Spinning All The Fiber

When I am not working on dolls or making my own garb or garb for other people. One of my side arts and science’s project is fiber arts. When I originally learned to spin, I started on wool mostly of a Corridale breed of sheep. Which is an Australian breed eventually I learned to spin Marino, which is an Italian breed of sheep. More recently I’ve learned to spin shetland wall because it would’ve been available back in the 16th century and would’ve been a Scottish import.

Breed a sheep or something that happened after the timeframe I like to depict. Sheep are particularly bread for the kind of wool staple length of their fleece. They have to be shorn in the spring every year because the fleece does not fall out on its own due to the breeding. It’s the summertime now and even on Facebook marketplace I am seeing people who don’t sell their wool, trying to sell the fleeces unwashed to those who might actually use the wool.  While I have purchased dirty fleeces to wash and then spin, it is very labor intensive. Some people also spin in the grease as it’s called and then wash the wool after it’s created into yarn. I’m still trying to figure out which version would’ve been more accurate to the 16th century. I very carefully store mine in a dry temperature control basement and if it is dirty wool, I put it in plastic to at least keep it from making other surfaces greasy.

After I had truly gotten comfortable with spinning wool. I want to try other fibers to see how they behaved. Next moving onto flax as that was one of the more common fibers in the 16th century. This was normally used as your base layer of clothing against your skin. Regardless of social economic status, you were wrapped in linen when you were a baby and wrapped in a line shroud when you were dead. So this clothing made from plants was ubiquitous in the human experience.  I also found out that there is other plants besides flax that can be used to make linen fabric. Nettle or known as stinging nettle, bast fibers of the stem are harvested set to dry and then soaked to allow the outer shell to rot and the fibers to be released. Allowed to dry again and then manually beaten to slough off the outer shell of the stem. Bast fibers are the material that soaks up moisture, and brings it to the leaves and the top of the plant to allow photosynthesis. Through researching the history of plant fibers, I found out that there are many other plants that can be used to create fabric. Cotton, of course is the material around the seed pod. Jute, hemp, rayon known as cellulose,  are all bast fibers some are more processed than others to create the necessary fibers for spinning into yarn. There are plenty other plant fibers that can be used to create fabric and be spun into yarn. It was a very interesting to research from horticultural background, to find the various plants species that can be used for creating fiber for clothing production. Wetting the plant material does help release some naturally occurring mucus that the plant uses to hold together that also will hold the yarn fibers together. This was a very interesting discovery while I was working with the various different kind of plant fibers

The most recent type of fiber I have been using is silk. I was finding the process of spinning, this fiber a bit more challenging. As the spindles I had were much larger and heavier, and were not allowing the fibers to pull apart as easily. I was able to learn from a fellow SCA person that I needed a smaller spindle so it’s fun faster to twist the fibers quicker. Which allowed me to draft the silk into the desired thickness and create a continuous unbroken thread. Which is always the goal when spinning to create a continuous unbroken thread the least amount of joins creates a very strong finish product. I’m noticing with silk in particular that I have to be very mindful of the tension when a join is present so it does not fall apart when I am trying to place it on the spindle for the next fibers to be drawn. 

Currently, I am spinning some silk handkerchiefs in multi colors to get the hang of the manual spinning process. So far so good I’m hoping that eventually I can create my own silk threads for sewing and embroidery from my silk spinning. Even if I’m able to weave a little bit for my own use would also be nice as well. It would end up being more narrow work than yardage of wider fabric.

Also something to do while people are at Pennsic war For the next two weekends.

Mairin

Renaissance Replica Fashion Doll Display

 Displayed my accumulative dolls at Aethelmearc Kingdom A&S Faire last weekend. These seven dolls are the selection that are competition worthy for more discerning historical investigation. Many have been in Ice Dragon, A&S Champs and other such SCA Arts and Sciences events over the years. I look back and my first Ice Dragon Doll entry was in 2010, won the Novice Pent two years later. 4 out of the 7 dolls are air dry clay over wooden artist mannequin. Found this method the easiest to make a convincing face that has reasonable proportions as I know from my extensive lifetime background in art. Found the pine wooden mannequins are easier to sculpt fingers without separation which is prone to breaking over the oval hand representations. 

