Adventures in Costuming

Doll update

2009-03-09T02:58:00.000-06:00

so I have finally found some motivation to work on the fashion doll again. As you can see from above I finished the limbs and attached the legs to the body- I have also stated working on the documentation

fashion doll

2009-02-03T13:05:00.003-07:00

my new project---

and I know it's tough to see but I have drawn out all the doll parts on linen

new project

2009-01-21T12:56:00.001-07:00

embroidered household badge on wool felt

About 5 hours into the project

using split stitch

to save

2009-01-18T22:36:00.000-07:00

copying this from my web page so I can remove it

Venetian Gown Dress Diary

I will be fully documenting each step of my Venetian gown project here with the hopes of of sharing my process and research and to make it easy to submitt to the realm of venus showcase.

Ideas

I am hoping to have this finished to wear at 12th night this year.

I have fallen in love with my Courtesan Persona and intend to make a full switch from my Elizabethan garb to all italians all the time. Of course being the type of person I am I want to have an amazing show dress for use in my courtesan classes. The theme for this year's 12th night is 1492 spanish so I figure I will do an early 1500's italian gown and I will be "visiting" from Italy

Portrait Of A Lady and a Lute Player Unknown Artist of the Venetian School, 1520s

fabric 9/28

I have found the fabric I will use to make this dress!! and it was on sale!!!

It's hard to tell from the picture but it is a lovely shade of blue with a gold pattern I love it!!

Calze- Stockings

Queen Elizabeth's Wardrobe Unlock'd. A picture of extant stockings, possibly silk, with embroidered tops and silk knitting stockings and the hose of Queen Elizabeth's Fool, made with cotton and faustian They were 'trimmed with lace alover'. (Queen Elizabeth's Wardrobe Unlock'd p.206)

So my first project is to create a pair of linen stockings I plan on hand sewing them so this should be interesting

I think I have my stocking pattern!!

the leg laying openthe leg showing the calf shape- yes I have huge calves! I was a dancer for years after all

the foot shape with the ankle gussets

showing the stocking pieced together

Linen stockings sewn together all by hand!

Hard to see little detail of a running stitch done in blue thread up the back of the calf

Stocking on- I just need to add a welt and garters!

My gaters from Fetter'd Cock arrived I adore them!!

Chopines

A portrait once called two venitian courtesans but now is considered to be two venitian noblewomen

A close up of the shoes in the background of the painting which I used to base the style of my first pair of chopines on

Starting work on chopines- platform made with foam the band over the top of the foot is done with canvas and moleskin

side view

Finish chopines covered in black moleskin and trimed with gold gimp the picture is awful I know but in person the shoes look amazing!

Bodice

Is compleated I decided to make it side lacing

here it is laid out flat before I added my lacing rings

here is a close up of the beading All the pearls used are real that I bought at pennsic- It makes me remember all the good times I had there and I plan to wear it next year at either midnight madness, the Casa or when I teach my courtesan class there

Sleeves

Are based on the pattern by Danielle Nunn-Weinberg in her showcase at Realm of Venus (sept. 2003) I just left them puffy and did not tack them which she does for her dress. The sleeves are made up of three pieces. A straight sleeve made out of white linen, a blue velvet fore arm cut from the same pattern as the straight sleeve ending just below the elbow. and lastly a large stretched sleeve head that is gathered at the top of the sleeve head and again to the forearm. Each sleeve is created seprately then whipstiched to the bodice from the front of the armpit to the back leaving the underarm open so the camica can be seen.

The dress layer by layer

Chopines, stockings, garters, drawers

Petticoat - red linen commonly listed in household accounts red kept away sickness and the evil eye

The dress with girdle belt

My hair most of it is fake and I used a blue velvet ribbion to sew it to my hair so bobby pins were not needed. Hair jewels were made with eye pins and left over pearls from the girdle belt.

I wear the yellow veil to mark myself as a courtesan and not a noble lady out of respect for the crown and his court

more pics of new dress

2009-01-18T16:07:00.002-07:00

more pics of the new dress done- which one is your favorite???

4 scrolls done!

2008-12-31T14:45:00.002-07:00

finished the 4 scrolls for 12th night- I have a few more final touches to do on the dress- I think I am going to use it for my new quest

Dress update

2008-12-29T21:57:00.003-07:00

First my inspiration

And the almost finished dress (I just have the hem!!)

Showing off the petticoat and slight peak of the corset

And showing off the drawers, stockings and chopines!

I need a better camera

2008-12-28T20:54:00.003-07:00

but I needed to post pics up

I have finish constructing the sleeves and I am now attaching them on to the bodice

beadwork

2008-11-27T03:18:00.002-07:00

I wish I had better pictures but these should give you an idea of phase one and phase two of the beadwork on my 12th night gown

dress update

2008-11-26T16:31:00.002-07:00

Started the beadwork on my dress and added the skirt- it really is looking like a dress now- I love it

Finished Chopines!!!

2008-11-09T01:26:00.002-07:00

I have finished my chopines!!! they are so cool I love them I can't wait to start work on my later period style ones

these are much earlier and are based on this portrait

These stand 4 inches high and are made with foam covered in black moleskin and trimmed with gold gimp

My next ones I hope to make out of wood and have them stand about 8 inches high

what I have been working on

2008-11-08T23:06:00.004-07:00

OK I have been busy with work and trying to get ready for 12th night. I am so grateful to the people closest to me for keeping me sane especially D, Melle, Genni, Avi, Hannah and Elizabeth I really owe you guys!

So what I have been doing with pictures!!

the bodice I have been working on for 12th night

Linen stockings sewn by hand with a cute running stitch done in blue thread up the back of my calf

Stocking on I just need to add the welts on the top and garters!!

I have also started work on the Chopines I have a foam base and I am covering it with moleskin they stand four inches high so that would make me average height!

La!!!

2008-11-04T22:23:00.002-07:00

so tonight I snuck away and went to choir practice- Ahh you say but you are deaf- Deaf people don't sing and there- my good friend you are wrong. We do sing but many of use use different methods of learning how. I did a lot of work when I was younger and I was a part of several choirs many made up of those who could and could not hear. I sort of sight read and usually I have someone help me "find" my first note after that I am off to the races. Tonight was lovely and I enjoyed it very much. It was also funny to have Melle there where we were both singing soprano (very well I might add) and we both have hearing issues. so there- just wanted to share :)

new coif embroidery

2008-10-26T23:53:00.001-06:00

I picked up a new coif pattern at Pennsic, it's embroidery design is based on a smock at the V&A At the moment I am just doing the loops in blue using a chain stitch each loop takes about 2 hours (I'm a bit slow- I'm still learning!) so this is the coif at about 34 hours worth of work on it

ugh

2008-10-19T16:50:00.002-06:00

I am not a morning person and I have had to wake up far to early all weekend! I've had a migraine since Thursday and I am over all the hurting! I've had a hard time keeping up with the boy but I am trying to deal with it. I still haven't had anytime to work on my corset- I really want to have it finished before I go to Me;;e's on Tuesday so I better get my butt in gear.

birthdays

2008-10-16T08:27:00.002-06:00

so today is my birthday- and it's been an odd day for me. I'm not sure where to start. part of it is I am older- but aging doesn't really bother me I think a big part of it is I know next year I will be 30 and that I have not reached some of the goals I have set for myself in the SCA and in the real world. I did a mini celebration with melle and genni on tue's day and recieved many well wishes last night at household.

It's funny cause I know I have been feeling emotionally needy these last couple of days but I am unsure why.

I'm rambling- so I think I will stop here for now

dvd

2008-10-12T23:11:00.002-06:00

so I just recieved Anna Bolena from Netflix and although the costumes are a bit odd (but very theatrical!) the music and the voices are beautiful if you believe yourself to be a fan on all things tudor- rent this!!

Stags con

2008-10-12T20:32:00.002-06:00

was an amazing event!! I saw a lot of friends I have not seen in ages! I did some networking and took part of some amazing discussions.

