Jumping Into a Rew Realm

In my last post I showed some pictures from my last SCA event.

This event was what is called a "Collegium" event. Take that exactly as it sounds, It was en entire day of classes on everything from music to archery.

One of the Classes I took was on Goldwork embroidery, in which we learned the basic couching stitch.

I have been interested in this subject since I joined up, as I have enjoyed modern embroidery for years, so this was a great starting point. The moment I came home I ordered the type of thread I was recommended which is "Japanes gold #7" from Kreinik.

I'm not sure what this company was thinking but they sure did send me for a loop. The company is based in West Virginia. I'm in Tennessee so that's not too far, I could almost spit and hit the factory...

But instead of letting me order from them, they gave me more local "Mom and Pop" stores to order from. I chose one in Virginia, which is also spitting distance. They did not have it in stock so in turn THEY had to order it from Kreinik. You know how long it took to get to Virginia? Over three weeks. and then it was off to me... Yargh! what a hassel!

Anyways, it came today so be looking foreward to some yummy gold work!

As I waited these past few weeks I decided to pass the time with another project. I got a little advice, did a lot of research and finally decided on this image

 

It is the symbol for ST. John from the Book of Kells, and illuminated Bible said to be from about 800AD. Of course it was painted and I'm embroidering, and there would be a lot to take into account to make this authentic. I don't believe personally I have done that, nor did I want to.

 

This is a practice piece to get used to doing what is called "split stitch" (A basic, much used medieval embroidery stitch)

This is what it looked like at the end of day two, the body almost done and feathers in place.

here he is in an Instagram picture from a few days later (ps Follow me on Instagram! MEGANNE1914)

 

And here's what he looks like today, wings nearly done, and beginning on the tail.



A Trip to the 14th Century

Back in august of last year, I began attending events with my local SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism)

For those of you who don't know, here's what Dictionary .com says anachronism is.

Something or someone that is not in its correct historical or chronological time, especially a thing or person that belongs to an earlier time.

So basically it's a bunch of people who feel stuck in the 21st century and prefer to live in the Middle Ages.

I've been slowly working on Garb (clothes) for the 14th century, which is the particular time period I've chosen for myself. (Think William Wallace and Robert Bruce)

One of the Lovely Ladies from the SCA helped me get started. I brought along around four yards of gorgeous red linen and she provided a pattern for a Cotehardie. I'm afraid we cut out the wrong size though, as I'm still having some fitting issues.

 

I wore that by itself for one event, but for the next one I decided it was time to kick it up a notch.

 

The theme for this event was "Scotland" Which is my chosen country. (How cool is that?) 

 

I bought three yards of blue linen for a sideless surcote and drafted it from THIS pattern. (Link lead you to my pinterest feel free to follow)

 

It came together like a dream! Not to mention it looks and feels perfect.

 

 You know you've done well when you can look in the mirror and see (In my case) Maid Marian instead of yourself, which is part of what completes the feeling of being in the SCA.

 

 

I cheated on the veil and ordered it from ebay as I was running out of time and Money. It ended up being a great deal. I ordered cotton for $10, and the lady wrote and said she was out of cotton and would I take a free upgrade to silk? Needless to say I accepted.

 

The sash is simply a plaid scarf I had. I wanted to order my clan Tartan for it, but when I went to order it would have taken several weeks even to ship and wouldn't have made it anywhere near in time.

 

The belt was homemade, but I've had it for years, from my teenage "Fantasy" days.

 

The Sporran (bag) I bought at the local "Scot- Irish" festival a few years ago.

 

I cannot begin to express the feeling I get when I'm with the Society. I always come home feeling refreshed and confident. And I never leave without learning something new.

 

I've never met an unkind person who greets you with anything but a smile, and I always have a fantastic time!

A Cheesy Adventure.

So I had my first experience with cheesemaking tonight, and I have to tell you, it turned out GREAT!

I first got the idea of making my own cheese after watching an episode of "America's Test Kitchen" in which they simply boiled the milk and added vinegar. I had always thought it was expensive and complicated.