    Once the air dry clay is dry, use gesso which is a 50% glue and paint mixture to seal and smooth the surface for paint. I do about 3 to 5 layers of gesso with sanding in between to build up and smooth the features. Then after the final layer make sure it dry before painting. I work from medium layer color to lighter colors and work the layers of gouache. Which is an opaque watercolor to create definition by using highlight, low light and some makeup techniques. Then use a matte sealer to avoid a shiny finish but this also protect the paint and clay from moisture.

    When I set up my display, out the dolls down flat on the table. Although after working around the table it was sturdy enough later I was able to stand the dolls up without much issue of falling over. Did have one incident where the taller in the middle wanted a hug apparently. She fell over because the binder behind fell and pushed her forward. No damage but will have to keep this in mind for the next time I display these dolls.  The wooden mannequins do have good stands attached to the wooden figure so they don't topple easily, which is another good reason for using them as a base. Was wonderful to line up the dolls with their respective renaissance inspiration portrait.

    I have more mannequins and terracotta air dry clay this time and am curious how that will show up compared to white air dry clay as used with the sculpted dolls. Want to play with all shades of skin, so I may need to find a gesso or make my own that will be same shade as a smooth and layer before painting. This will play differently with the gouache since you are not starting with a white base but rather a bronze brown base.  

    A related to my decades doll research. I have also read up on several different styles of dolls and figurines in related styles and uses. I received a few questions about different kinds of figurines yesterday and wanted to check my notes and give some answers here.

    Took a dive into researching French provincial Crèche and Neapolitan Italian Creche figures about. May also see the term Santons or Santos used for these figurines. These are a larger figurine made of terracotta bust, legs, lower arms with wire for the non ceramic part. The 10 gauge wire is wrapped in rough tow fibers to provide body. These figurines are used to make a medieval like town scene where the nativity is nestled somewhere among the hustle and bustle of the “medieval Bethlehem”. These are very elaborate Christmas displays were normally costly investment that is displayed by large churches. Companies still make these figures but their height of popularity was in the early 20th century one of these companies being Fontanini. They currently tend to use resin and other materials to create their figurines in modern day and still sell nativity sets. Most of the smaller sets tend to be a hard figuring and not able to be posed, the larger more expensive sets have more options. These terra-cotta figurine like dolls are heavy and have not found any that are jointed. Other than artist Mannequins or religious Santos which are also within SCA period. I found a pair of German made artist mannequins from 1530's. These are an elaborate anatomically, correct artist mannequin that has specifically detailed facial features as well as styled hair, hands, and feet that have toenails.

   Wooden Santos dolls are jointed dolls and primarily used for the similar religious displays but tend to be a year round item. A large majority of Santos dolls tend to be made of wood and are jointed. These could depict not just the holy family, but also certain Saints. The figure could be dressed and redressed and wigs could be changed out. The features are made in such a way that there are certain poses and facial expressions that could work for several different Saints or different depictions of Mary. Depending on how the scene is set, the large doll dressed, and what items are put with the figurine would determine which saint you are depicting. Crèche figures, Santos dolls with their religious connotations or items that would have a basis in colonialism. These would have been brought to the New World for the purposes of converting the native peoples. Many of these kind of figurines are still very popular in Spain, Italy and Mexico today. These figures tend to be used in religious parades and devotions during the liturgical year.

    I am pleased with reception of my dolls and was able to also share the citation my research received by another author. Since that happened the year my father and sister passed, had more on my plate to deal with. Although that was the highlight of 2022, nice to be able to share that with folks in the A&S community. Art is truly is life for me and keeps me sane while living in the mundane. 

