Crown Tournament

 A very magical day was had on Saturday. Attended my first crown tournament and being fought for by my good friend Lord Leo Ignatius. Have been spending the month getting all the preparations done with his armor which we patterned, he sewed and I advised his progress. I made his red and black edged surcoat and painted a heraldic banner for the procession.

Was asked to wear my Polychrome Embroidered Jacket, for this event. If Leo is taking hits fighting for my honor, I have no issues wearing garb he requests. Was also told I should let it see the light of day for something that took 3 years of my free-time to complete. It looked great as usual, didn't realize how much I will have to take the under-dress in to make it fit my current size.

It was a sunny day but avoided sunburn except for the tip of my nose and just under my neck. Which didn't hurt nor peal at this point. The heart-shaped coif only protects so much. Will have to look at period portraits and see if I can devise veils for these coifs as well.  It may save me some discomfort with outdoor events in the future. Going to invest in a 10 X 10 easy up for events like these to have some shade to seek. Forgot all about this being an outdoor event, so focused on just completing the armor and garments needed for Leo. The roses were a lovely thank you and were distributed by the Queen for the consorts.

Glad I checked on Leo and left Queens tea early, he needed inspected and help with finishing getting into his armor. So it was good to make myself useful. I was able to finish getting our set up arranged and get ready for procession. Which was a long wait of about an hour and a half in the sun.  I didn't mind being in the back,  more time to watch what everyone else was doing and learn. I feel most humbled and in awe Her Excellency Countess Elena d'Artois had asked to be our herald, which she came up with a creative introduction on the fly. Also in awe that Her Excellency Countess Anna Leigh asked to be our banner bearer, didn't notice till later her dress matched Leo's heraldic colors. So that's a nifty detail as well as we were the only pair escorted by two ladies of the rose, a good omen I thought.

Leo fought his bouts very aggressively and with much honor. I am very proud of his performance, the

first combatant he fought THL Bluestar came in 3rd. Lots more practice and more time to adjust to his newer kit, I think he will find his comfort zone and may surprise a few folks. Leo was able to watch and listen to some instruction from other knights later in the day, which he found the information very educational. My educational part was just making and sewing armor parts and learning how it all goes together.

Another portion of my Sca education is teaching. I am working on my class for Pennsic on 16th C. Coif and how they are constructed. Drafting my pattern and coming up with my example piece this week is my goal. Currently seeking how to make silk organza covers for my embroidered coifs to save the stitches from snagging. I saw one made this way and covers like these in Flemish 16th century paintings. As well as veils for my heart shaped coif is on the docket of projects. So making accessories right now for a change of pace.

I did complete my second wool kirtle for Pennsic this is in shades of

brown. So one in grey and one in brown is currently ready for war. I have yet to make one in orange cotton duck and one in black wool.  A blue Italian is in the works but have to work out the details. On the embroidery front, I did complete a beaded embroidery with, ruby, emerald, and sapphire beads and freshwater pearls. Thinking its going to be a pouch at this point since it wouldn't be in the right shape nor wide enough to make a coif. Its non documented project, it was a just for fun. Well got to get back to searching for work and sewing.

Busy as Usual,

Maureen