Silver Anniversary

Here is the pink pearled coif and partlet with another gown. This is my silk and linen  gown. All trimmed in pink gauze with gold filament with fancy button closures. The Spanish sleeves off set the coral inner sleeve with the pink trim. Very happy how it all looks.

The catapult youth activities went well, chaotic as expected. Have a few folks wanting help enhance the youth experience at events. Very pleased with the help running out of ideas and time with work being so intensive. It's nice to get some input and helping hands. The eating the ammo was very popular though I plan on better rubber bands to hold up better for the catapults. I received the Trebuchets in the mail, may have to be an outside activity since they get better distance.

Got to see many friends receive great awards, vivats for all the recipients. On the list working on Ice Dragon Pent is looming. I am working on a specific youth toy entry, fighting knights in strings as inspired by the Horus Delicarum manuscript. So I have waxed sisal rope, made a table cover, and have drawn the knights on the wooden blocks. I have the embroidered jacket to add but it's a work in progress. So have to write documentation and come up with a detailed drawing of the jacket when completed. Also have to starch the ruff and set them on their stands.

So lots to do and little time as usual but that is not  surprising. I am praying I have things done  in a reasonable manner. I hope to work on lots tonight. We shall see how far I get.

Looking to see my laurel at this event and get some major insight into  knowledgable  nuances I may have overlooked.  This being my favorite if events it's going to be fun for certain. Don't have new gown to debut but that is fine I have my gold and white gown to wear out of the fabric my laurel  gave me want to show her the use of it.

Was able to get 5th peacock done early this week working on the last one but have a gardens worth of flowers to embroider on the body of the jacket.  Guess will see how it all goes.  Got to get back yo working on all this, lots of concentration on the little things.

Regards,

Mairin

Rapunzel, Rapunzel, Let Down your Long Hair...

To use up some fabric I had left over from my most recent projects, a gift from Lady Aibell Dimarta had me inspired. She found a lacy edged doll gown. Its looks like a Victorian nightgown, but also like Renaissance chemise ready to be matched with a a gown and something more grand. I did not know exactly how I was going to make the outfit. At the time had not clue about the accessories. Though I had lots of options to work with, which is always fun. Lets make something out of this baby doll clothing. At the time I was totally unsure of how the whole doll would look.

 So I knew of a blank muslin doll I could buy from one of my local craft stores that would really suit the bill. I am making a costumed doll and I am almost done, one problem she has no face. Until today that is, when I decided on brown eyes and larger features. I have a small section left of fabric that I am considering making fabric shoes to show as much fabric use as possible, its a only a 4 inch piece, so did really well with my goal of using the fabric.

She is going to be the princess Rapunzel from the fairy tales. I am thinking of having her be a reading doll prop for me. Thinking of story-time at SCA Coronation or for Rapunzel. I wasn't expecting the hair to turn out so nice, its artificial and from and existing pieces used for SCA events.. I got the hair pieces from Duchess Tessa, I liked it but thought it make a more striking appearance on my doll after I tried it on. Looked good but knew it would be very hard to not get unwanted attention at events well I do tend to make an entrance of sorts. 


Job update, I got my service vehicle on Friday after much rescheduling.  I am to work with a supervisor all this week and slowly incorporate skills and knowledge over the next 3 months. Pretty surprised at myself all the work I put in and did a hands on learning and fast paced. I pray to find something as nice of a  Slowly learning all the ins and out of my job, glad they try to be throughout and not to expect me to know it all in a week. Its sheer amazement still managed to sew something this week.

 Well back to it all,

Maureen

AE Academy

Well other than gushing over my Sycamore Scroll, I did alot for AE Academy. I put up my doll castle for display, which barely fits in the backseat of the car. Its magnificents is too much for my little car to contain I suppose ;-)

 Had to get to the Academy site at opening time to get it and the playroom set up. Which took sometime, then trolled in. Though the castle displayed nicely and such, was able to get it back to my front bedroom all by myself at home though, its easier with two people.

A&S Display at Aethelmearc Academy

Managed to get dressed and wondering why my waist is being trudgy in this weather, which is my summertime specialty. I managed to get in my gown and looked most amply put to place, which was  challenge with sweating so much. 

