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.

I am forgetting the giornea...

In order to maximize the amount of gowns that I can get from my fabric stash, I am going to forget the giornea for now. Instead, I will make gowns and bodices, as well as a few extra sets of sleeves. I think this will help save a bit of money while I am trying to build up a wardrobe for the four of us.

From what I have researched, any synthetic gowns I make will need to be left at home when we go to Pennsic, so needless to say, I will need to make some simple gowns from cotton broadcloth or a lightweight linen (if finances allow) to wear specifically in the hot weather.

Although I have an Italian persona, I am seriously thinking about making simple tunics with shorter and wider sleeves that I can use a simple tie-belt with. Although not period without the under tunic, I think this might be a good way to have more wardrobe for less and be a bit cooler as well, especially if I can get some lighter weight linen or cotton. I am still hoping to have the majority of my garb fit the persona, however.

I am still researching the area for my persona and have found a few portraits, and although they are helpful, I am still needing to do more research. Until I have all I need, I am making basic Italian ren-type gowns to do "for now."

I did find a portrait that is PERFECT for my blue velvet, though and will have to make a simple cotton trial run for the gown. I will get to it as my sewing skills improve as well as my pattern-making skills. They are improving, not as fast as I would like, but I am getting there.

Well, back to the sewing table....

Slow going on the sewing, but...

I did it! I won! I completed the 50,000 words in 30 days! My book is probably awful and full of mistakes, but it is complete as far as this challenge went. I hope to do it again next year. Although not easy (some days I typed at least 5,000 words) it was fun.

I still can't believe that I did it. Now, I have to make the gifts for my sister's baby shower (scratch mitens, bootees, and bib - all pre-made, just have to cross-stitch the design on them) and then get our sewing done.

I made a lucky find in my craft bin & progress update

I found a now-discontinued pattern that can be used (with modifications) to make a men's shirt, doublet, hat, and pants. The pattern is actually for leggings, but as none of my guys wear those, I just cut it larger to make the pants. My husband's jerkin was made using an old shirt that was cut up, with a few modifications and extra seam allowance added. Now that I have this pattern, though, that shirt can now be used for other items thta need to be a bit smaller.

At the local thrift store, I was lucky to find some fabric at a really great price to work with as well. I have sewn the linen pants for Peter and need only to attach the codpiece and do the waist and leg casings. I have cut out a pair of poofy pants from a light blue for him, which will have strips attached and will look more like pluderhosen than the linen pants. For this pair, I plan to make a codpiece that is shaped a bit differently, also.

I made Eddie another pair of pants as well and have another pair cut out. Added to the tan trousers I had already sewn, that is three more pairs for him. It seems that at least part of his wardrobe of garb is well on its way. I will cut out his next jerkin this evening, which may possibly have sleeves that can be attached to make a doublet. It just depends on what he decides. Right now, he is opting for no sleeves, mostly to save me time, but I can always add a strip with eyelets later, though, if he changes his mind.

For Ben, I took some of the fabric from the thriftstore, a red and white striped woven fabric, and have sewn trousers. Also, the linen trousers are cut out and ready to be sewn up. His next tunic, a green one from a cotton/linen blend is already cut out, trim chosen, ready to be sewn. I am going to also give making a cover for his head a try. I have some yellow linen that is left from a tunic that will become a tabard for Ben, also. Along with looking nice, it will help him to keep his tunic a bit cleaner.

For me, the first giornea is cut out most of the way and I cut out the pieces to make two cauls. I had started one a couple of weeks ago but have misplaced it. Knowing me, it got lost when I took it with me to work. My next gown, a green one from an olive shade is planned. The skirt is sewn and now I need only to make the bodice. I am going to try a different approach this time, one that I am hoping will be easier, so we'll see how that goes. I am still working on the eyelets for the bodice that I made to go with a skirt (quick and easy garb that is period-ish) for when I need something garb-wise that stands a good chance of getting dirty.

The goal of one piece of garb per person per week is not being met as of yet, but I see progress being made and at a fairly good pace. As I can, I will take pictures and will post them.

Well, off to the sewing machine...

What I am currently working on...