Scribes- Rock! plain and simple! We chatted and shared some tips- I wish I could have been there all day but I did have duties with the A&S office

A&S- I feel the officers meeting was great- we shared concerns and ideas and I really have a picture of what Mistress Tana has in mind for the community
The A&S competition talk was a little more... ummm... interesting. There were some great ideas but trying to put those ideas in motion are a lot tougher then one would think. Emotions got heated and I'm not sure Tana shared all she wished to. I plan on aiding her in anyway possible and I look forward to a few of the projects she has lined up

Master Grellan and Mistress Bri have pointed me in the right direction for a new A&S project for me and after a lovely evening with them (I'm still laughing!) I'm hoping I will get to see more of them

side project

2008-10-07T00:35:00.005-06:00

as many of you know I went to pennsic this past Aug. and I am a huge fan of the attack laurel. since pennsic I have been working off and on embroidering a coif drawn by the said attack laurel based on a woman's smock dated to 1600-1620 in the Victoria and Albert Museum.

I've spent about 15 hours on it so far. It's been nice to have when I go to populace meetings and such since I can keep my hands busy

Watch this space I will post a pic of my progress here tomorrow

more jewelry and patterns

2008-10-03T21:06:00.002-06:00

I wish this turned out clearer but it is a lovely pearl necklace not quite a choker- I have a thick neck and that would just draw more attention to it. I used a 14 karat gold for all my findings and wire and it has a clasp that allows me to switch out which award I hang from it. in the picture it is my flower award.

on another note- La!

I had an awesome time last night I went over to Melle and Genni's to do some sewing and just to chat I left with a new corset and bodice pattern and some of the best conversation I have had in a long time I laughed so hard!!!

so I hope once I get through the first speech meet of the year my goal is to get some sewing done next week!!

little extras

2008-10-01T01:35:00.003-06:00

A cami style top with a little lace (it makes me feel girly!) this is worn under my corset

And the perfect earings!! Although I am thinking with my short neck and if I wear a falling ruff it might be best to take them of a hook earing and move it to a post set up instead

12th night Venetian Gown

2008-09-30T11:33:00.005-06:00

I have decided I will be making a dress like this one for 12th night!!!

I have also decided to start from the inside out and the bottom up

project one- Calze- stockings

Queen Elizabeth's Wardrobe Unlock'd. A picture of extant stockings, possibly silk, with embroidered tops and silk knitting stockings and the hose of Queen Elizabeth's Fool, made with cotton and faustian They were 'trimmed with lace alover'. (Queen Elizabeth's Wardrobe Unlock'd p.206)

I've been working on my stocking pattern, I think I am finally pleased with it.

the stocking pieced together
profile of leg pattern showing off the calf shape
foot shape with ankle gussets

the leg pattern laid open

wardrobe projects

2008-09-19T12:15:00.002-06:00

So after looking through a bunch of books I have now a list of items I wish to make for my wardrobe over the winter.

Chopines- platform shoes
Pantoufles- a mmule type shoe
Calze- stockings
Calzoni- drawers
Camicia- chemise
cintolini- garters
sontana- kirtle
falda- petticoats
gamurra- underdress
veste- overdress with sleeves
guibbone- doublet
zimarra- turkish coat
spallini net partlet
georgiera- partlet
scuffia- caul
tocchiglie- veil
guanti- gloves
cinta- girdle

Frick, Carole Collier. Dressing Renaissance Florence.: Families Fortunes & Clothing. John Hopkins University Press. Baltimore. 2002. ISBN: 0-8018-6939-0
Kovesi Killerby, Catherine, Sumptuary Law in Italy 1200-1500, Oxford University Press. NY. 2002. ISBN:0-19-924793-5 .
L'Abito della Granduchessa; Vesti di corte di Madonne nel Palazzo Reale di Pisa. Museo Nazionale di Palazzo Reale, Pisa.
Orsi Landini, Roberta & Niccoli, Bruna. La Moda a Firenze 1540-1580. Pagliai Polistampa, Firenze, 2005. ISBN: 88-8304-867-9
Veccellio, Cesare. Vecellio's renaissance Costume Book. Dover Publications. NY. 1977. ISBN: 0 48623441X

updated web site

2008-09-15T20:07:00.002-06:00

so I have been trying to put together a little web page for my persona a place to share what I am working on and such so please check it out

http://www.freewebs.com/magdasca/index.htm

I would love to know what you think and if I need to add or change anything

Three stags

2008-08-28T20:45:00.003-06:00

so we are preparing to leave for three stags after I come home from work tomorrow. I hope we have everything packed and I hope the weather works with us. I need to get the last of the stuff together for my class and I hope I can get some pictures of my mini casa

I am so looking forward to having a little fun, doing a little dancing and getting a little crazy

Casetta Ramberti

2008-08-25T00:10:00.004-06:00

So I picked up a 10X20 garage and I have started the work to convert it into my little Casetta

Here is the garage I picked up it. The middle panel on the side opens as an awning. I have started the drawing of Narcissus on the curtains for the front door then I need to figure out the back separation and floor cover. It is a start I think I could have a lot of fun working on this over the winter.

Pennsic Day 6

2008-08-22T23:20:00.003-06:00

I'm on retinue this morning and I am really glad we did not party last night- I clean up their majesties breakfast dishes. His Majesty is off to the battlefield and her majesty wishes to watch the fighting. We catch the second and 3rd bridge battle and I have to admit the Outlands field some amazing fighters!! Eventually we head back to camp and we are given a golf cart tour of Pennsic. Wow the site is huge!!! I have a chance to eat some lunch then I am off to teach my class at the Casa. I'm nervous- really nervous. I have never tried to teach a class in persona before and Hannah has not arrived from her class to act as my bumper- I can wait no longer I have to get started. So I approach the casa and ask permission to enter. My whole thought is that these are high born ladies of the casa and I have been asked to answer their questions. Very much like the banana scene in Dangerous beauty. So I start the class and the questions are flowing sudden- enter Hannah Stage right. She runs full speed into the casa

"I'm sorry M'lady, I know I am late but there was ice cream involved"

It was great I loved the class then we catch a bus and rush to the A&S tents. It's a bit light only 2 ladies but we have a good time. I still can't believe I am teaching at Pennsic!

After the class we grab some food then rush to the tent so I can change and do my hair and make-up for the party. I had major issues with my hair but I finally got them into the proper horns. Off to the party.

I'm going to stop here as I wish to do a really detailed entry on the party

pics of Outlander's from Pennsic!!

2008-08-22T22:58:00.004-06:00

opening court

the rest are from the battlefield thank you Liam for taking all of these pictures and posting them!

Pennsic Day 5

2008-08-21T00:44:00.006-06:00

Hannah is hurting a bit this morning so Audrey and I run off to go check out the battles. Audrey has never really seen a melee and we were able to get there just in time to see the first big rush. It's still awe inspiring! We play where is waldo and guess what I see!! Yup a black and white surcoat with a big red cross! As the battle nears it's close Audrey goes off to find Hannah and I head down the hill to see if I can find waldo- I do we chat briefly I laugh about the ad tell him how to find me and since he is off to attend court and I need to start getting ready for retinue I head back to camp. I get to be lady in waiting for her majesty all afternoon and it is lovely- she is really just an amazing and easy going person! We do some shopping and meet the known world Seneschal! eventually we go back to camp and prepare for our little court. Technically I am off duty right before court starts but naturally I want to help out so I help setting up and then attend their majesties as a lady in waiting during their court. Court opens and they call forth 2 folks- (who for the life of me I can't even think of who they are- I knew everyone in camp and knew who they were at the time but- you'll see)
I realize that we did not set out the kneeling pillows so right after the two folks get their pennsic sashes and leave I nonchalantly toss out the pillows trying to look smooth- I fail

The next thing I know I hear my name being called- I stand in disbelief for a second but I can tell that I had heard right when I looked at Hannah and Audrey- I go to the front of court and kneel- I figure this was something to do with the fact I was a war virgin or a pennsic war virgin but then the King started talking about my scribal skills and my garb and the silent heraldry thing I did and the classes I was going to teach- I wish I could remember his exact words- I know he said some funny stuff but my mind was a bit hazy over being called into court in the first place. They awarded me with a flower. Which is our kingdom's Grant level Arts and sciences award! I'm shocked Astrid said some really sweet things and I admit I was shocked and teared up just a bit. IT was a good day!

