A whirl wind of days

   Well, it has been quite the busy month! I've been attempting to post for awhile now, but obviously have been having technical issues. While I do have a lot to post, I"m going to have to do several seperate posts over the next few weeks. This one is going to focus on SCAdian ideas, and hopefully the next one will OT about our wedding. Before the wedding, not much SCAdian was getting done, due to the wedding focus. My fencing dress was failed due to seam ripping so currently in between getting my Pennsic wedding dress done, and everything else, I"m attempting to have it wearable again for Bog, which is in 2 weeks. Also, the Barony of Endless Hills held an event called Bacchus. There I had the honor of Being the MITIC, or Marshal in Training in Charge....This basically means that I ran the fencing lists for the day under my marshal, Don Po.

   For the event, I had the honor of creating the scroll for the Principle of a new order: "The Friends of the Barony".  Everyone seemed quite happy with how it looked. Jehan and I also had the honor of becoming members of the 2nd and 3rd members of the order, and so have helped to create an order. I also made two simple scrolls for the winners of the Fencing Tournament, and also the Archery tournament.
                                                            
   I must say being Seneschal is keeping me very busy, but I have been finding time to do other things. Mistress Maria has me at a point where I can finish my chemise on my own, and we should be finishing the over dress this month. I am also working on teaching two classes at our upcoming summer academy at the end of this month: one is my basic knitting class I taught at FF&F, and I am also teaching a detached button hole class for embroidery. This will be my first kingdom event that I am teaching, and it is making me slightly nervous, but it should be fine.  I am also still plugging away with my other embroidery projects, and am planning on making myself new garb *gasp*. I am in need of making at least 4-5 new t-tunics for pennsic this year. While they are a WAY earlier period style for me, Pennsic is 100 degree weather, and this is one event I go for coolness and comfort. I don't want my nice hot dresses getting ruined, and I don't want to overheat when I"m working for Maria. and its nice to have simple garb on hand for those lazy days of summer.

Well, for now that is all...hopefully I can post pictures soon.
Until then
An

The speed of Life

So far when it comes to blogging, I think I am failing in my try of attempting to stay on top of it. Unfortunately, when you think you have life under control, you don't. Life has been non-stop for Jehan and I since the last time we posted.

I competed in my first Ice Dragon at the end of March, entering the above Elizabethan Pin Pillow. While I didn't place high, I did place in the middle of the pack (I believe I was #3 of 5 in scoring). For my first attempt, I don't think it was too shabby. I also entered the Fencing tourney, and did not do very well in it at all. Unfortunately due to my joint issues, traveling is not my strong point anymore. Since Ice Dragon, I have been working on some embroidery on heavy linnen that I found in a fabric stash. Its great with the designs on it. The plan is to embroider each design with different stitches on it with in several colors. I will then cut it down to make pin pillows to use for prizes and silent auction donations. I'm doing this to better my skill, and disperse some of the clutter in my house. I become a bit of a hoarder at times, and its time to start the spring cleaning.
I also am completing three scrolls that are due at the end of the month. Two are prize scrolls for tourneys that will be held at the Feast of Bacchus in the Barony of Endless Hills. The other is the Principle of the Order for the "Friends of the Hills", a new award the barony has created for those who are friends and help the Barony out. This scroll makes me nervous, and have been putting off attempting the calligraphy, since I've never done it before. But it must be done. I will not be attending our local demo (even though its my favorite of the year) due to said event: to receive my marshal warrant, I am expected to run a fencing tourney and days worth of events, so I will be there, doing my best.
 And on top of all of this, I am still working on the wedding. The sensechal office, fencing, and my A&S will def. keep me busy for awhile. Hopefully I'll have more to post soon!

Always diligent, 
~An

And the heat is on...

Well, its been a busy few weeks. Jehan and I signed our new lease, finished some more organizing (even though we have a lot more to go), and started a new Dungeons and Dragons game in Williamsport on Wednesday nights. Its nice to start gaming again, even if it means one more day a week of running to and fro. Yesterday was the St. Patty's Day parade with the Barony of Endless Hills. I have to admit the float turned out very well.  If you would like to see a video of us starting out, here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtD_XDtho6g

When it comes to sewing, I've gotten a bit accomplished. I finished a fencing doublet and a T-tunic dress with surcoat done for yesterday. I also have finished my hoopskirt, and am almost done with my corset. Today I went to Mistress Maria's and she fixed my ruff debacle. I"m hoping to be able to put all of that up very soon. When it comes to my ice dragon project, that is coming along nicely as well. I have about 3 more inches to embroider and will be starting my paper this week. I've been encouraged to enter it into the heraldry, and sewing competitions as well as the embroidery, but I think I'll start with one this year...this is my "starting/ checking this out" year and I don't want to go overboard.  After Ice dragon the only projects I have left are to start my prize chest and continue with my dress. Were coming down to the count when it comes to Ice dragon...so here's to the best!

~An

One more rotation around the sun...

     Well, today is a big day. Today is my 25th birthday. I wasn't originally going to post on this, but the more I thought about it, the more I thought about it, I figured why not. For some reason, this birthday has bothered me more then the others. I"m assuming its because I've left the "college kid" zone. I've been working at the nursing home for a little over a year, I've graduated from college almost a year and a half ago, and Jehan and I are planning both of our weddings. Its a lot going on. I will say the best part of this day is the simple thought that its also Fat Tuesday. This is one of my favorite days of the year, simply due to my love of Fasnachts. They are a German Doughnut traditionally made from potatoes, and instead of frying them in vegetable oil, or sunflower seed oil, you bake them in lard. Yes its incredibly horrible for you, but one never hurt anything.