Well I went in search of a recipe and it turns out that yes it does take some odd ingredients to make for example a normal everyday cheddar.

But we'll go into that another time.

I did in fact find a recipe for a cheese called "Paneer" an Indian cheese which, like the above, uses heat and acid instead of aforementioned odd ingredients.

My "Recipe Book" (Never mind the fact that it currently says "Pandora")

The Process? Simple,

1. Put a liter of milk in a stainless steel pan.

2. Bring milk to a foamy boil

3. Add either lemon juice or vinegar

4. Watch it curdle!

5. Strain and press

6. EAT!!

 

I plan on making much, much more of this!

Etsy Official!

Well all it's official!

I have an Etsy store!!

etsy.com/shop/TheHomespunTreadler


And for the first time I can say, "New in the shop today"

All four dresses were made on my antique Mason Rotary treadle sewing machine. and are now available in my store!!



1900's Red Dress

1900's Purple Ruffle Dress

                                  



Mid Century Vintage Style Romper



Pink Mid Century Play Suit
 

Winter Wonderland.

I just thought I'd show off these photos my mom and I took today. We have about two inches of snow right now and still coming down! I know that may not sound like much, but we've not had much more than a dusting here in Tennessee for years.

 I found the coat in an antique store this fall, before even a hint of cold weather had shown it's face. I just couldn't pass up this luxurious morsel, especially with a price tag of only $30. That's probably less than what the good lady would have paid for it originally!

It's a thick felted cherry red wool, with what appears to be a real fur collar! I'm guessing that it's from the 50's- 60's. (probably 60's as long and straight as it is) It's satin lined and extremely warm!

The hat was a gift from my sister, and I have absolutely no idea what era it's from! It's wild enough to be from almost any part of the 20th century... Made of black velvet, lined with a tulle netting, and has a large rhinestone jewel on the side.

I took the long walk to the mailbox and didn't get cold in the slightest, though you can see the results below.

 

Before the walk, having only been outside for a minute or so.

 

 

After, I believe I was beginning to turn into some kind of snow fairy!

 

If you look close in the above picture, you can see the individual snowflakes, each little masterpiece whole and perfect.

 

 

 Shoe shot. (I do not recommend this choice of footwear for snow...)

 

And my signature "Oldify It" photo

 



Just a Note

Just a little post to let you know that there are projects in the works.

It might take me a bit to get pictures taken of them, but I'll get there.

Till then!

A Medieval Baby

A few weeks ago we set out to go to our local SCA's Christmas event, "Holly and Ivy." Up until the very last minute we didn't think Brianna would be going with us, but two days before the event we realized we'd be unable to get a sitter.

So away I went to Joann's to see what I could muster up... in a 48 hour period... Yikes!

I picked out a nice olivey green Linen-Rayon and got plenty of it, knowing I would have to scale my pattern with no time to order one.

Ages ago I was recommended THIS pattern for basic garments. I had made it once before and completely messed up my mathematics to the point that with lots of cutting and spacing it barely fit. And you could tell that the poor girl was dreadfully uncomfortable...

This one was much better, though possibly too big, but that's a good thing when it comes to children's clothes, she'll grow.

I won't even begin to go into the mathematics, as I don't quite understand what I did myself!

 

The seams are sewn by hand with regular thread and flat felled (if it's still called that when it's done with both sides and not just one) with a darker large embroidery thread.

The cap and apron were a last minute idea, as I had a little time left the evening before the event, not to mention a little leftover white linen. I couldn't believe it, but she kept them on most of the day!

She was such a ham for the camera! She would step back for me to take the picture, then she had to come see it. She even had to send one of them to my mom. (with her own message...)

 
 
 

 

 

Despite worries that toting a two year old to this event would be hectic and tiring, we all had a wonderful time, and I'll never again worry about taking her with us. She was a perfect angel, and was the toast of the town in her little outfit.

 

 

I can't wait to venture into this new world of Medieval sewing, my Pinterest boards are full to bursting with ideas. :D