Because I know have a grant of Arms I am labeled as an Honorable Lady and can sign my name as THL and I get called your ladyship which of course leads to some jokes
"you mean I'm a boat?"
"you are a bit short to be a boat"
"I'm not short! I'm funsized- I must be a dingy!!"

We call home and share the good news. Then head off to midnight Madness! Turns out the Baron was not going to attend so I was free to shop all night

Audrey bought me a beautiful circlet which I am now able to wear since I have a grant now!

We decide we don't really want to party that evening and instead sit in the coffee shop and play cards then retire to our camp and do some henna. We crash early (between 12 am and 1am)

Pennsic day 4

2008-08-21T00:29:00.005-06:00

Slow to wake up this morning- Hannah is already running around doing the lady in waiting thing. Get dressed- skip the make-up. Ugh it's going to be warm. Audrey and I head to the Pennsic independent where I place an ad for Theo since we never exchanged info and I feel bad that I didn't find him on Monday. We then do some shopping and grab lunch. We head to A&S there is a class Audrey wants to take but it is packed!! We end up killing time chatting at A&S Point and I meet an awesome guy!! He is a Laurel and is Just a hoot!! We talked about bad period-esque movies and just spend a ton of time laughing. We realize it is close to the time Hannah finishes her retinue stuff and figure we will get together before they head off to the Turkish bath class and I have a meeting with the Casa folks. We meet back and camp and the girls head in one direction and I in another. I meet up with the casa folks and we talk about the class and set it up for Thursday at 3 which is great because I am also teaching it at the A&S tents at 5 on the same day so that will work out nicely. I then get "hired" to escort the Baron during Midnight madness the following eventing! Sounds like fun!! then to top it all off to thank me for teaching the class I will get invites to the hoity toity party which I guess is a big deal- cool!! So then it is off to the A&S tents with me and I fill out the info that I will be teaching at the casa. By this time it's getting late and the Turkish bath thing should be almost over so I swing by the shops and pick a birthday gift for Audrey. I go back to the camp I run into Mistress Bri and I end up taking in a grand court where one of her friends is getting her pelican. I really enjoyed chatting with mistress Bri and I love that she gets the whole courtesan thing. I have always admired her and frankly after Pennsic even more so! I have to admit she is on the top of my short list of people I think it would be cool to student to. Audrey swings by the court and let's me know she is running off to do laundry in town- all cool by me. After court I go back to camp and get ready for the Attack laurel party!!! We arrive late and have missed all the fun speechs but we see more laurels then I think I ever have in one small space- then the glowsticks came out!! We got Land Snarked and I had a chance to let the Attack Laurel herself know that she is a big reason I keep going- it was a great moment of peer fear for me- I was star struck!! We head back to camp and I grab Audrey's birthday cake- we go back to camp and there is no Audrey- she left to do Laundry 5 hours ago!!! We call home- no phone call to Avi from Audrey- we both know she can get lost in a fish bowl- I decide it's time to go to troll - they will have her licence plate number listed and call the cops- just as I head to the door two laundry bags drop at my feet!! It's Audrey!!! She ended up going in the wrong direction and drove 40 miles out of her way in the wrong direction!! We are all relieved surprise her with her cake and mug then get dressed for the Viking Luau next door at the west kingdom's camp. We bring the cake and get everyone at the party to sing happy birthday to Audrey and pass the cake out which disappears never to be seen again- I hope it got eaten! Finally we call it a night and crash

Funny side note: this day was my 10th aniversary of being in the SCA!

Found a picture!!!

2008-08-16T19:57:00.002-06:00

Yup it's me teaching the courtesan class at the casa!!

Pennsic Day 3

2008-08-16T19:24:00.003-06:00

So I wake up far to early again to the children yelling I get dressed and head to the battle I remember theo and his surcoat and figure I should keep my promises and head to the battle- funny thing the battles- there are thousands of people!!! It was like playing where is waldo with all the pieces moving!!! Although I will tell you that first crush of people is awe inspiring!! The ground shakes and the crash of shields makes you jump. A few times I think I find waldo but then he becomes lost again in the mass. I run into an old friend whom I haven't seen in a year or so and we catch up on old times. The battle ends and I go off to seek out waldo- no dice- bummer.

Can you find waldo- I think this proves my point.

I head back to camp and the girls are gone off to a class on underwear. I head their way and join the class- it was interesting- I have to disagree with a bit that was taught and I have issues with anyone who thinks their train of thought is the only train of thought but what can you do?? We grab a bit of lunch and nurse our hangovers from the night before. It really was not a bad hangover no headache but a real feeling of ugh- you know what I mean and poor Cady it seems she woke up drunk. I guess we are lucky coming from Colorado we recover quickly in PA the air is thicker and all.

Back to camp- Hannah wants to hit another class I tag along. I'm having issues focusing- I leave the class early to take a nap, cady is feeling ill. We all agree no drinking tonight!! Tonight will be our sober night!!

Time to get ready for the evening- I doll up and we wander around playing where are we now at all the amazing gates we find- I hope we run into Theo but I don't put much hope on that there are 10,000 folks here what is the likelihood we would run into each other again. We eventually move to the bog. Hannah takes me to the one place I have been reading about for years!!

Casa Bardicci!!!

Ok it's still being built but it is lovely the view of the lake is breath taking and the next thing I know Hannah is setting it up for me to teach my courtesan class at the casa in persona!! It's a dream come true!

We continue on our way find trimaris- they so rock! Hannah has retinue in the morning so she calls it a night and Cady and I head to the Bacchanalia party- I guess we missed all the fun it was rather dead and there seemed to be a lot of - politicking going on- maybe it's because we were sober but Cady called it a night. I stayed on hoping something fun would happen. I found a group of folks and started flirting and such I had a guy flirting with me- I of course flirted back and before I knew it he was getting friendly... I mean really friendly I'm not sure what happened next but the little voice in my head screamed at me when he suggested we "go take a walk" I made an excuse to tell a friend hi- I found a couple of guys from the night before- I told them what was going on, they wouldn't hear of me going anywhere with this guy and offered to walk me back to camp- My heroes!!!

Pennsic day 2

2008-08-16T19:05:00.003-06:00

So I slowly awaken to the sweet tones of children... Yelling- "Pennsic independent- one dollar equals one paper!!" Ahh yes our own personal alarm clock. I look over and Hannah is still out cold so I get moving, get dressed pull back my hair, buy a paper then off to a class. I make my way to the A&S tents and wait... and wait... and wait. The teacher never shows so I head to A&S point just to give them a heads up, while there we getting chatting and the next thing I know I am signing up to teach my courtesan class on Thursday. Wow I am going to teach a class at pennsic one of my major SCA goals! Go me! I then sit in on the period encampment class then make my way back to camp. We set up cady's camp then off to classes we go again. A nice lunch, a nap and we are ready to get dressed for another evening of partying! We watch the tinkers do a run through of their act in our camp for their performance at Pandora's box that evening- looks like we now have a party destination. We finish getting dressed run off to diner come back to camp a start with a little pre drinking then we have a little glow in the dark bocce ball played through merchants row up by us. then head off to the shopping we had yet to see! There we find to Outlanders Donavan and Ocean with Marakesh. They are just about to head off to the bog to drum and have fun. So we head back to camp and drop of the bocce balls and march off to the bog. Pandora's is not an easy place to miss and the crowd of folks make it easy to find. Their gate is amazing!! I wish I had pictures! We arrive just in time to catch the tynker's show. I use my height as an advantage and get a front row seat. The tynkers rocked like always we then head uphill in the suck mud towards the fire and drumming. I lost my show twice- they are not kidding when they call this the bog!! We start dancing and tempting folks with the chocolate honey we brought with us- a great ice breaker!! Hannah found us a group of Aussie's and we had a great time with them!!