I started the day with my Elizabethan jewelry course attened by 8 lovely persons. The class is inspired by the Cheapside Hoard now displayed at the British Museum in London. Gave a full color handout showing detail of pieces from the archeological at 1015am. I also explainded looking for similar motifs in costume jewerly as in the pictures.  Explained the benefits of mixing matching, price points of replicas vs costume jewels. Shared my entire jewel collection to show my adaptions in late period jewelry. It was very warmly recepted and got lovely compliments about it all day.

Tudor Doll Castle at Aethelmearc Academy

I was so happy folks liked it and was suggested to do a make and take class to make a set of earrings and necklace. Which I am thinking of a English Hood class and the make and take for Fabric Fiber and Fighting for the fall. I will schedule playtime around those courses, depending on my decisions to teach.

 My afternoon course was well attended by 6 and lots of good questions. I had detailed images of the children at play painting done by Brugel. I want to find more on the political significance of  this painting to beef the content more. It just became an image search and discussion on the games shown really. Folks were kind about the class but I know I can do better.  Plan on changing a few things to get things a bit more interesting. Its a good topic and the pics were really good but needs more beef in the reasearch.

Abhainn Ciach Ghlais Shrine 

 



The food was superb as usual, the weather was warm the warcollege broke a new attendence record, you could tell how touched the organzers were with the turnout. I know the organizer of the Academy classes was happy with the wide range of courses for folks to try, which I was happy with the selection as well. Got to attend the heraldic fan class and the Henry VIII valentine course, both excellent! Was able to get handouts on the others I missed due to confict with my teaching, but its all good.  I wished there was A/C in the venue, it would have helped cut some of the humidity.

I was able to get time to shop, though I really didn't need to buy anything. Bought a book on English Royalty, a netted cault to add to an Elizabethan hat, some decorated pins and earrings. I saw my lovely needlecase full of needles, though I didnt need to get those. These items were to be sold and given to the Royalty for their travel expenses. So my $17 goes to a good cause, will show how the hat looks now in a future post. I plan on wearing it to FFF with my black Elizabethan with Erimine puff sleeves, should be epic.

Teal Tudor Gown

 



During court I was called up for thanks with my many efforts and escapades with the shire children in keeping them entertained.Their Royal Highnesses I know appreciate my efforts, wish I had something more organzied for the day but teaching consumed alot of my time. I did oversee some games and provided the playroom, didn't get used but was still there. Though folks told me the effort and space was thought out and that makes a difference. It is very nice to be appreciated {-D

I have a few pictures from AEcademy these were taken by Lady Livia Valenti, thank you for these.
The last one is an Lewisburg Arts but this is typical me, Tudor rose purse and all. This the wonderful Teal Tudor gown. Will be making another unique compliation soon. I thought you would find picture amusing. Speaking of the Tudor Rose purse, I have gotten more complinents over my creative use of craft felt, than any single piece of garb created. On that note time to get back to sewing I am currently in the midst of garb creation, pics forth coming.

Regards

Lady Mairin

Order of the Sycamore Scroll...Worth the Wait

     Well this is "the scroll", recieved via messenger at AE Academy. What a scroll it is too! I was expecting a lovely scroll but nothing as the masterpiece I recieved. I am crafting my words carefully for this email of appreciation for such wonderous work.
     All credit goes to THL Iohannes Weiswald for such masterful art and wordcraft.  It just so fits the 10"x 13" frame I purchased though I like my scrolls to take up a large amount of space in the frame, not a huge fan of matting want the scroll to speak for itself.

     I took a few pics to show what it looks like on my wall displayed with my Order of the Sycamore medallion. Which they really look like they go together, I chose not to wear my medallion this weekend to keep it clean since it was very hot weather but will at future events.          I love the blocked style of letters and this form of calligraphy is really beautiul close up, some of the other pictures show off the niuances that this british style creates. Also the picture is very personalized a depiction of me recieveing my order medallion.                        

As seen on the picture to the left, I am in the middle with a doll in my left hand an child in my right amusing him. Am wearing what looks to be a gold tudor like gown with red trim, its the right shape and  a english headress. My red hair and glasses are seen in this too, he captured my likeness for certain. His Majesty Maynard on my right it hand on my shoulder and Her Majesty Liadain holding a Sycamore medallion in her hands standing on my left. To complete the scene with a mannerly dog and cat at the bottom.

