Reworking with Coincidence

Originally planning to attend War Practice, though a pre-scheduled work business trip has gotten in the way. I received some fantastic feedback with my work last year. This year I will have to send some of my items with friends for the Arts and Sciences display. I wanted to teach as well at this event, though that is foiled with the work trip, maybe next year.

Since I will be going away for work in May, been formulating a way to bring my polychrome embroidered waistcoat with me, so I can work on it with downtime in the evenings. Been working on it every evening right now, taking out machine stitching and replacing it with woolen embroidery stitches all the way around all the pattern pieces. It is looking much better and much more organized. I didn't realize when I had bought the trim for the jacket that it matches one of my Elizabethan gowns perfectly! So I am going to wear this dress underneath my jacket and I really believe that it's going to just accent each other beautifully. Showing the photos to see how extremely close the color match shows. Even with the lights and darks of the silk fabrics playing on each other these were never intended to go together, though it's fantastic that they do!

With the Ice Dragon feedback I know the areas of improvement and am reworking techniques and methods now so the projects will be better examples of my work. I am disappointed I will not be there to field questions. Though it's important to share my work with others, I use all the trial and error with my many projects as a learning lesson. For me it's easier to learn from creating, I sometimes make my best discoveries about textiles and fiber arts.

I recently had found out that there was some new literature, not known about on the polychrome embroidered jackets. It was in a series of individual subject booklets called the complete anachronist, published through the SCA. I had gone through the long list of topics, there happens to be many a useful topic. I inherited a handful of these from a friend, and was able to complete my Elizabethan  embroidered gloves using one of these little booklets. Now I have one for the my current in progress project.  Now I have ordered and received these on various types of embroidery woodworking and other Medieval topics.

So for now figuring out what events I can make an appearance and get my work reworked for arts and science displays in the future. So busy also working on more late period embroidery styles and reading up on better tudor fit and plans to make period patterned linen bodies and woolen kirtle.

Plotting away,

Maureen

Ice Dragon 2014

Entered the Ice Dragon Pentathlon this year in singles entrant; my polychrome embroidered Elizabethan waistcoat in heraldic display, needlework, and post 1400 clothing. I also my suite if ruffs in accessories and medieval rope knight game in toys.

After doing so well in the novice level competition in 2013. I figured that it would be interesting to see the level that I could do this year, as a singles entrant. Felt that I would be in the middle of the pack of folks that decided to enter the Pentathlon. Which was a good start I thought, comparing scores last year I would have been third place in singles if I had tried that level in 2013.

I was riding with friends but had to leave early before the end of court. Before I left, received Prince's choice for the rope toy puppets. Later found out I was runner up for the Pent, which is second over all, and captured Toy category. Very pleased with the results for a first shot as a singles entrant!

This really motivates me not only to continue to at least enter one thing in every Ice Dragon A and S

competition. It also gives me the motivation to fine tune my projects and make sure that they are the best that they can be from now forward. Checking to make sure that the quality of the materials, the application of period methods, and period techniques are executed to higher standards.  Am interested in seeing where my standings sit in the point rankings. They will not be posted at least for another few weeks until then, my curiosity definitely is peaked.

My Teacher, Her Grace Mistress Illish ODonovan is pleased with my performance, that is the most I was concerned was disappointing her. I want to bring honor and glory to the household in word action and deed. Constant improvement and progression is the goal. I don't know what a great ice dragon pent performance, what this means for the future but it's certainly positive. With winning Novice Pent and Baroness Choice last year along with this years attaining runner up on Singles Pent this year and capturing Prince's Choice.  That means something I should hope, it's not easy and a real struggle to get it just right.

Now on to getting exact replicas, in materials technique and execution if all possible. In the meantime much more work on the embroidered polychrome waistcoat. Knowing my luck will take another 2.5 years to complete ;-) It was the real entry of talk amongst many a gentle, I met during Ice Dragon. Standard gentles can't believe how elegant and pretty it's turning out, there are lots of details for improvement but when it's done will be a stunner. I am hoping I can get it complete to wear by War Practice.

Well back to work and catching up on household chores. The hubby and cats missed me tremendously.  I have much more work to do but looking forward to a healthy challenge.

Excited for the Future,

Mairin

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

William Penn Said It Best

"No pain, no palm; no thorns, no throne; no gall, no glory; no cross, no crown"- William Penn.