I have started to get my sewing a little organized. I say "a little" because the more I try to get things straight, the more I am apt to mess them up. I figure if I just "loosely" organize the stack of planned sewing projects they may not end up so crazy.

I am starting out this week by working on three pieces of garb: a prototype giornea for me, a pair of trousers for Ben, and a pair of really loose trousers for Peter that will have a false cod piece in the front. These are kind of "faking-it" breeches for Peter as he wants to have the general look on a Landsknecht, but refuses to wear the pluderhosen that hug the rear. This is fine by me, as I really dread all the piece work that these kind of breeches require.

Both pairs of the pants will be from the same fabric - a medium-to-heavy weight linen that is off-white with a black thread running through it. This thread gives the pants almost a pinstripe loo, but not really. Hard to explain the look, exactly. I will take pictures of the pants as they are finished up, though.

The prototype fabric is actually a poly-cotton blend and is upolstery fabric. It is heavy but does not have a plastic backing. It is a mint and cream color with the cream being the accents on the leaves of the design. I will post images of the fabric tomorrow. I took pictures but haven't loaded them onto the pc just yet.

This evening I also made a paper pattern for my husband's jerkin from the cut up shirt that I used for the one he now has. I am hoping to make him a doublet that will match a green gown that I am planning. I also have plans to play with different styles of sleeves in the near future.

Some updates...

Well, school for Medical Assisting was put on hold after my need to go back to work and Peter catching the h1n1 flu last winter. I went back to state board and got my CNA certification back. I was working in a nursing home up til the 3rd week of October when my back finally said that I have had enough. I am now doing private sitting.

Eddie and I have been attending college online since April, but have now decided to return to National College so that I can finish my AA in Medical Assisting and he can go back into the IT course. At the online college, we have been taking the general education courses for our BA degrees so all these classes should transfer with no problem. We go Wed. morning for a financial aid thing at National and to start the transfer process. We are currently enrolled in a class that will finish about two weeks before the semester start at National, so hopefully, all will go fairly smoothly.

I plan to return to the online college after I finish at National and get a better job.

We never made it to Pennsic this past summer since so much was going on, but according to my dear hubby, we are definitely going this year and because of that, I have a lot of sewing ahead of me this year. I just hope that I can get in stitching time as well. With Christmas coming up fast, I am going to have to do something since I will have to gfive handmade gifts this year due to finances. I also have a few things that I need to get done for my little neice who is expected to arrive in January sometime.

We have some wood-working projects planned that we will be working on as well. We will be making chests, seats (benches and stools) and possibly a table to fluff out our medieval encampment. We really are hoping to take as little mundane/modern stuff as possible. Coolers, of course, are a necessity, as are a few other things, but all will be hidden as much as possible.

I have decided that trying to make a list of projects that I want to get done is not a good thing as they rarely happen. "Stuff" always comes up and gets in the way. I am hoping to just stitch on something and to finish a few projects, big or small, doesn't matter. I also hope to get a few outfits complete before the end of the year so that I will be able to breathe a bit easier as the next few events that we are planning to attend roll around. I will say this, though...with school, work, and all the crafting, Eddie and I are staying quite busy and we are occupied in a positive way, which definitely eliminates boredom. Having a busy family has cut down on a lot of the bickering that has been rampant, especially between the boys. Not all is gone, though, but it is improving. Teens..gotta love 'em!

Our "New" Tent

After the outing and seeing the severe shortage of space that we had, Eddie and I agreed that we needed either a bigger tent or a second tent. Our friend, Gary, who also attended the event with us told me to go to craig's list to see what was there. Well, we really got lucky!!! We found a Panther French Bell Wedge!!! It has been well used, but is still in great condition. It came with all the poles and stakes and we paid less than $300.00 for it. The tent, set-up package, and shipping are over 600, so I feel we really got a deal. The tent is not overly large, it is the smaller size that Panther carries, but has plenty of room for our double rope bed and a couplle of chests for garb. As this tent is meant to basically just be the place for Eddie and I to sleep, it is perfect for us. The trim on the scallop edge at the top is in hunter green. later, we plan to paint a design of some sort onto the tent to hide the stains, but for now, it will be just fine. Eddie and I really like the tent a lot. The set up is pretty fast and easy. What a bonus!!