"Scotty!!!"

We each had a mug of Pandora's poison- omg!! then naturally Hannah finds a woman with a flogger and a volunteer for her to try it on! Shortly after they call it a night and I continue to party. The gentleman Hannah practiced her back hand on is cute! We chat and flirt and have a great evening. I don't remember much the Pandora's poison makes everything hazy but I do remember the gentleman's mundane name is Theo and that he will be at the battle in the morning wearing a black and white surcoat with a red cross and he would love to see me there. So I go back to my camp- alone- and crash hard!

Pictures from the casa!!

2008-08-15T12:27:00.005-06:00

Pictures from the Casa thank you Pearce!

My favorite pic!
The Baron and I- odd angle I think I had just wrapped him up in my gown

The Baron and his courtesans
blinded by my beauty
Me and my girls!
Hannah and I
Cady and I

pretty underwear

2008-08-14T21:08:00.002-06:00

I have started a new project!! I have decided to start creating pretty underwear to wear when I lounge about or for my classes I picked up a beautiful embroidery pattern based on a period smock and have started by drawing out a coif pattern. I also plan on a set of drawers, chemise, partlet and possibly as a decoration on a corset- it sounds like a ton of work but it still will be a lot of fun and give me something to do until I plan out my next dress

Pennsic Day one

2008-08-13T13:15:00.004-06:00

So Saturday was our first full day at pennsic. We had a nice easy going day including some shopping and hanging out. Mid day we went back to the tent and took a nice long nap. After 24 hours driving you would nap too!! We were slow to get moving after our nap and decided we would dress up in our belly dancing garb and hit the parties. Our third member was due to arrive at anytime so we were in no hurry to do our make-up and hair. It was nearing 10:00 at night before we knew it and diner was overdue. So off to the food court go we. perogies, sweet potato fries and fruit cobbler- Yum!!! Then Pennsic magic happened. No sooner did we take our last bite of cobbler my phone rings- it's Cady she is now on site and at troll- Which is less then 20 feet away from us- if we were a little faster getting ready or decided not to eat at the food court we would not be at the right place at the right time-

We get cady back to our camp and decide to dress her up for the evening rather then setting up her tent in the dark- Now we are all dressed up and looking good we are off to the parties in the bog!

Vlad's!! Now if you have never gone to Pennsic there is no way you can understand the scope of Vlad's. Before I came to my first pennsic I had seen the pictures and heard the tales but they pale in comparison when Vlad's stands before you. We arrived just in time for the intermission of the slave auction. We watched two beautiful and very talented belly dancers when the "Queen" returned to continue the show (let me tell you the garb the queen was wearing was amazing beautiful standing ruff I was awestruck) We then watched as they auctioned off oil boy and circus boy (mmmm yummy!!) then they presented a brother and sister team offering to serve 10 galleons of booze at a party- Sure enough we recognized the man wearing a fez- I need to show pictures just so you can see where he was wearing the fez!

Then we followed the drums to Hedgehog camp for some dancing!! (We often ended up calling it Hamster camp but that is a different story!) There we met a gentle who makes miracle pills (Chocolate coating makes it go down easier!) We head back to his camp to sample some of his cordials partake in Vlad TV (Is this the only channel on??) then head back home

We spot someone attempting to spank a very tall- and handsome gentle with his belt so naturally Hannah had to stop and show off her back hand. As we headed back up the hill towards camp we became part of the largest totem pole that was being drawn with chalk on the hill!

some new plans

2008-08-12T15:17:00.008-06:00

So my new plan is to start preparing for Pennsic now.

I fell in love with Casa Bardicci and truly felt at home there so one of my first projects is to create a mini casa wich I will call

Casetta Ramberti

I plan to use a 10x20 garage just like they do at casa bardicci add a arch facade, sunshade faux tile floor and fountain. I will also have to furnish the inside. This way I can bring the casa to the outlands and camp in style. This will also give me a great backdrop to teach my courtesans classes.
This will be a huge undertaking! with lots of little projects including creating the furniture and little items to make it look right

A pic of my friends apartment at the Casa

My secondary projects will be to improve my personal kit

From the bottom up

I have several types of shoes I would love to make

a nice comfy pair of pantoufles

similar to these

For show and the big party at the casa next year at pensic a pair of Chopines I think I will make them about 8 inches tall maximum so I can move in them but still be impressive

I would love a couple of pairs of stockings that I can add embroidery to, with pretty garters as well

a couple of pairs of embroidered drawers

Petticoats

a few Camicias

some new dresses

1 major show dress with ruffs and the whole 9 yards for the casa party

new jewelry

so I think I will be busy for a while

ohhh!! and I also want to learn italian!!

Sad news

2008-08-12T09:43:00.002-06:00

Joe Kudla, whom we all knew as ‘Snot,’ from the legendary duo act, was found dead in his home in northeast Minneapolis yesterday. The preliminary report of cause of death was a heart attack. He was 58. There is a news story about the sad event here:

http://www.twincities.com/news/ci_10168686?source=rss

and the act’s own site has the news here:

http://www.magaga.com/Home.html

I have had the pleasure of working with Puke and snot most of my life. They have always been a constant at any fair I have worked at. They were the godfathers of the rennie mafia and Joe always had a kind word and good advice. I am still in a bit of shock and can't believe he is gone.

Pennsic!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-08-10T18:58:00.003-06:00

ok I am now home!! I had so much fun! I need to write so much and I know I will have stories for ages to come I want to send out my love to the great folks of Casa Bardicci- I loved teaching my courtesan class there as well as the chance to play in persona all night at their big party! To their Royal Majesties Boleslav and Ástríðr I loved getting to spend time with you!! To Hannah and Audrey you rock and- we got Cady!!!
I promise I will share some of the stories here over the next few days

Brick wall

2008-07-29T19:05:00.003-06:00

please forgive this rambling post- I have never been very good at putting my thoughts onto paper so mea culpa

As many folks know I leave on Thursday to the far off lands of Pennsic!! I'm thrilled but the preparation has been leading me to burn out. I decided not to bring any of my gowns that require a hoop so I had one dress I could wear out of my wardrobe. So I have been sewing like a manic to create a workable wardrobe to deal with the many faces of Pennsic weather. It's been stressful and amazing! I've have made several new patterns for clothing items I have never attempted before. I have pushed my machine to limits unknown to man and Hannah and I have become great friends in the process

Sadly I have also come to realize I have hit a wall. Maybe it is because I am getting an average 4 hours of sleep at night and this does not make for a functional human. I've been feeling very depressed and that my life as a whole has been a bit lack luster.

I have writers block on my work about courtesans and I am stuck trying to get the research material- (truly not the translator's fault- he is amazing)

As far as the SCA goes I just feel stuck. I'm sure I am at a crossroads on the path I want to take but I'm unsure how to take that next step. I really wish I had someone to turn to for advice. My greatest wish is that this trip to pennsic will recharge my battery and maybe get the encouragement and guidance I feel I am missing. Not that I need an ego stroke but I am truly unsure if what I am doing is right- nor what the next step to take to improve...

Does that make any sense?

elizabeth celtic festival part 1

2008-07-18T16:03:00.003-06:00

So I am packed for the celtic festival I have my music to teach court dancing I have all my beely dancing stuff to dance and do henna and

I finished my black linen jacket!!!!!

I'm very happy I have something to wear to the attack laurel party at pennsic!

I have a kirtle that just needs to have the skirt attached and I am going to try to do my brown jacket and a couple of skirts before we leave for pennsic I have jury duty on tues and I need to find the form but overall I am in a good mood and I am so looking forward to this weekend!