All the floral illumination work on the edges does remind me of English crewel embroidery and the large blocked M in the top left is just magnificent. I guess in closing, its just so much more than I expected.

Very Humbled,

Lady Mairin

Best Year Ever!

     I have been plugging away on a comission, nearing the end. I have hat and beading then its all done and soon ready for shipping. Will post photos when done with the gown, I am testing it now to make sure all the seams are tigh. In the meantime I have been organizing Lewisburg Arts Demo and so begins the Scadian Spring and Summer busy season.

      This is the time of year my shire works on Public Relation more and really we pull out all the stops for making the demos amazing. This year was no exception, I was able to put out a small advert in the booklet this year about our new activites. Also was in more than one location as well as featured times for dancing and fighting. We had a stand amongst other no profit organizations in Hufnagle Park near the beginning of the vendors and our usual interactive medieval encampment in Soliders and Sailors Memorial Park at the other end of the festival. So I floated between both all day, was well tired, sweaty, sunburnt, and had a headache by the end of the day. Though it was well worth the effort, because I think it was one of the best public concenious festivals we have worked in many years. The day was a sucess though still alot of work for folks, though I feel that this is just the way this demo goes. I heard nothing but good from those who saw us and the public is always curious to talk to us at both locations. I consider it a triumph, and my first time Democrating an event was not easy. I couldn't have done it without the aid of my local Senechal who is just wonderful, Lady Anoinette De Lorraine.

     Its turning out to be the best year ever, aleast Scadianwise.  I won Ice Dragon Novice Pent Award, Baroness Choice Award, I am new companion to the Order of the Sycamore, was accepted into Haushold WeisserLowe received my favor, and now found I won two 2nd Place Sylvan Quill awards! I am just speechless with all this happening within the past few weeks, its alot to take in.

       The Sylvan Quill is recognition in many categories showing excellence in writing, content, layout and for authors and newsletters AE Kingdom wide.  I recieved Best Article and Best Article in Kingdom Newsletter both 2nd Places. 2nd Place Best Article was for A Home of Their Own; Aricle on 16th Century Dollhouses and 2nd Place Best Article in Kingdom Newsletter was for Evolution from Fashion to Toy: 16th Century Dolls. Three other shire mates cleaned up with Sylvan Quill Awards: Lady Vivienne Yardley recieved 1st Place in Best Article with an article on Modern Medieval Traditions, Matire Gille Beauchamp recieved 1st Place for Best Regular Feature with his continuing Dietary Series and Lady Ariel Grenwich recieved 2nd Place for Best Over All Newsletter.  This has been my first time putting in articles and have been new to the whole process, it was just an honor to get one of my articles asked to be put in the Kingdom Astel.  I am just in total shock really and very flattered everyone thought so much of my articles to vote for them.

     I wish my mundane life could be so cheery, my personal finaces continue to be a struggle with limited hours at work.  I am working very hard to find better paying employment, that doesn't want to own your soul for working at their place. Its a tough job market, I feel lucky if I get an interview. That "good job" itself seems to be a challenge of the ages, and the goal of countless. All I can do is pray for blessings in this area as I have been blessed Scadianlife.

In the meantime I look to Living in the Dream,

Lady Mairin

Homeward Bound Gryphon

I wanted to share the newest member of the Plotts Gryphon Conclave! That is what I call my gryphon woodbaby collection at home, lol. This new one yet to be named, will be joining us after the New Year. Also in puppet news I decided to sell off all of my Imaginarium Galleries Drabbits! Even though I like Drabbits with their very interesting style difference, available my local renaissance faire, and Imaginarium Galleries has Drabbit giveaways. I discovered much more happiness and contentment with my Midsummer Knight Dream Woodbaby collection and the company that makes these wonders of art.

My reasons for the total switch to Midsummer Knights Dream Woodbabies are; better and wider variety of creatures, much better prices for the puppet you receive, much better communication to customers, and options to order a custom puppet without waiting weeks for a reply. Even though I cannot get them at my local renaissance faire and I adopt them online, my feelings have leaned this way for sometime.  The staff at MSKD is so more engaging, friendly, and attentive to answering questions and flexible to my needs. I guess customer service means alot to me and MSKD has it.  