 On that note, I promised to post photos of my enteries once they were in the Novice Pentathalon.  Also mentioned their standing as they did in the Novice category.  I had two enteries that were cross entered into other categories with the appropriate information for the category.

 The Elizbethan Embroidered Gloves were entered in Needlework and Heraldic Display and won both categories. Very pleased these are finished, they were a sampler of sorts for me. I learned so many stitches while working on these that I was afraid the uniformity that is needed in a pair would be over shadowed from one glove to the next. So that was something I had to focus on while making the second glove and trying to keep them to match in stitch technique.Though I think they turned out really nice and they too garnered lots of compliments. I can't wait to accessories them with my Elizabethan gowns, they are just the neatest thing to brighten up the more somber colored Elizabethan gowns in my wardrobe.

 The String Marionettes were entered in Toys and won their category. I garned alot of complements on these. Childrens toys are a subject that takes alot of time to research. There are lots of out of period sources for later string marionette sources but I was looking for the medieval version and beginnging to their orgins to their secular use as a form of entertainement. The research is something I started in 2006 soon after I started in the SCA. These were the cullmination of many years of reasearch.

 The Tablet Woven belt was entered in Fiber Arts and Accessories and placed well amongst the other Novice enteries. This is my first tablet woven project, I recieved alot of very awesome comments on the handmade loom versus a commerically made loom. Which I didn't even think about it, but the looms we made would have been a very period act to make and then weave. So accidentally I did a period method. Which the handmade looms were much cheaper than the inkle looms I had previously thought of purchasing. Also got lots of compliments on my even and fairly distributed weft and warp, which Lady Aibell helped me get started on this so much, I can't thank her enough for getting me started on this weaving. Its a craft I have wanted to learn for a long time and now can make my own woven items to help accessorize my gowns and other accessories. I got to finish what is on my loom yet, though its going to look super nice when done. Been fun to experimnent with technique.

My Score was over 211 points which if placed with the Single Enterants I would have gotten Fourth place, still that is very good. I do have more to learn to get my documentation more finely tuned, though I am very happy with my Novice Pent win. Was totally in shock and didn't know how well I had done till Baronial Court to recieve my awards. I also recieved Baroness's Choice, which was also a total shock, what a wonderful story her Excellency told me about making her choice. I felt very humbled and honored she picked my Marionette Entry.  Thankfully I was in a great gown to go up in court too, in my full spring green Elizabethan floral embroidered gown with whisk collar and ruffs and nice long train, looked very period according my my good friend Lady Jaqueline. Looking period was my goal without looking garrish in the volumous dress and period hair. Both scrolls are framed, the Pent Scroll is in a shadow box with my three dragon medallions that denote my three category victories, thought they needed a place of honor next to the scroll, it is not glued in so it can be removed if needed. Got close up pictures so they can be read, click on them and they will appear bigger if needed.

 Also collected for fellow shire members who left the site for a party, so I was able to deliever good news when I got back to the hotel where we were staying. Its good to be a bearer of good news, it was a great day for our shire. We had a member become part of the Order of the Chivalry, a beautiful ceremony and it was witness by many but felt very intimate. We are so proud of our shire knight, Sir Havoc the Wild, Vivats!!! Thank you to Lady Antoinette de Lorraine for the pictures of my enteries and Lady Jacqueline of my court picture.

I also mentioned shopping in my previous spost, I will get pics of the neat things I bought. A few from folks I found out I know through Etsy, very cool to see their lovely items in person I must say. Will post more pics later on these awesome finds but for now its time to go back to the mundane.
Scadian Dreaming,
Mairin

A Novice No More

 

Well its offical, I won the Novice Pentathalon at Ice Dragon this year. Also recieved the Baroness's Choice Award, plus captured 3 out of my 5 categories. They were Toys for my String Marionettes, Needlework and Heraldic Display for my Elizabethan Embroidered Gloves. I am suprised how well I did, though later I found out there were few enterants compared to years past. Found out that my score if put into the Singles Pent would have garnered me a 4th place over at least 3 people. So all in all I am still pleased with my standings even if I was the only Novice to enter the Pent. Looking at the score there were lots of folks who entered single items at novice that I really completed well against. Next year I have to enter as a Singles Pent enterant, since I won this year.

