What a busy year!

We went to Pennsic and it was an experience. The expense was not worth the product for our first attendance, but that is not to say it wasn't a good trip. We were expecting much more due to the many converstaions we had with those who had attended before. After we returned home, others who also attended who were Pennsic "veterans" said that this was an "off" year. Go figure. A few things were learned, however. First, NEVER expect that anyone will pack anything that you tell them to. We had rain storm after rainstorm and not one umbrella was with us. Thankfully, I had packed the disposable rain ponchos which were reused more than once. We also learned that we didn't have to bring as much as we did. We may have forgotten a couple little things, but we overpacked in many ways. I did bring home one very important thing, however; the feeling that we live under too much stuff. It is time to simplify.

War of the Wings Part 2

At the War of the Wings, we had our very first visitors to our encampment. My husband, Edward, wanted to learn a little bit about drumming to see if he would like to get a drum and learn more. I located Akbar, who is a very good and very popular drummer. He agreed to give Eddie a lesson or two and came with us to our campsite. What we didn't realize is how quickly Akbar can draw a crowd! It was very enjoyable; a couple of dancers even came. Eddie also got hooked on the Doumbek and now has one of his own and is learning to play. Having a small drumming circle in our little spot was surely one of the highpoints of the weekend. Thanks Akbar {{BIG HUGS}}!!!

(This FINALLY posted - this is the second post from War of the Wings 2011. We are looking forward to Drums of War next month and also War of the Wings 2012.)

Pennsic Preparations are Underway!!!!!!!!

We are truly going to go to Pennsic this year!!! I cannot wait! 17 days of living in the Modern Middle Ages! We have preregistered already and in order that we have a decent encampment, I have purchased period tents and also a colored canvas tarp to dine under. Tonight I finished the table for our encampment. It comes apart easily and is made from 1 sheet of plywood! I love the table and the plans were so easy to follow. I printed out the table and benches from http://charlesfleming-sca.com/ where those of us on a budget can get a few great pointers, and furniture plans. I know that while plywood may not be period, it will go a lot further towards the look than my metal and plastic coleman table. The plywood also weighs much less! Ben has done a lot of helping so far with holding boards, etc. Peter is truly not interested in much to do with woodworking or building a nicer encampment. I have also been enjoying the one-on-one time with Ben. I guess he feels as if he should help me since he is getting his new wardrobe a piece at a time, as I get each done. With help from my husband, the benches are coming along. After the table and benches are done, we will see about getting the gothic arch chairs finished. (The ones that come apart and lay flat.) I have been sewing quite a bit and am seeing some progress. Hopefully I will be able to accomplish everything that I have on my lists (one for each of us.) Also, for our perimeter around our little camp, I have been sewing little flags from the scraps left over. They are cute little pennants. Our camp perimeter is going to be very colorful! Will post pictures soon.....

Pictures from War of the Wings (2011)

This was a really fun event and there was quite a lot to see and do. I took a couple of classes and had a wonderful time with new friends and old. The weather was close to perfect and the atmosphere was great. Lots of goreous garb to gawk at and I even entered the novice A&S competition. Ben did as well and although neither of us won, we did learn quite a bit.

Ben/Snorri had a great time with Tipsy, who is our Housemates' little pup. She is quite adorable and Ben learned that a guy carrying a little puppy means that there wil be a lot of female attention. I don't think Tipsy had a bad time - she was passed from one person to another and spoiled terribly.







Edward was authorized for the Epee as he had only authorized for Heavy Rapier before this event. He fought in the Epee tournament and although he got a bit overheated by the end of it; he did seem to enjoy every minute of it.

Sewing and packing!

Since we are usually running behind schedule, I decided to get started with the packing early. I got a much-needed pair of trousers sewn for Ben today and got his bag packed for next weekend. I have Peter's garb together, just have to pack it up.

I have a little bit of sewing left to do, but with a week to do it in, I am sure that it will get done on time with no trouble. Most of it is just finish-work, anyway, which is a good thing. I am sewing 4 petticoats for me, a chemise, finishing 2 shirts, and 2 pairs of trousers for Eddie. I know it sounds like a lot for one week, but two of the petticoats just need waistbands on them and the chemise just needs the sleeves added. The shirts are cut out and the trousers are the quick-sew-need-them-in-a-hurry style.

Last time we went camping,we used a large rubbermaid tub which took up way too much room. This time, I am trying something much different; putting stuff in smaller containers and bags. This is so that the softer items can squish much easier in the car. Unfortunately, I didn't get the A-frame waterproofed, nor did I get the stake loops done on the bell wedge, so camping is going to be in the mundane style, once again. UGH! Oh well, I need to get my trailer done up anyway before hauling all my more period stuff, so no worries.

I am hoping to sneak in a favor for Eddie during this week. I have started and ditched two already. Maybe the third try is the charm.

The Giornea is finished but...

The green giornea is finished (pictures coming soon), and a new one started since I want to have at least two of them, BUT... now I have decided that I need new garb. I need new garb from a new era. Specifically around the 1540's in Florence.

I still plan to have a few gowns from the 1480's, especially with having the two giorneas, but have decided that I really prefer the later look.
Now all I need to do is continue the research, learn to cartridge pleat, and start planning what fabrics I will use. I have a pretty cream jacquard that is cotton that I think will do nicely, as well as some gold fabric. I am trying so hard to be good and not buy more fabric, but it is soooo hard.

I have decided that I really do want a giornea or two to finish out my garb

I am going to make the mint green fabric into a girnea and sleeves. I may be lucky enough to have a bit left to add to other things as well, possibly a hat for my husband, etc.

Here is the fabric for the giornea:

I have been looking at paintings by Domenico Ghirlandaio as well as viewing the dress diaries online from various seamstresses that have made a giornea. Mine will be a simple shape, no gores, and will be lined with muslin. I am using muslin because I have it on hand. I am still trying to use up what fabric we have on hand before buying any more.

So far, I have decided that mine will have a "V" neck and will be open on the sides only. I may try one that is open down the front at a later time.

The fabric that I have chosen for my next gown is blue, but oddly enough, it goes well with the mint and cream for the giornea.

I will post images as I go along, at least as many as I remember to take.