Our 1st SCA event in years...

We were finally able to go back to an event. The one last Feb was missed due to very poor weather and then school and life got in the way for a while. We attended the Medieval Haunting event hosted by Marinus on Oct 22-24. We had a really good time. We already had a wall tent so were able to have the start of an encampment with that.

Also, to go with the tent, I made some stools and rope beds. Forgetting how much space I would need, we crammed two single rope beds, a double rope bed , and an Army cot into this tent. Believe it or not, they fit! Here is a picture of Peter taking down his rope bed..I took a break from unstringing mine to get a picture. For the week prior to the event, I was a busy little bee... I made the stools and did about half of the beds (Eddie did the last bits so I could finish sewing) and made two tunics, three sets of trousers, two hats, pouches, a jerkin, shirt, five cloaks, and sleeves for my gown. Some of this had been started the week before, but mixed in with all this activity was work, school assignments, and trying to keep up with normal chores, etc. Needless to say, I have decided that I will be sewing a little each day from now on, until we have the garb we need for at least three events, although I might continue the sewing until we are garbed enough for Pennsic. My dear husband has said that we are definitely going, so who am I to argue?? I have wanted to attend Pennsic for years.

Some of the garb that was made is pictured below:

Our time at the event, as I said was a good one. The feast was a bit different - a stone soup - but it was excellent!!!!! Very filling...and the breads, yummmmmm. There was also a nice dayboard with some lovely pastry that was filled with cheeses and meats.

The main activities that went on for the day was Archery. There was a little time for the Rapier fighting (fencing) but I think many people decided that shooting arrows was the theme for the day. (Guess they are better on zombies..who knows???) Here are a few more pictures from the event. Ben shooting arrows, me shooting arrows, some fencing, and Peter watching the archery (he didn't want to join in this time, I think he was a bit tired.)

We are FINALLY rejoining the SCA!

Eddie said that we can join the SCA again and start playing. For the last few years, I have asked and he showed no interest after his first event. Over the last year, the boys have been asking me about it a lot and I also expressed the desire to go back to playing.

We are jumpiong right in, apparently. Eddie is very excited about an upcoming event in February, and has said that he would also like to go to Pennsic this summer. Keeping in mind that I have barely anything left from when we were involved with it before (due to my MIL) we are having to start over. In 8 months, I will have to stitch garb for a 2 week event for 4 (possibly 5) people.

I am so thankful for the T-tunic! I have been sewing tonight and have one t-tunic almost finished, just need to hem it and do the neckline, and have a cloak about 1/2 sewn. I did find a red gown that I had thrown together for the event we attended about 5 years ago. I also found a black wool gown that is about 1/2 finished, which helps a lot. The boys are excited and are talking non-stop about the garb they want and need, as well as accessories.

One item at a time, I will get this done. It will cut into my cross stitching time, but I'll adjust.

Time for the Holidays!!!

It is hard to believe the Thanksgiving has come and gone and that soon, we'll arrive at Christmas. I am very excited about Christmas this year! I will finally get to see my oldest son after 3 years. He is in the Navy and is stationed a good distance away. Although he is not too far to drive, he was in school for most of this past year, after having been across the country from me. I am so thankful for technology! It was our only way to communicate.

One hug from him and my Christmas will be perfect! Peter and Benjamin are also looking forward to seeing their big brother. It is going to be something to see John and Peter next to each other as Peter has grown so much and resembles his brother a LOT.

I have Christmas gifts all purchased and wrapped - I started in June to avoid the worry of where Christmas for the kids would come from. They are getting only a few gifts, but they are not too bad. Peter has wanted an electric guitar for a few years and I found a great deal on a package from Fender. Ben will finally have the Nintendo DS he has been asking for, also.

We are slowly decorating, a little at a time. I am not going to do a lot this year, since we are using the wood heater a lot more. I am afraid that some of my stuff might melt (LOL).

I am counting down the days this year. I can't wait!

The Boys Are In School!!!

Both boys are now in public school. They started on Aug 17. Eddie and I have been on our break between terms at school for the last 2 weeks and go back Tuesday, Sep 1.