Hoping the sale will help with Holiday bills and will make room for me to move my Woodbabies from the cold front sewing/computer room, to the areas in the living room on top stereo a place of real honor. I have lots of interest with folks wanting to adopt the Drabbits I have at home and space should clear soon.

A Look Back...And Looking Forward

Well looks like the sequential dates will be done for a while, which if fine though they were very amusing to post things on dates like that. Its 12/12/12 today, kinda funny how this year has come and gone. Its been one busy year, got married is my big event. Many friends and family had children this year, sister moved back to the states, lots of nice get together with friends and family. Hope 2013 is full of many more life milestones and improvements.

There was much crafting in 2012; may there be much more epic handicrafts in 2013. I like to get thinking early on these things even though there is still some 2012 left to finish. Like to keep motivated so here are the list of Resolutions for 2013; score new and better paying employment, score same great employment for Justin, find a place we can reasonable afford or make a large dent in saving to build our own, make final plans on family planning, buy a new to me car that runs and works well that isn't overpriced, spend more quality time with Justin, finish the Elizabethan Embroidered Jacket, make the Epic Late Elizabethan Gown, take Chancellor Minor office to new and better heights, train new folks interested in becoming Youth Officers, and get some kingdom award for my many toils in the SCA society. I hope that folks have noticed my efforts, though that is yet to be determined.

Well that is all for now I will post some sewing and crafting related things as I get them done. Which there will be some soon. Been working on needle and shuttle tatting, weaving, and embroidery all at once, its pretty neat! Can't say that I am bored.

Back to Work,

Maureen

Vintage SCA Gallery In No Particular Order




Mairins attempt at German 1530's Lewisburg Arts 2009

 


Close up 1530's German Gown Mairin Cira 2009

 

Deputy Chancellor Minor Mairin at Wills Revenge 2006





Wish the Tent stake was in the way Lewisburg Arts 2012

Maureen being introduced to the SCA through the Lewisburg Arts Demo 2005



Chancellor Minor Mairin Circa 2010







Greetings From Mairin at 12th Night 2010











    

Feasting Mairin at 12th Night 2010



Spinning Wool Mairin Beaver Springs Demo 2006

 







Art meets Form meets Function is so my forte!

Well I completed my first panel for the Embroidered Elizabethan/Jacobean Jacket. Along the way I learned the detached buttonhole stitch, which was easier than I thought to completed. I also found away of weaving some really neat 3D peas using the same stitch. Which I am thrilled, my sister Karen, who was in for a visit thought it was impressive. I also did some weaving effects, beaux stitch, satin stitch, split stitch, and french knots. I plan on using bullion stitches and really having fun with each panel, I want to complete all the sleeves first and sew them together.  The body panels will take the longest but will be really a joy to see develop.

Though I did make a decision on the colors, I am going to make all the flowers in red, yellow, corals and oranges. I will be using some greens and purples with fruit and nuts. I will make the peacocks on the jacket in their natural colors to match the same colored trim. I feel the color choices should work well with the pink coral lining I am using for the collar and cuffs. So with all the gold lace, shell in pearl decorations, and other finery, this should be one really impressive project when completed.

I pleated the skirt and its stitched into the waist band, the hem is cut but needs finished. I have enough fabric to make a marvelous hat with embrodered caul, which was a sample I made from Embroidery Guild. Love when needlework examples can become functional garments or accessories. So on my way with those! Oh I also want to make a fancy collar for my wonderul fox puppet, who is going to become my "flea fur" I am so happy I had him custom made, what a wonderul tool for the kids events. He is deserving of a grand Renaissance collar and golden lead. Though I may whip up something embroidered for him, Loxley is in need of something special.

Well I am hoping that I can make good progress today. For a change of focus last night I painted miniatures for an army that Justin and I will be starting soon. I forgot how much I missed painting, it was a welcome change of pace. Though I will not get this project done if I am talking about it, so going to get started on the next panel.

Regards,

Lady Mairin

Wills Revenge

Wills Revenge was fun, despite not making it to the range. I worked on coloring, and mask making most of the day, with a twist. The little boy I was working with wanted to make him wings and a tail, which were drawn on paper plates and tied on with yarn. It was all great fun as he was running around scarring everyone with his youthful ferociousness. His little brother was having more fun putting crayon in my drink cup, luckily it was empty, though it was amusing. Well behaved and fun had by all, it was great.