So its offcial I am a novice no more! So I recieved a scroll for the Baroness's Choice for my Marionettes and Overall Novice Pent, dragon medallions for the category wins. Hey I will take a win anytime. Also looked Elizabethan Fabulous in my Spring Green Crewel Embroidred Gown, garnered many compliments including Her Royal Majesty. So all in all a very wonderful time at Ice Dragon and happy I did decide to enter this year.

On the shopping front, I found many wonderful things to purchase for a late period persona this year compared to years past. I bought a whole fox stole to be made into a zebellino flea fur, a black work pin cushion and tape measure, a brooch with black stone and pearls, a teal cabachon brooch with pearls, teal brocade fabric and teal velvet fabric to match for a new gown, also off site bought some books on medieval life, theater and puppets. So yes, a good shopping year and everything was well priced, so haggling was really not needed. It is a nice option in case you are short on cash though.

Also got to see my good shire mate become a knight, a long standing persuit if his. Which was a wonderful sight to see his total suprise when we sprung it on him. As well as giving back some profit from our event FFF to their Royal Majesties. I had to wait for Baronial Court to get my awards, but also collected for two other shire mates who left the site early. So all in all it was a great day for our shire.

In the process of finding frames for the Baroness's Choice scroll which need a 11x17 frame  I am using a 10x10 shadow box to show off the smaller Novice Pent scroll with the medallions. Using a paper background to hold it in and not glue anything to the scroll, want to keep it free if to be reframed for later in case. So I will post pics when done, though I know they will look great.

Unfortunately back to the Mundane,

Mairin

Elizabethan Gallery

Packed and ready to go!

Well I spent last weekend on the finishing touches. Finished the control portions of the puppets, and made sure they worked. I also finished labeling my Ice Dragon entries with the 3x5 card with information. I hope doing this ahead of time will save me some aggravation and stress on the day. I still have to finish my name cards for each and need to punch holes in the papers to get them put in their individual folders. It was challenging since I do have two items cross entered into other categories.

I still have alot of car related things to get done before I leave, just want to make sure its all set to go with new struts, oil change and inspection before I leave. Its needed but I hate car repair bills but its a necessary evil.

Currently I am working on an Elizabethan whisk, its the wing like standing collar that is used in alot of portraits from the period. Decided yesterday my gown needed some extra decoration, so I used some hanger wire I had been saving for a supportass ruff holder.  So I worked that and wrapped and taped intersections to keep them firm and secure. The sharp ends are wrapped in tape to not snag the silk organza. I began sewing the trim on the edge which covered the wire and have to sew the organza to the trim and cover both sides. Did finish the train that will attach to the whisk.

This will be my first time wearing such a collar but I am excited! Used my larger organza ruff for the trim, it needed reworking and wasn't sitting properly. I wanted to make a robe to match with trim but it didn't pleat quite right. Though I am happy with just the long veil train and the whisk for this gown. Over the weekend also made an organza hat with the same trim to match the chemise and whisk, so it will all look coordinating, love it!

I am not sure how easy it will be to wear all this but I want to give it a dry run this week and hope that it all works out. Making the packing lists now and will pack up for Ice Dragon over the next three days. Hoping all my hard work and planning pays off.

Here is to Success,

Maureen

P.S. Leaving the puppets to be a surprise will post pics after Ice Dragon, check out my Elizabethan gown though in the next post.

New Books and Documentation

Well had lots of progress this weekend, its good being busy. Its been whirlwind with my local SCA meeting this weekend, being in charge of a demo is taking up some time, though its not that bad. Now just have to figure out who can make it and who cannot.

  I just finished three documentation papers for Ice Dragon this weekend. All edited, citations, and sourced to perfection. I now just have to put them in folders for display and bring items with me in two weeks. More worried with getting the car all up to shape before I leave, have to get the struts done and inspected. I changed the rear brake lights this weekend, saved lots of cash doing my self best thing is  they work! Wish I could change the struts my self but that is unlikely.

Its nice to have one big hurdle out of the way, cut it closer than years before. Don't want to run this close again. I do still have to string and weight my marionettes, but its a minor compared to the big documenting pressure. I have time now to get some commission work done and proceed with getting it done as much as possible before I leave in two weeks. 