Feeling Appreciated, 

Mairin

French Lady in Blue

 

1580 Tudor Lady

 

A Tudory Trio

Regal Doll Friend

 

War Practice

War Practice 2025, I didn't have intentions on attending this event this year just came up that folks I need to talk to about some other later events in the year were attending. Although it turned out that I had some business to attend to some A&S judging for herbal concoctions for determined herbal champ for 2025. I am always glad that entrants make the choice challenging. Congrats to the winners and looking forward to your submissions next year.  

 Spent most of the day either shopping in the designated merchant/food court or chatting with friends as they floated through Aethelmearc Royal. Their was great selection of merchants to peruse which is enjoyable.  Great to touch base with my A&S Cohort Rue, as we tend to attend opposite events and live in different parts of Aethelmearc. Good conversation all the way around and so happy to see so many familiar faces.

A while ago decided that camping events are ones I would day trip if decided to attend.  Which I have been a delicate Tudor flower to which Mother Nature loves to toss about when she gets an opportunity. This event I was particularly proud that managed to gentle parent myself. 

 This gentle parenting process involves assess ones needs, plan for them and take action to be sure you are not suffering from either poor planning or decisions the next day. Which involved being sure to have hydration sources on hand, have feast gear for eating, change of clothes on hand, chair and sun protection in forms of hat and sunscreen. 

Part of the gentle parenting process is also making sure that has ways of not tiring themselves out through unnecessary physical exertion. One of these investments in my SCA kit is having a foldable wagon. I’m just one person in the hobby, I have a lot of things I might be doing or needing to carry from my vehicle. So the wagon ends up being an invaluable investment. Used it at two events at Melee, Madness and at War Practice and it has just paid for itself already. Especially when I’m able to load everything up, take it out to the car in one trip instead of multiple. 

The plush dragon friend and Ludo were my wagon guards to prevent looting. I will bring more plush dragon friends with me next time for wagon toppers, as long as the weather is agreeable. Also need to consider some form of a waterproof covering for those unfortunate bits of weather that do happen when you’re at an outdoor event.

Had a great time,

Mairin

Melee Madness

So my plan was to meet up with my friend Ashley. To drape a pattern, for some Tudor kirtles and over gowns. Well plans rarely go as intentioned. I was able to retain, caught up with prior friends. Made some new friends and some crafting done during the day.

 The highlight of the day was witnessing that same friend receive their Fleur d’Athelmearc. This is a grant level award, which means that you get to participate in the process of voting for new candidates. Sponsor those who are working on their art through some kingdom level events. Was a complete suprise to get to see a long time friends achieve a goal of theirs they have been working towards for years. Bursting with happiness for her!   

I was able to get some time with work on my most recent dolls project. This porcelain was procured at thift store for a whole $7.99.  She did have this gold lame style dress with a gold net overlay. So her outfit was historical looking elements to start with. For some reason, they had the cap of her veil too far forward. Luckily it was sewn not glued into the hair, I was able to just snip the threads and reposition it towards the back of the head.

Redesigning the original gown gold net overlay to not be gathered at one spot. Added  some Simplicity brand gold lace to give it more pizzazz. In medieval and Renaissance fashion more was more, if you had it flaunt it.  Also trimmed the under layer bodice and puffed sleeves with same lace. 

Court gowns had more trims and embroidery than the normal gowns worn by courtiers. Restoration clothing didnt do much trims that court normally wore. She is making me think of Charles II Restoration England after the English Civil War style vibes. 

The next step is pearls! Thinking bracelets and a one nice size collarbone length strand. Along with some around the top of her veil. Vida, a courtly Restoration bride Wedding dresses back, then were not necessarily white. They were normally a best version of what you had in your wardrobe.  Which means many people wore their wedding dress over and over again.

 This doll made me think of Patrick Swayze’s character Vida Bohem. This strong square jawline that made me think of the character, so I am going to call her Vida.

Witnessing his Majesty and new apprentice take oaths was lovely highlight. Made me think of when I did that in front on Tim and Gabrielle. Thinking of day tripping Saturday for War Practice.