I will write all about it when I get back on Sunday

The hardcore SCA Test

2008-07-13T14:34:00.002-06:00

so I have been working really hard to get ready for pennsic but between sewing non stop and my son being 2 I thought I needed a break and a chance to update my long neglected blog.

so I found The hardcore SCA Test

http://www.okcupid.com/tests/the-hardcore-sca-test

and I am

The Queen's Champion
You scored 74% hardcore SCA!

You are really involved in the SCA. You probably have some really cool garb. You put a lot of work into playing the game and making sure its fun for others too. For a lot of folks an event wouldn't be the same without you. You probably have a tendancy to over do it sometimes. You may need help knowing when to say "No" or when to stop sewing and go to bed.

The quest and dragonsspine

2008-06-17T23:35:00.002-06:00

ahh yes a band of us went to dragonsspine at 9 am in the morning for a 6:00 court that happened after 7-

but in truth it was a lovely day I got to see a lot of folks I haven't seen in ages and chat with folks I adore chatting with. I got some sun and overall it was a lovely day
It was nice to see Cady but having her leave again is hard- I miss having her around and Ugi gets bigger every time I see him

My quest is done!!! and I have a lovely scroll and garter (and a belt favour forthcoming) to prove it!!

I have cut out my black linen for my elizabethan jacket and serged all the edges now I have to sew them all together! I also found a lovely brown silk brocade with teal jacobean type flowers- I plan to make this into another jacket then all I will need is to make my teal kirtle and a black kirtle and I will be happy!

I also really want a second belly dancing outfit- this still doesn't have all the clothes I want for pennsic covered but I could survive with that

Dragonspine warlord and Pennsic!!!

2008-06-09T23:32:00.002-06:00

so this weekend is dragonsspine's warlord event and the end of the Quest!! I am so happy to be finished!!!

Also I have now pre reg'd for Pennsic! the attack laurel has a class on Tuesday night at pennsic and I will be there to take it!!!

sewing is coming along abeit more slowly then I had hoped I seem to keep finding excuses to work on other projects

It's getting late and I think if I am going to stay up any later I better be doing it in my sewing room

2008-06-04T12:47:00.002-06:00

so my next project is to get my corset photographed tonight and continue tweeking my waistcoat pattern

My plan is to have 3 or 4 of these done to wear at penssic

cortesan

2008-05-31T12:11:00.003-06:00

I think I'll post a few of these pics I finished an new courtesan dress so I could dress corect from the skin out for a class I teach. My darling guy snapped this pic of me wearing my period sunscreen

corset done

2008-05-29T18:01:00.002-06:00

so I have finished the corset and tried it on in fact it is very comfortable I think I brought the boning to far up the back as I can feel a little oddness in the shoulder blade area I have discovered that the front is cut a bit high but it will work wonderfully for what I intend to use it as and that the strap area has a bit of a flap at the center back I will most likely fix that with a dimple dart. overall it is a beautiful corset and I love how it makes me look and feel. so I will do a little tweaking with the strap tomorrow and start work on the next item on my list

my fingers are numb...

2008-05-29T01:38:00.002-06:00

but I have finished the 42 hand done eyelets down the front of my corset!! I am thrilled all I have to do now are the back ones and attach the strap to the front of the corset then take pictures so you all can see!!

Crossroads

2008-05-27T17:43:00.002-06:00

so I went to hawks hollow for their crossroads events. It was a year ago this event that I met the amazing folks in my household and they asked my family if we wanted to join them. I have a lot of great memories that happened at this event and this year was no different. I will admit it was high stress and I was darn tired when I first made it out to site on Friday and because of an event I really had to step up and take charge it was far from easy but I did learn a lot about myself and I know now that I can channel the force needed to take charge and get things done. I also did some belly dancing on Sat. night and I loved it I admit I had some liquid courage but I had an amazing time. We asked some folks to join the household and I admit I have a huge soft spot for our "kitchen fairies!!" Sunday night their excellencies of Dragonsspine joined us for dinner and had some incredibly kind words for our group. We also gave out our Wanderer of the way a little household recognition for someone who balances their life in the SCA and household and really is what we want to become when we grow up. Amazingly the household chose me for the primer I was shocked and I am beyond touched.

the corset is still not done as I had a lot of things to do during the trip I hope to have it finished and pictures posted before the end of the month

Ugh!

2008-05-23T01:41:00.002-06:00

So I spent today packing the food I have helped cook over the last week. It's been pretty frustrating when 3 people out of the 43 camping with you cook all the food for the meal plan. Wed. is our normal household work night and Hannah and I expected folks would show up and help cook, prep food, pack and the like and it still ended up being a couple of us in the kitchen everyone else brought other things to work with I ended up staying until 3 am then I got the call at 1 pm today that help was needed so off I went! I do find it funny that the 3 of us skipped out on going to the event tonight- we did send off dinner but the joys of sleeping in our own beds won out. I off course did not go to bed early I got the sewing done that I needed to do for this weekend. The corset is still not done I plan on working on it this weekend and wearing it on Sunday. I will have pictures next week if all goes well. well I really should finish add the tabs to Avi's Banner so we can fly it later today.

eyelets

2008-05-21T16:41:00.003-06:00

so I have 40 eyelets to create for the front opening and most likely another 40 in the back! this is going to take some time!! I switched from embroidery floss to a waxed black linen and it still is taking a long time but it holds the hole better and seems to be stronger. My fingers are black and blue from working the needle and I am still cooking like a mad woman trying to get ready for this weekends event! Not to mention I have to get my handouts together for my 3 classes I'm teaching and all the forms I want to use at our first ever credited classes (a university project I am trying to get off it's feet!) The good news is hubby and I decided to not head up to the event until Friday morning so I hope tomorrow I will get a chance to pack and do some sewing I really hate wearing the same thing more then once at an event

Ouch- Awl pains!

2008-05-20T17:04:00.003-06:00

So I have finished the corset for the most part all that is left to do is the eyelet holes. I have a lovely effigy inspired corset covered in a lovely embroidered black linen I have all the edges bound now I am having fun making eyelet holes. I think I have about 40 to do and yes I am doing them all by hand and yes I plan on doing spiral lacing!!

here are the main sites I am using

The Zen of Spiral Lacing

and

How to make beautiful hand bound eyelets.

I realized

2008-05-20T11:46:00.003-06:00

I have not posted pictures of my Iron Tudor of course I might have but I don't want to go through my blog and find them so here they are

of course looking at these I am very pleased with the hat but I think I need either more boning in the bodice or a corset underneath. I also adore my huge fur sleeves!!

cooking and sewing

2008-05-20T11:13:00.003-06:00

so we have crossroads this weekend and I of course will be helping prepare all the food for our households meal plan! this of course also means I have a real lack of time to sew. as it stands I have two wearable outfits for a four day event. I am sad :( I am hoping I can get some time to finish the corset and petticoat but I need to tweak the waistcoat pattern get the fabric for it and sew it and I doubt I will have that kind of time... I might have enough time though to repair my one week wonder italian dress hmmm....

corset

2008-05-19T15:01:00.003-06:00

so I have cut out the corset, sewn the boning channels and sewn the pastic zip tie bones into place. I have covered one half of the corset and bound the upper edge. I need to cut the tabs and bind the bottom edge. It looks like I need to pick up more bias tape before I can finish the other half of the corset. The plan for today is finish the covered half of the corset and cover the other half then sew the eyelets, I'll most likely pick up more bias tape tomorrow

sewing, sewing and planing

2008-05-17T22:11:00.003-06:00

so I have been sewing nonstop! I've been helping folks finishing their silk banners and after staying up all night last night I finished my hubby's appliqué banner it came out beautifully and all day today I've been working on a effigy-like corset. I've decided to do all the lacng holes by hand so now I am looking for a nice awl... hmmm if worse comes to worse I'll make my own awl. The corset took me about 4 hours to draft the pattern and so far I've spent about 3 hours sewing the boning channels... so if all goes wel I will have half of my corset done (except for the lacing holes) and the other half still waiting to be cut out.
I can't get any of my Pennsic sewing done until the corset is finished.. since everything is fitted to the corset measurements... sigh

what I've been working on

2008-05-04T21:45:00.004-06:00

so I have discovered that there is a high chance I will be going to Pennsic this year!