In the mean time, I recieved the new book The Tudor Child. Its very throughout, excelllent photos and references. I think it is just as well detailed at the Tudor Tailor, if not better. There area few ideas for expanding clothing for pregnancy, and a one early Elizabethan gown I would like to make for myself, that is listed as teenage gown.  So good things all around, was so pleased getting it in the mail this week. Well worth the wait and the money.

So here it goes, best get back to doing more comisson based work,

Maureen

Sewing and Documentation

Well the kitties have made it through their colds, though a little lighter for the experience. The tips I looked up online have been invaluable and I look forward to using them in the future, when needed. Kitties seem very appreciative they feel better and despite not being happy with me about the medicine treatments.

I recieved the silk from India, finished with the outter kirtle with skirt and finishing the stomacher sleeves, hat. I made major progress in the past few days, suprise even myself with my speed. While I was waiting for the silk from India,  made up pleated skirts and bodices for the yellow and green Elizabethan gowns. So they are started, in the meantime almost complete with a red and white damask venetian Italian gown, have some more decorating details to finish. So gorgeous I am super excited to get it done and take some pictures for everyone. Its so beautiful and I think it will be a stunner for sure.

 Still have lots of work on the commission but I was at a standstill so not much can go on without fabric. Though I am excited to get rolling and with working on the other gowns in the meantime.

Though that doesn't mean I have been lazy and not working on anything. Over the past two days I wrote three complete drafts for my documentation for my Elizabethan Gloves for Ice Dragon. So very good in that respect now to edit, complete the final drafts, print and put into folders. That will cover three categories; heraldry, embroidery, and accessories. Finished the paper on the 16th century hand puppets and am making them from scrap fabrics. I am entering a card woven belt in fiber arts  and examples of on 16th century hand puppets in the toys, so that makes my 5 categories. Working on the documentation for the card woven belt but not sure how that is all going to work out at this point, need to find some books on my list for sources found lots of website. Though I need to get these papers ready asap, so that is a goal this week.

Though I preregistered and am as ready for 2013 pent as I will ever be, got lots of preparation in the meantime and best get back to doing it.

Hope to be ready soon,

Maureen

Coming and Going

I modified the shirts I purchased on Etsy. Right now I have a cotton frill on the collar and cuffs that looks like it was always been there. Contemplating black-work embroidery on the collar and cuffs but not certain at this point. I put some hooks on the cuffs and points on the strings of the collar, it really dresses it up. Also put clasps and buttons on the lace collars posted earlier, they look much better and now can be attached to shirts possibly. I also made one last heart-shaped French cap two weeks ago, it fills out the last of the hats I wanted to make for the new gowns. So they are all set to wear when I finally get to an event.

Made a smock, bum-roll and hoop-skirt for the commission I am working on. Found the perfect silk terracotta taffeta material, its was a challenge for sure. Its shipping from India, so its going to be a while before it gets here. Now to work on the corset, have the pattern cut and going to apply boning and such. Making headway slowly but surely. Hope the undergarments are done so I can start on the outer gown when the silk arrives.

I have to work on documentation between working on the commission, which is a challenge but very possible. I have till the end of March to finish it all and have good headway with an interview questions Lady Livia helped with in 2012. Now to make it into a cohesive unit and into many forms of documentation for Ice Dragon 2013.









I am planning on making more gowns while working on the commission that is in progress.  It doesn't take any extra effort for me to make one as it does to make 4. It takes longer to make the underthings than it does to make the over gowns for me. So it will go fast, here the drawings of the gowns I am working on with color ideas for you.

Well got to get back to it,

Maureen

Elizabethan Possibilites

Well I finally found a gown from the 1590's I would like to attempt to make that is not a total encumbrance in making. I included a larger photo, so you can see all the detail in the gown. What I like about this gown is the possibilities of a simple design with elegant execution. We have a simple capped sleeve with stripes of colored silk embroidery, lace partlet framed by a standing ruff, some lace trim on the gown, a lovely teal open over gown, the notorious netted Whisk Collar, and jewels in the hair. I believe Elizabeth received the Fairy Queen title, because of the ethereal look the Whisk Collar gave and the wing effect it potentially creates. Though that is just a theory of mine, hard to say if its right.