So far, both like their classes. I am enjoying Peter's entering high school and seeing all the new things that he is learning, especially in Latin. Ben is excelling in his courses as well, and has 2 computer based classes, computer applications and LEGO robotics.

I have been crafting a bit while on my "vacation." I am working on an afghan and a couple cross stitch pieces. Due to a whacky schedule at school, on Wednesdays, I will be bringing them with me to work on while waiting on Eddie to get out of class.

Hopefully, I will be able to update this blog more than once or twice a year from now on.

Big Decision for Our Family

We have been homeschoolig my boys for about four years now. I am now back in school and have worked for a large part of the past four years, to the detriment of my childrens' education. They are slow to complete assignments when they have free time without me keeping them on task.

Due to my school schedule and the plan to go back to working a full schedule very soon, both boys will be returning to school in the fall. I am not entirely happy about this, but with a husband who is disabled and who will not even try to keep the boys on task, I see no other choice. My working is not just a choice, it is a necessity, due to financial reasons.

Peter is very excited about going to high school. He has expressed an interest in JROTC and a desire to join the USMC when he graduates. He has also expressed an interest in the rootics courses at the high school. Benjamin feels a little upset about going back to school, saying he wants to still be homeschooled. I think that once he realizes that all his little friends from church are in his same school and grade, though, he'll be fine.

This decision was a very difficult one. I love having my boys here and love teaching them, but realize that I cannot do it all, and certainly not all by myself.

I have been trying to keep up with my education, their education, work, my husband, the house, the animals, and other family issues, such as ailing parents. No, I haven't had much time for myself and certainly not much for stitching. I do see, though, that sacrifices have to be made, and letting the boys reenter public school is one of those. I am looking at it in a positive light, though. They will be able to see that they are doing at home pretty much what the other kids have been doing at school, will be able to see their friends more often, and will have time apart from one another (which I am hoping will stop some of their bickering).

I am almost half way finished with my education (for now..LOL) and after this term will be able to sit for one certification that will enable me to get a job in the medical field. This will greatly improve our status and will hopefully enable us to stay up to date with the bills instead of falling behind. I hate being behind on anything.

I am already shopping for the school clothes as the winter wear is on clearance pretty much everywhere.

Back to school will be interesting...all four of us (my husband is now taking classes as well) will be getting our books, supplies, etc. ready and we'll all have homework to do. Should prove to be quite interesting.

Such a busy time for me!

I can't believe that I went a whole year without posting! I have certainly be busy, though.
In December '07 the salon where I was manager closed its doors. Since then, I have been unemployed.

Tired of not working, I decided to go back to school. I am currently enrolled in a course to gain certification as a medical assistant. The school that I am attending is working on getting the course for RN, so am looking forward to that in order to gain my nursing certification, as well.

I still plan to continue as a stylist. I found out today that I have been hired by JC Penny for seasonal help. The store manager is also interested in my being employed in their salon after the holidays. How great is that?

I may have to slow down on my college courses in order to work as close to full-time as possible, but I am positive that I can get both my education and support my kids without the husband once again. I really hate relying on the husband for anything, especially money.

My stitching has definitely suffered through all of this past year. I am making a promise to myself to get caught up on the items that I promised to others, as well as to stitch for myself. Sad to say, but I have exactly two things for myself of the dozens of pieces that I have stitched.

I am in a good place right now, though and am fairly happy with the direction that my life is flowing in. Hopefully, there won't be any issues that come up that are too awfully difficult.

S-L-O-W Stitching

I have been back to work full time and have done absolutely NOTHING on the planned stitchy list. Oh well, the planning was good, anyway. I have been stitching, however. It is very slow going, but a few things that were started a long time ago have been being worked on.

Unfortunately, the "Rules of Life" kit was missing the pattern, which I had purchased on clearance years ago. I will use the floss and fabric for other things and will see about finding a similar pattern later.

I am currently working on a door bow for my mother for Christmas. I will get some scans done and will post the progress, as well as post a picture of the finished piece that is on the kit. So far, I have put in maybe three full hours on it. Not much, really, but it is coming along.

With my work schedule, plus homeschooling my boys, stitching has had to really take a back seat this year. I am hopeful that things will improve for us next year and that I will have more time for my stitching.