I'm really excited I've been playing for 10 years this August and I have never been to a war of any kind!

So of course this means I have to do some sewing!!!

I finished the garb for Neil based on the portrait of Edward VI and made the flannel chemise.

and I have pics of Neil's garb!!!

the portrait I based the garb off of

Neil in his garb

Portraitt on display at the Denver Art Museum

My favorite picture, my friend Hannah holding my son in his garb next to the portrait..... I love how my son is looking at the portrait

clothes I want to make

2008-03-21T02:28:00.003-06:00

lets start from the inside and work out...

3 new pairs of fun fabric bloomers (I would love another pink floyd pair)

Chemises

1 linen high neck
1 linen square neck
1 flannel high neck (for sleeping in)

petticoats

1 red linen
1 red silk
1 red flannel

(I want red because this is the most common color for petticoats listed in house accounts)

Corded petticoat
hoop cover petticoat
wheel farthingale cover petticoat

Hoops

spanish farthingale
wheel farthingale

Corsets

corded dorothea corset
corded effigy corset
dorothea corset (zip tie boning)
effigy corset (zip tie boning)

what next?

2008-03-21T00:54:00.002-06:00

ok once I get the last of the A&S stuff made and judged for the quest my next task will be to build better garb or at least more of it. My goal will be starting with my underclothes and build 1 item a month (that way I can streach my spending out.) and of course I can keep track of my work here I think next entry I'll figure out what underpinnings I want to make and make a list so you guys will have an idea of what I plan on doing

cleaning house

2008-03-12T00:32:00.003-06:00

so today My sister and I did a major cleaning of my house! It was very needed as my sister is getting married April 5th and all my family from Scotland will be here and no doubt they will want to see the baby and the house and the last thing I need is my grandmother coming over to the house and then insisting to clean it up (trust me she will do this!)

Sadly while cleaning my sister saw a tablecloth in a bag and asked what I wanted to do with it I told her to put it with the stuff I was going to take with me to caerthe's A&S (I was going to use it to cover the tables..ha!) Without thinking she tossed it inside the plastic tote I had all my projects and documentation in and crushed the sugar bowl I had made :( so sadly it's glory will only be known in pictures

So I have started another set of dishes out of sugar... I hope I can finish it in time!

Silent heraldry

2008-03-06T21:07:00.002-07:00

So I was looking at some articles on several different kingdom websites when I came across an article I had written on silent Heraldry in the late 90's It surprised me and I found it funny it had me listed by a name I tried (and failed) to get passed by the collage of heralds. So I sent them a note letting them know my new name, turns out they have been trying to find me for about a year now wanting to use parts of my guide in their new handbook... I must admit it made my day to know something I wrote has been such a great use to them!

3 rosaries!

2008-03-01T20:00:00.002-07:00

so I finished the three rosaries for the quest.. by all means check out my other blog with more details about them

slow sewing

2008-02-27T00:37:00.003-07:00

so I'm still working on Neils outfit all that is left to do is the hand sewing which is a lot and is taking a lot of time! I'm playing with the idea of entering kingdom A&S which is the weekend after Becca (my sister) has her wedding. this also falls two weeks after Caerthen A&S so if I enter something in Kingdom I want it to be really good...... I have no idea what to enter tho I think the sugar plates are awesome and all but they are begining to fall apart... they are made of nothing but sugar..... the beadwork is lovely but seem a bit plain for kingdom...... Neil's outfit would be good if I can just finish it and the rosaries might come across as a bit weak I don't know.... any thoughts from you guys??

my mini city

2008-02-26T21:20:00.001-07:00

ok just found this page and it's cute! the more folks who click the link the more folks I have living in my city!!

http://marchaunt.myminicity.com/

busy weekend

2008-02-24T15:07:00.002-07:00

so I had a busy weekend! On Friday we had Diner and a Tourney. Not a bad turn out a little touch of chaos as a lot of folks bailed but hey we pulled it off. Yesterday I drove down to Dragonsspine and did some belly dancing at Shake the midwinter blues. I quickly made up some garb and frankly I think I was looking pretty good. Not a bad weekend....... next week is state quals for work so I will need to focus on that, I'll have to put quest stuff on the back burner. I have to admit whenever I get frustrated with quest stuff I go to http://www.extremecostuming.com/attacklaurel.html yes an attack laurel. Seems a bit odd tho, She does amazing work and the humor of a very demanding Laurel makes me feel better about the little projects I am working on..... a shame she doesn't live in kingdom, that is a laurel I would want to be studented to!!

I got the second rosary done!!

2008-02-20T21:27:00.001-07:00

I made a pretty one with a gold tassel and I used silk thread and real coral beads!!! I will have pics up once I finish the last one!

pity party

2008-02-16T20:16:00.002-07:00

so we are all hanging out at the inn watching cheesy almost period movies. I attempted to do an angel food cake and failed... but it still tastes good! I finished the first of 3 rosaries I am doing for the skills and technology category of the quest. It came out beautifully. I started work on the coral rosary but I do not have any uber thin beading needles so I am stuck..... moore or less I'm just hanging out having a good time with friends

work, work, work

2008-02-15T14:29:00.002-07:00

so I am gearing up for the war pity party this weekend, I'm baking a cake and such..... I am also trying to get all my projects done in time for Caerthe's A&S of course I just discovered I may not be eligible for A&S champion since I will be stepping up as A&S minister at that event.... I will still enter a bunch of items tho, no need to make the champion position too easy..... :)

Events and Projects

2008-02-08T02:53:00.000-07:00

So I just did Candlemas and as you read here I made a tudor gown in 3 days for it (pics soon!)

My next Event will be Caerthe's A&S March 29th

I don't see anything else coming up for a while but I am going by the Outlandish Herald and events have been known to not be listed so if it changes I'll let you know

Projects

I have a combat scroll that must be done by Sunday (so it can catch a ride to war)
Neils outfit based on the Edward VII portrait continues on..... I want it done for the next event
I need to start work on a few other projects for A&S since I plan on entering for the champion position

A scroll
Some jewelry
Work on the red dress

yup I wouldn't know what to do if I didn't have some kind of project going

ok

2008-02-08T02:51:00.000-07:00

so I have moved the posts from my other blog and dated them I moved them more for me then you my reader because some of them are big moments for me..........

although I also hope you enjoy them too and I am going to bring back the events/ and projects update

other blog~ I'm being showcased! 7/2/07

2008-02-08T02:45:00.001-07:00

So I am so excited!! I am being showcased at realm of Venus a site about the clothing and accessories of the men and women of late Renaissance Italy, with a focus on sixteenth century Venice. It is just to cool for words! So I'm thrilled to toot my own horn a little. So check out the site and let me know what you think of the dress!
http://realmofvenus.renaissanceitaly.net/yourgarb/showcase.htm

you can find my dress here

http://realmofvenus.renaissanceitaly.net/yourgarb/2007/Anora.htm

other blog~ dragonsspine campions 6/20/07

2008-02-08T02:44:00.000-07:00

so last weekend we were at dragonsspine champions, overall a good event I was sad to learn that a big chunk of the event happened on friday which kind of sucked since I was busting my butt getting my A&S project ready for the event, plus it was just a bit odd with that set up very rarely do we hold an event when you have to take a day off work....