     In other news, I have made a lot of progress on my Pennsic wedding dresss. Maria and I have finished the hoopskirt, I just have to add the bum roll, I have my pearls and garnets for my jewelry, complete the underskirt and we are working on my corset. The next item on the list is finishing my corset, and starting the Chemise. At that point my undergarments will be finished, and I can work on the rest of the dress. Hopefully when I come to my parents house in the next few weeks, I can post pictures of the progress. Till then

Wishing everyone a fun Mardi Gras, and Valentines day!

~An

More snowy day's of winter...

     Well, here in Danville, Pa it is quite cold. I"m actually sitting at the local library watching it snow. Whats worse, is its supposed to get even colder. Due to being cold blooded, I don't survive in the cold well. Luckly, I"m able to keep our apartment very warm, and I am still able to get things accomplished. In the past few weeks since I've last published a few bits and pieces have been started. We are still helping Jehan's parents move, but this seems to be an ongoing project that will be done by the end of the month. I am currently working on a white snood to go with my lavender and silver Italian ren. gown that i was given for christmas a few years back, and I am still working on my ice dragon entry. I am also trying to organize our house, and fix our *slight* hording issue. I think the biggest accomplishment it once again recieving the acorn from the shire at our local 12th night.Since we are a shire, and are not allowed to hand out major awards like a barony or a kingdom, we hand out tokens to show our appreciation to shire members. The Acorn is an award for service in the shire.  Also on that day, I stepped up as our local Seneshal, and will be holding that position for the next two years. This will be a lot for me to handle, and I am very lucky to have such a supportive shire behind me.
     On the Elizabethan front, I have been working on my pin pillow which I will enter into Ice dragon this year. In the Kingdom of AEthelmearc, it is the largest Arts and Science event around. This week I have to start on my research paper and work on the project as well. With how cold it is, I'm also hoping to complete my spanish farthengale, and next week my Elizabethan corset. My dear friend Mistress Maria is helping me create a mid-Elizabethan cranberry dress for our Pennsic wedding. Hopefully I can have pictures of all these projects the next time I am able to write to all of you.

Until then, I"ll keep warm, and keep on working

~An

A look back while it snows....

     I just want to thank everyone who has followed my blog since it started on 8/27. It has been a joy to be able to document what I have done, and be able to show what I have learned. I am hoping this next year I can share more information as we go, and a little more consistently too. Unfortunately, not having internet is a real pain when trying to accomplish such things. I am hoping everyone has had a merry Christmas, and will have a happy new year since I don't know when I'll be able to post again.

     A few months back I posted about what I wanted to get accomplished this year, and I thought now would be the best time to update how the year has ended. I wanted to get my first Tudor gown finished our wedding in May. Since our plans have changed, I obviously did not get that done. What we have decided to do is have 2 weddings- One with our mundane friends and family, then have a second wedding at Pennsic this coming year. With the help of Mistress Maria, I am starting on an Elizabethan gown in cranberry velvet. We are planning on doing everything- corset, hoop skirt, kirtle, overdress, ruffs, and a hat. Its a lot to get done, but she believes with a lot of work and determination we can get it done. I also wanted to get a pair of Norwegian socks done for Ice dragon this year. When we moved, my pattern and cheat sheet were misplaced, so until I find that I can't finish my socks. They will eventually get done, so I'm not too worried. I also wanted to create a new cloak. I havn't started this project, but I'm hoping to get it done for our local 12th night on January 12th. At that time I will be stepping up as our local Seneshal, who is the legal representative of our local group.

     Since I didn't get the projects done that I wanted to accomplish, here's the new list for the new year. 1) make my new cloak 2)finish my Pennsic wedding dress 3) finish and enter my pin pillow into ice dragon in March. 4) start a new outfit for Jehan.

     I believe these should be easier to accomplish now, due to having a whole year to do and also...Jehan bought me a sewing machine! I still prefer to hand sew as much as I can, but unfortunately I don't have 8+hours to spend on one outfit. A sewing machine will make life a bit easier so I can accomplish items in a reasonable time.  With a bit of teaching, I think this will be set for the next year. I'm really excited for this year to come. This is going to be a great year...with the biggest joy going to be Jehan and I finally tying the knot.

Please let me know if there is anything you would like to see in this blog...a good word or question is always welcome :)

Here's to the future,
~Antoinette

How to build a card loom

Here it is: the directions to building a simple card loom. This pattern should only on average cost about $17-$20 a loom. In total we made 9. We were able to get the wood cut at the hardware store, which made life a bit easier. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. If I can't answer it, then I'll hunt it down for you. I would love to find out if anyone else had the same results as us.

·         1    2ft. 1x6

·         2    6in 4x2 (can be created by gluing 2    2x2)

o   If using 2x2’s wood glue and c-clamps

·         4    5/16-18x41/2 carriage bolts

·         4   5/16-18 wing nuts

·         4   felt pads for furniture (optional)

·          Scrap leather/stiff fabric (non-abrasive) to pad loom

·         5/16 drill bit

·         21/64 drill bit

·         Hammer

1.       Sand boards

2.       If gluing 2x2’s start gluing process

3.       Cut and attach leather

4.       Drill holes through wooden blocks and main board (when dry)

a.       Use 5/16^th for main board

b.      Use 21/64 for top blocks

 

5.       Add bolts and wing nuts 

6.       Add felt pads to bottom bolts

*if making multiples, mark sides for they are individualized, and depending on your drillers skills

 Sorry if the Pictures don't line up straight: I tried to get them under each set of directions. Enjoy!

~An