNWQl7KnzZmlNfuwlnnYsB-EvRND5kS0AVCc70OkSH_Fe9uoG7CPPmI2Dx-g1QPoBwjyc8fQ1eSLnc7Hg8gjKFzhz3UC5rPG0bsoM9ExEWQUc_ClC1bi2heie77b_xcIC9v1c/s200/101019WTClub29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530967062689982978" border="0" /></a><br />We had a lot of fun this week at the Wellcome Trust. We were invited to run a Knit a Neuron event as part of their Club events.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We met some great folk. Lots of fascinating conversations about brains including neuroplasticity, controlling brains with light and free-will - challenging stuff indeed. You can just see Heather behind the neurons. Heather's been knitting mitochondrial DNA - a kindred spirit inde<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGusUi-na0ZMoqq0179HswzfIoQS3c5V5hKkE79Bdc9SU1K4QB7_vBxSVIRhUGRWfIQYWbTOd_UxuGIMVpKA_PGEYkO6QHNM3c9w8BXl07CNpcFdHP9Fk5KL5CQ2ck2ALfQE_7moLASFU/s1600/101019WTClub08.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGusUi-na0ZMoqq0179HswzfIoQS3c5V5hKkE79Bdc9SU1K4QB7_vBxSVIRhUGRWfIQYWbTOd_UxuGIMVpKA_PGEYkO6QHNM3c9w8BXl07CNpcFdHP9Fk5KL5CQ2ck2ALfQE_7moLASFU/s200/101019WTClub08.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530967068788687490" border="0" /></a>ed.<br /><br />We'd like to say a big thank you to the Wellcome Trust for inviting us along. Big shout out to Martha, Christian, Kate, Kate and Arifa for throwing themselves in at the deep end and being prepared to talk about their work with the Club members.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUV2uGXIK6DsVDaFM0qvmLIShEbenxQtERUsUshrVm-6X4DBmD9nQ9gsPvqGnUPZbSB2MUUp2lnCy8RXo03z6i9dx58Xj6tIW4IUnd_zZJw1V6llNs8sPWpLlKJFXjuYjocI2EAHzhzyE/s1600/101019WTClub19.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUV2uGXIK6DsVDaFM0qvmLIShEbenxQtERUsUshrVm-6X4DBmD9nQ9gsPvqGnUPZbSB2MUUp2lnCy8RXo03z6i9dx58Xj6tIW4IUnd_zZJw1V6llNs8sPWpLlKJFXjuYjocI2EAHzhzyE/s200/101019WTClub19.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530968675365516562" border="0" /></a><br />On a related note - we've received over 400 neurons! This is truly amazing and all down your collective knitting enthusiasm. We're looking forward to showing off a first interpretation of the final piece at the Totterdown Arts Trail in November.Helen Featherstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992759367895390159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967786306736079795.post-18347643404357159682010-10-11T12:33:00.000-07:002010-10-12T14:37:01.569-07:00Introducing...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7lsvDgs0xGhmnyWZALvtXsNhUTXJTZYTmZkR9AhTLsAA3lA_HfBL__qXv3R89u4BoXOLXsEvMhE2G_4BdSV3qV11W_K09XpLTr7aVYKCIZYSJZ07arZ0H64DwuXr8owPdDZ2R9d_AkzM/s1600/spacer.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 1px; height: 1px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7lsvDgs0xGhmnyWZALvtXsNhUTXJTZYTmZkR9AhTLsAA3lA_HfBL__qXv3R89u4BoXOLXsEvMhE2G_4BdSV3qV11W_K09XpLTr7aVYKCIZYSJZ07arZ0H64DwuXr8owPdDZ2R9d_AkzM/s200/spacer.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526876670341326226" border="0" /></a><br />...Catherine Baker. Catherine is our artist friend who is busy working away with some of the neurons to think about how best to join and display them. You can see her latest work <a href="http://www.mkgallery.org/education/projectspace/project_space_catherinebaker/">here</a>.<br /><br />Anne and Anne's mum have being getting the needles and thread out working on a display for the <a href="http://www.frontroom.org.uk/">Totterdown Arts Trail</a>. You'll be able to find us in <a href="http://www.thethunderbolt.net/">the Thunderbolt</a>.Helen Featherstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992759367895390159noreply@blogger.com0