On the high note I won the Food category of the A&S with my sugar plates... oh yea! I got to see a bunch of folks I haven't seen in ages, and I got to do a bit of singing!

other blog~ banner making 6/5/07

2008-02-08T02:42:00.000-07:00

so those fab folks from the inn of the wondering dragon invited us to make banners over last weekend so we bought fabric and made copies of our devices and went ready to go... the thing is now it is the wee hours of Wednsday and I still have work to do on my rose little detail work on Nathanel's and I still have to attach the back of the banners on to both.... sigh.... I have found out that if the motor on my sewing machine overheats it slows down.... alot.... I've been through 3 spools of thread and 7 bobbins so far...... it's a lot of work but I hope they come out looking cool!
I'll post pics soon

Also Just found out that Mary is going to continue to be our baroness, I can't tell you how happy I am with this news! oh no baby is awake gotta run

other blog~ crossroads 5/29/07

2008-02-08T02:41:00.000-07:00

so this past weekend was crossroads.... I was thrilled to finally take Nathaniel to a camping event to me camping events are when you really get to feel what the SCA is about. We got a hotel room so the boy could sleep in comfort and he could cry without bothering folks when they sleep. We saw a faboulus pavilion that I hope to get at war next year! We also discovered a great group, the inn of the wondering dragon.... I loved getting to know these folks, I had a lot of fun, I got to sing some and drink some but I left the event feeling like I had truly made some new life long friends.

other blog~ a void 5/23/07

2008-02-08T02:40:00.001-07:00

I received a email today that the baron of Caerthe my barony had passed away this morning.....

I waited on writing about it simply because I am still in a state of shock. The tears are still flowing freely down my face even as I write this. Patric of Blackthorn (Patrick Thornton) was a great giant of a man, who's kindness radiated out of like a beacon. People couldn't help but like him. He was one of the very first people I met in the SCA and I think he is a big reason why I still play today. I wish I was a writer like my guy so I could pay a tribute to him that could even touch how deeply I cared for him. He was a father figure, Baron, Friend and teddy bear. I will miss him greatly...

other blog~ Mountain Mayham 5/19/07

2008-02-08T02:39:00.000-07:00

first I just wanted to commemorate the anniversary of the beheading of Anne Boleyn today, May 19th...... Victim or Villain a woman who changed history Well as you read before I stayed up till 5am sewing a new outfit for Neil and after we finally finding the site (mapquest sucks!) We had a nice social day, we saw some good fighting I got a lot of comments on Neil's new threads and my Scrolls went over well.... it was overall a fun day Not much else to say really it was a really laid back event..... Looking forward to Dance practice....

other blog~ D & T ~5/19/07

2008-02-08T02:37:00.000-07:00

What a great event last night Diner and a tourney was awesome! Good food, good folks and a great bardic... Even I did something........ it wasn't that great but it was fun! I came home finished the scrolls due... well today since it is now Sat. morning and made a new outfit for Neil I'm so nuts!!! I'm going to sleep, I hope I can get 3-4 hours of sleep before the event.... god it's going to be a long day............... night

other blog~ A bit on laurels~ 5/12/07

2008-02-08T02:32:00.002-07:00

So this starts out with some emails I've been shooting back and forth with a newbie about awards and such.In truth it's funny but when folks ask me what awards I wanted in the SCA I have always answered there were only 2 I wanted.

A gentle dragon (which I now have) and a court barony (I would love a shiny hat so many pretty ways to wear it!) I also find it funny because they hold no weight in the SCA.

well now that I'm coming back I want to add another award to my list I would like to strive to be worthy of a Laurel. now unlike the other awards this is the highest award you can get in the Arts and sciences and it is given to those who are the best in their field . I would also like to point out to you that I just want to be worthy of the award, I truly don't believe I will get it.

It's hard to change the view people have in their minds about the kind of person I am, it seems that I have been branded a party girl for life (sigh) ah well I can strive to be worthy and I can be the judge of that. it is a worthy goal and I don't need to get the award to reach that goal. does that make any sense?

In light of making a laurel hood my goal it is also setting the goal that I will become worthy of a peerage, just because you are the best at something doesn't always mean you will get the award you must also prove that you have peer qualities.- being someone that people can, in general, look up to as an example.
- People must be able to respect that person.
- A peer must be able to work with people in such a way that the people they work with are not made uncomfortable.
- A peer must be able and willing to stand up for their convictions. And by the same token, be graceful under the opposition that may follow.
- You should be willing and able to talk to the person(s) involved, and deal with a situation where you perceive a problem.
-A peer must be able and willing to advise the Crown when needed, however, they must also understand that there are times when their advice will go unheeded because the Royalty have a differing viewpoint or perhaps have "made their decision", and be willing to back off.
- A peer should not let the fact that they have been recognized for their works get to their egos
- A peer must inspire others with their enthusiasm. - you must enrich the Kingdom/SCA in whatever area(s) you were recognized for.

thats my short list which I borrowed form the west kingdom but I agree in these things. My issue is part of my goal is I would like to be apprenticed to a laurel, I wish to have that guidance both in the arts but also in the society. I've seen a lot of laurel/apprentice relationships and they are like family. the laurel is teaching the apprentice how to improve their arts but also themselves, I would love to be in that kind of relationship. not with the goal of a laurel at the end of a tunnel but the goal of taking the journey of improvement.Does that make any sense?

The sad thing is it is not an easy relationship to get into, I admit I suffer a bit of "peer fear" I'm as a whole a pretty out going person but when it comes to putting yourself out there I am very shy! There has been 4 laurels that I have ever considered to ask to be their apprentice and for a very long time I've not said anything because I have felt I have not been in the right place mentally, in my personal life or with my skill level to ask. Things have now changed. I told my guy my goal for this year was to be apprenticed by the time I finish my sca quest (see blog) so that gives me until the end of Jan. but this leads to a few other issues of those 4 laurels I really admire one has left the kingdom. One lives to far North. One I'm not really sure where she is living and the last one I did ask and he told me that my sewing skills were already really good and there was nothing more he could teach me, I tried to explain that he could teach more then sewing but It didn't work out

A dear friend of mine who joined up just a little before me just got her laurel and I tell you she deserves it her art is beautiful she is one of the sweetest, kindest people I know and she will help anyone who asks and sometimes even when they don't. It's strange but I've now been a part of the sca for almost the span of 10 years and it's only natural to see folks I started out with getting to such a high level, I can't help but feel I'm a little behind the curve And then on the flip side Another friend who joined up just a few years ago who I held her hand and guided her for a long time in the sca (we are so alike it's scary) has now become an apprentice to a awesome laurel and they have that kind of relationship I yearn for.........

I don't know maybe I'm just rambling... I wish I had someone I can talk to about this but my guy is still to new to the sca to really get it, and I don't want to come off as jealous or award hunting because I'm not......... I just don't know so instead I ramble here at this blog

past post from other blog~ Who am I anyway....Am I my resume...5/12/07

2008-02-08T02:31:00.001-07:00

Hello again!

So I thought it was about time I put pen to paper or in this case fingers to keyboard and break down who I am in the SCA

I'm Anora Marchaunt- (my name passed in April of 2004)

My Device is Sable, in pile a rose slipped and leaved argent and a feather Or

I've been playing since August of 1998...... I took off two years 2005 and 2006, due to major burn out I'm now trying to come back I'm hoping to use this blog to help me reach some of goals in the SCA.... yup I have come back with the need to be more then just a party girl who dated a lot of guys and could drink...... I'm hoping to become someone new people (and old) can look at and say I want to be like her! It's a lofty goal and I hope this blog will keep me focused

I have received three awards

My Award of Arms (Jan. 5 2002.... at 12th night)

my Argent Hart (Nov. 22 2003... at toys for tots)

and my Gentle Dragon (Jan. 31 2004... at candlemas)

I have done Archery and Fencing (both I would love to get back into, but I need to get new gear)

I sew late period (mostly Tudor and Elizabethan) for myself, my guy and soon my son...

I also make scrolls and dabble into beadwork and embroidery......

