Change of Plan

Due to unforeseen circumstances we're having a change of plan. We will not be going to Steam and Vintage fairs this Summer. If you've registered for an event, you should have heard from us already, but if not do get in touch.

We are hoping to take our activities out to fairs, festivals and events over Autumn and into Spring 2012. We'll update this blog as soon as we know where and when!

First structure constructed

We've tested the lucet cord and have started creating a structure from it. Here is the cord being tested to the limit. You may want to know that it behaved in the exact opposite way to steel.

You can also see Fiona creating the beginnings of our canopy structure. Plenty of scope there for crafters to create infil panels using whatever medium they fancy. While we were testing the activity we realised that a table would be a useful addition for anchoring the canopy to, and for crafting on.

8m of lucet cord

Here's the result of our first bit of experimentation: over 8m of lucet cord made from 65m of yarn - in one continuous loop! Fiona's taken samples to test for strength and stretch. We're looking forward to getting the results.

Activity prototyping is under way

After three creative workshops we've made a decision as to what we'll be doing with visitors at the Steam and Vintage Fairs. After much discussion and testing we've decided that encouraging visitors to take part in making a canopy will create lots of opportunities for discussion. We'll be going right back to basics by asking visitors to create cords and infill panels. These will be suspended to create a canopy which grows over the festival weekend.

There'll be lots to talk about: tension and compression, material properties, strong shapes... We'll also have some demonstrations to illustrate interesting points.

Now all we need to do is get testing different types of cord manufacturing: from a basic crochet chain to French knitting to Lucet cording. If you want to help out with testing, then do get in touch!

Registration for outreach events is now open

We are pleased to announce that registration for outreach events is now open! Click here to register. The outreach events take place at Vintage and Steam Engine fairs. We're looking forward to chatting with visitors while we build a creative, collaborative canopy. Don't forget that we'll pay expenses and taking part can contribute to your IStructE CPD.

The first creative workshop

We had a lot of fun yesterday talking structures, strength, forces, and facades. Our knitters found lots of links to their work and we now have a lot of ideas to take to the next workshop on Monday.

Creative Workshops are full

We're looking forward to our first creative workshop tomorrow at UWE. We have wool, swatches, buildings and even a bicycle wheel to get the creative juices flowing.

Unfortunately all the places have now gone for the other two sessions. However, if you want to be involved you can sign up for the training to take part in the Steam Fair events. Registration will open soon!

Linked In group goes live

Great news - we now have a Linked In group. Search for Continous Loop Project and join in!

Places left on the Creative Workshops

Places are filling up fast for the Creative Workshops - but there are still a few spaces left. Do register if you wish to come along to shape the project. More information (and registration link) here.

We're really looking forward to it - it should be stimulating, challenging and fun!

Continuous Loop Project is go!

We're delighted to announce the launch of the Continuous Loop Project. We're teaming up structural engineers and crafters to get folk talking about structural engineering. We'll be taking an intrepid team of engineers to Vintage and Steam Fairs over the summer with a drop-in craft activity. We hope to see you there!