I wore the new to me Catherine Parr Coat as I like to call it. Its a light green damask with green velvet cuffs and collar, winch looked really nice with the slimming late Tudor sleeves. Bought it finally off of Ebay, which i was watching this for months but had no money to buy it. Though this gown I didn't make I got lots of complements on it just the same. I find I stirred up alot of interest over my next gown, and lots of folks were interested in seeing my French blue Elizabethan creation. Alas, its not complete and I have to finish my ruffs for it, besides it was way to warm to wear such a gown to Wills Revenge. Though I am also hoping to have a hat completed for the gown by the time fall runs around. I have a few patterns and the same trim left to match the gown, so I am very thrilled.

Depending on how my peach Elizabethan creation turns out if I have extra I will make a hat for that too. All in all everything will be beautiful, which is my goal. Well got to get some chores done around home.

Laters,

Maureen

Success is sweet

Well I have gotten back from the Festival of the Passing of the Ice Dragon for 2011. Tired and stiff from lots of walking but happy with how things turned out all in all. I only entered the doll castle since I was fussing with it for a while, there was no more time to enter anything else and I didn't have much done besides. Though there is always things to make and research for my Tudor habit, lol.

My documentation won me a blue ribbon and captured first place in toymaking, second year in a row:-D I also recieved a favor and recognitnion in court from the Princesses Royal for the doll house, they are very sweet good girls and a delight to be around. Jaqueline got a green ribbon for her unicorn blue velvet embroidered pillow and a red ribbon for her pearl bedecked red velvet hat. Though she was very suprised to win Kings Favorite for her hat, which I was happy to see. Wonder how my full scale marionette will do when done for next year. Its funny but it seems to help getting a start before the winter, gives me less to do when the spring comes to finish my project. I think I am getting the documentation down to a science, thanks to Mistress Alicia for her tips on documentation writting. Its helps keep my papers simple and answers the questions the judges are looking for in a proper research paper. Hope I do this well next year.

Well onward to local events there is Penn College Demo on April 10, Lewisburg Arts Festival on April 30th, and Wills Revenge on May 6-8. In the fall there is Ladies Event, Fabric Fiber and Fighting so very excited things are more spread out which is helpful to me don't want to take alot of time off from Justin's fantasy roleplaying games. Looking forward to participate when I can.

Smiles,

Maureen of Abhainn Ciagh Ghlais

Remember, remember the 5th of November, gunpowder treason and plot, such a day should never be forgot.

This is way too late of couse for Guy Fawkes day but better late then never. Its been a fun month so far for September 2010. Lots of preparation for Fabric Fiber and Fighting, have lots of kids to keep after for the weekend, which I look forward to having fun puppet time.

Which turned out to be a complete success by the way. I forgot to post this entry back when our shire just finished the event. So here is what happened with the event. Mistress Euriol a good friend of mine got her writ for a Laurel, which I am happy she accepted the award at the Kingdom 12th Night.

I spent a lovely day with all sort of new children from surrounding the shire and got to know and played games with many of them. Most of my time was dedicated to the wee Princesses Royal who kept me on my toes most of the day ages about 2 and 4. They were a joy to work with and we had a tea party and story time behind the dias of thrones a very unique view for certain. I also helped them make hankerchief puppets with yarn, hankerchief, and popsicle sticks.

I did miss alot of classes at FFF that I wanted to take but didn't mind. Being well destracted by the childrens activites the day flew by. A day full of sting was nice and there was lovely vendor offering fiber arts wear, for which I found a Chancellor Minor belt favor I can wear when I am on duty. Though I would be very happy to make some such favors out of embroidery, its a project I had on my mind of a while. Though that is something I want to bring up at my embroidery guild to see if that is a possibility.

I later emailed most of the teachers of the classes I wanted to take. To my suprise I was able to procure a copy of handouts and a few even sail mailed me some. For which I was very happy, I certainly will get some good use from the information. In the future I can only hope I have such a childrens turn out as I did that day.

Still planning stages on the dresses that I wrote about last post and have more to do than is possibly sane.

Sewing Crazy,

Maureen