I am now teaching court dancing in Raven hyrst

that's about it for me....

past post from other blog 5/12/07

2008-02-08T02:30:00.000-07:00

so I have been playing in the SCA since August of 1998.... I took off 2 years after being totally burned out and used and abused (I'll probably share that story at some point) and now I am back and playing again..... I'm not new to blogging and in fact it helps clear my head and I enjoy looking back and having a record of what has happened to me... I'm sure I'll talk about the good the bad and the ugly as well a good vent here and there..... I might share some reaserch or a project I'm working on.... I'm sure I'll review some books or movies that tie in to our period of study and I'm sure I'll mention the quest once or twice (see my other blog) I'm also big on setting goals and working towards them..... I'm not in this for the awards but they do stand for some great things to strive towards.... lets begin

expanding

2008-02-08T02:25:00.001-07:00

so I think I will be expanding this blog I have two others one for the quest which I will keep up since I am still working on it and the other about my life in the SCA. I am going to move the posts from that blog and move them here and then delete the blog. that way I can do more updates here and use this as my blog.

dress done!

2008-02-02T01:13:00.001-07:00

dress is finished and the hat is finished!! I really didn't think I could do a dress in 3 days but I think I have pulled it off..... frankly I think the hat came out the best I hope to do some pics at the event in the morning... I'm off to wash my hair and get some sleep

still going

2008-02-01T23:33:00.001-07:00

I just attached roll over protection..... instead of a placard I made strips of my teal fabric and sewn them along the the edge where it laces up hiding the white canvas I used on the bodice!

now to sew the billiments onto the hat!

skirt

2008-02-01T22:33:00.001-07:00

the skirt is now attached
veil is now sewn onto the hat

I'm tired but a placard still needs to be done

hat

2008-02-01T20:58:00.001-07:00

the coif looks awesome the billiments are perfect the viel is a nightmare!!! I can't get it to lay right

I still have the skirt in pieces and the placard has not been cut out yet......

cont.

2008-02-01T18:31:00.001-07:00

so scrolls are scaned
dirctions found
my scroll finished
skirt cut out

still a long way to go.....

today...uhhhh

2008-02-01T15:19:00.001-07:00

let's see it's 3pm and so far today I have slept in, taken my meds and.... slept......

as we speak I am scaning the scrolls for war eating lunch and trying to figure out what to do next.... I'll be updating this a lot today since this is d day and the event is tomorrow so keep an eye out!

skirt and sleeves

2008-02-01T01:04:00.001-07:00

so I have put together the underskirt and made the sleeves up and attached them to the dress I then figured out that I have lost about 4 inches in the waist since I made up my duck tape dummy so I took the bodice in a bit, I am so sorry about the pictures but it is a start

it is now 1 am and I am still pretty sick so I think I am going to call it at night

tommorrow I need to.....

scan a bunch of scrolls that are for war,

finish the scroll that is due at the event this weekend,

buy lunch stuff for this weekend.

get dirctions to the event,

gas up the truck,

make a hat for the dress,

cut out the skirt panels,

attach the skirt panels ,

make a placard to cover the lacing on the dress

I hope that is all

forepart

2008-01-31T19:27:00.001-07:00

so I was planing on cutting out a black denim forepart (one large gore) attaching it to a waistband and calling it good but as I was looking through my costume closet I found a camp elizabethan I had set aside to be repaired, I made in 2002 for feast of fools and I made it using a black cotton flatlined with white canvas It was great for camping and it looked really good and I remember many comments that it made me look like an Elizabethan nun. what I really love is the cartridge pleated skirt.... I had sewn a little gold bead between each pleat no one ever saw them but I just adored that detail. the skirt looks to be in good condition it is coming away from the bodice and the bodice is falling apart compleatly so I Think I will detach the skirt reattach that to a waist band and use it as an underskirt............

here is a pic of the dress from a production of a gender reversed taming of the shrew..... the show itself takes place in modern day but the director wanted to do the opening in elizabethan england and the show women's roles thru time to the modern age..... what's funny is we had already spent our whole budget on the show and the costumes for the women's thru the ages the director came to us actors asking if any of us knew any costume house that might have enough elizabethan costumes to garb 5-6 women, and not charge us.... a lot of folks laughed it's a big order and even the middle class look he wanted would cost an arm and a leg, being one of the young folks in the bunch I raised my hand sheepishly "we can look in the trunk of my car......." I had not yet unpacked from a SCA camping trip yet and I had 9 elizabethans in my car we picked the plainest of the bunch and volia...... I costumed everyone in the scene out of the garb in my car :)

day 2

2008-01-31T18:32:00.003-07:00

ok so I took some pics on my phone since my digital camera is acting screwy although my camera phone is not doing much better

For some reason the pics seem to have come out in black and white. My goal for this dress is to make a Tudor for candlemas but more importantly to make a dress for camping (yes I camp in Tudor and Elizabethans) So I am using a beautiful teal colored canvas and I received some black faux fur that is to die for (so I will have huge Tudor fold back sleeves) Instead of doing the kirtle and overdress in the Tudor tailor because of lack of time and fabric I am just making an over dress that has been boned with my favorite boning material plastic zip ties! Also just because I am doing this as a slap together dress does not mean it will have to be overly plain I have done some beadwork on it.... again I know I nuts!

The chemise was a gift from my man and I plan on using it with this dress because it has a nice square neckline and full sleeves (incase I don't have time to make the false foresleeves for the event) I am planing to use a standard hoopskirt one because I plan on using black denim for the forepart and canvas for the skirt it will be heavier then most skirts I make also I enjoy the personal bubble it lays out for me I do know it is not the correct shape for a true Tudor farthingale but I do not want anything around my legs for this event and if I wore it with just my petticoats it would not drape right (have you ver tried to drape denim????)

more updates in a couple of hours

Tudor in a week??

2008-01-30T13:43:00.001-07:00

yup candlemas is this Saturday and it is Tudor themed you know what this mean I must make a new dress, now I have been fighting off a cold from hell but I already have a chemise and the bodice is finished I've been working on the hat so I just have to finish the hat, the forepart, skirt and attach the sleeves and make the foresleeves....... I wonder if I'll get it done in time! keep an eye on the page I'll be updating this a lot over the next couple of days and I plan to have the first set of pictures up tonight!

yea!

2007-09-10T00:48:00.001-06:00

So I finished that scroll in time for the event of course I now have 6 due in 2 weeks (lucky my household will be helping me with these!) I did finish the red dress but it isn't laying right so I haven't worn it to an event yet I hope I can fix it, add the trim and if I have time I would love to use the black silk I picked up to make a doublet to wear over the dress and maybe a new chemise as well.......

also if you don't read my other blogs last week I was given my baronies arts award! I'm very happy about it!

Also I was told by several folks I admire and love that they are impressed by my work ( a couple also added that they feel I'm laurel material! (what flattery) Maybe I can get over my peer fear and seriously look into the whole student thing)

update

2007-08-27T08:50:00.001-06:00

wow have I been lazy! Let me see I've got about 20 hours worth of work now done on my sweet bag

I have 2 awards beaded I need to finish my documentation for those.

this week I decided I needed a new dress to teach my courtesan call in so last night I drafted a bodice pattern (I could not find my old one....) and made the bodice. I also bought some lovely black silk that I have started beading to use as a veil. I also used some scrap faux fur to make a flea fur. I have to wait until this evening to get started on the skirt since it is hard to measure and cut fabric with my munchkin underfoot

I also have a scroll due that I haven't even started yet.....sigh

I'm being showcased!!

2007-07-02T02:08:00.001-06:00

2007-07-01T23:51:00.000-06:00

so I just found out my inlaws will be visiting in 3 weeks so I'm not sure how much I will be able to work on the sweetbag but I'll keep updating when I do work on it

I really wish I had a better camera my dark green stem work is done and I have the light green highlights almost finished -this is at 4 total hours of

sweet bag

2007-07-01T18:14:00.000-06:00

I've started work embroidering the sweet bag for the decoritive arts part of my quest

sorry for the fuzzy picture but this is 1 hour into the project

Neil's first garb

2007-06-27T23:12:00.001-06:00

so this is the only picture I have of Neil's first garb so far....... I hope to have some more up soon