I will still not be able to do much with wearing this gown but is worth making it for Ice Dragon to wear next year. Though, I would love to make this gown with shot silk taffeta with the intent to make it an entry. I don't think I could take the ripping apart I would receive from the judges for the way I make my costumes. Undecided at this point with all the other Elizabethan items I would be entering if this would be the perfect complement to the menagerie I already have. Oh decisions, decisions! Luckily there is lots of time to decide and make up this outfit.

Thinking of using some faux silk curtains for the heavyness this gown will require, I do have ruffs ready for this gown and thinking of repurosing my wedding veil trim with some silk organza for the Whisk Collar. I already have a pendant that is a dead ringer for the one in the painting So, I have ideas though there is lots more time to gather materials.

Have to finish the other gowns, working on beading now. Pictures soon coming I promise, in the mean time back to work.

Garb Daydreaming,
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

It is finished

Hi all,

Yes the doll house is in a great stage of completion am waiting for a few miniature pieces to come in the mail this week but for the most part it is done. Though I feel I will be fussing with my creation for years to come. Right now I am working on the writing my documentation and trying to get it in the right chronological order. Hope to have it all done by this Wednesday because I leave for Ice Dragon sometime of Friday.

Though I almost didn't make it there this year I had a scare with Jasper my cat. He had about of bad diarreah and I have a few suspictions on the cause. It was 3 days before he had a solid bowel movement yesterday and I was worried my money for Ice Dragon was going to be spent at the vet instead. Yesterday he turned the corner and seems to be back to his old self. He was leaving marks where ever he sat and was licking himself sore trying to keep clean, right now he is on a cat food and rice diet. He isn't wild about it but there isn't any loose problems or stains all night. So a great sign, he never lost appetite and was drinking steadily so all good signs it was going to pass. I can tell he is on the mend for sure, huge sigh of relief for me.

My heraldry passed for society so the lovely heraldic device you see on my page is officially mine, yeah! Got one more puppet purple, white, black with silver gryphon named Coudersport.

In the mean time, have gotten some jewelry supplies for making a earring and necklace set, supplies for the embroidering of the Elizabethan shirt, cloth covered hat boxes for my renaissance luggage( lol), and ideas on several more embroidery and accessory projects. There will be more to come as I get things completed. Since the dollhouse is done I am thinking of making the three garb outfits I have floating in my head, so lots of sewing in my future. Guess we will see.

On the wedding front Justin and I have our locations picked out and now am working on a plan to get them all reserved and paid for by next April, though we have a year and some help so right now its the First Baptist Church in Williamsport for the Ceremony and the Genetti Hotel in Williamsport for the reception.

So all in all good for the most part other than Jasper's health scare. Hope the next few months are active, productive, and profitable.

Smiles,

Maureen

Return from the Past

Finally in the planning stages of projects for Ice Dragon and a blast from the past has come to light this last week. The doll castle creation that I started last spring into summer is back. It's been in a partially uncompleted stages for most of the summer and I just have not had the time to complete much on it. I was planning on embroidering all summer for the inside hangings but just ran out of time and other projects got in the way. Which is fine I have lots of great trim and ribbon to give the wall hangings the proper scale and grand scope needed for a castle.

Yesterday I finished the work on the chairs and throne, painted, and upholstered them. They look very grandeur with the surrounding rooms as they are taking shape. Also put in one of the stained glass windows, have two more to do, that is planned for this week.

I put in tudor patterned wall paper around the fireplaces, which give it the "diapered" look. Diapering is a motif that repeats in a pattern on a wall, this was the time before wall paper and it was a way of decorating a plain plaster wall, other methods use embossing patterns in plaster as well. Since I have narrow space to work this is why I elected the diapering wall paper, there is no room for my hands to paint a motif in the individual rooms so I had to choose another method.

So there are two fire places on the second foor, in tudor homes fireplaces were almost in every room to keep the dampness of the outdoors from comming in. I do want to put two more in the basement but am not sure how to construct them. The bedroom and throne rooms are in the middle and there are no other ways to put one in them without making them crowded, so I am having to be a bit creative to get the look with out going overboard on room contents. Just trying to figure out how to set up the kitchen, library, sitting room, and bedroom. Going to try a few different layouts to see what works best.

Today I worked on banners to finish wall decor and worked on making the bed linens, bed curtains, pillows and such. Should be really nice when finished and hope to enter it in Ice Dragon. At the pace I am going lately it won't be a problem.

Hope to post pictures soon.