If you are a regular around here you will have seen my numerous posts on over-embellishment by reenactors (and know that at one time I too fell into that trap), but you will also see my rationale for NOT employing things such as lavish embroidery to a period kit.

This topic is typically heated in online forums and is accompanied by every Woulda/Coulda/Shoulda that one can imagine.  

Well, I discovered yesterday that these conversations even happen in later period forums (though, I have to say, with far less vehemence than some I am used to).  I am going to link a thread below for the Elizabethan Costume group on Facebook because the conversation is educational, civil and very, very similar in context to the things earlier period reenactors should be considering when planning a kit. The conversation includes discussion on social status, expectations of that, and more.  (Also, poke around this forum if you have any interest at all in later historical costume.  There are WONDERFUL samples of people's work and many engaging discussions!)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/29374273995/permalink/10155428435723996/

Facebook reminded me today that I made my first Viking outfit a decade ago.  It was crafted hastily after returning from a vacation to Norway, using a pattern diagram from one friend and a sheet on "embellishments" from another.  I bought my brooches and pendant and strung the beads at Pennsic that year.  

Since then, I have done copious amounts of research.  I have upgraded my brooches 3 times, replaced my swag with reproduction beads (and far less of them) as well as more period appropriate pendants, when I use them at all.  I have added additional accessories such as bracelets and period shoes, as well as headcoverings.  This aprondress is covered in herringbone stitches, so it has been passed on to someone else and I am using more period embellishment when I chose to add accents (which is not that often).

Most importantly, I have learned, from the ground up, how textiles were made in period.  I have learned to spin and weave.  I have put together classes on how wool now differs from period wool and what types of textiles you can look for when shopping so that might get you a more period look and drape.  

And there is still so very much more to learn, to experiment with and to too keep carefully, and thoughtfully, upgrading my kit.  Yes, it took a decade to get here, but I am pleased with what I have learned and with how I can implement it (as well as how I can share it with others).  

I cannot wait to embark on another decade of this wonderful journey!

For those who have missed it, Registration has been extended till June 23!  That means you have one last chance to register and get that land allotment!

Also, this year the site book is being published BEFORE war online.  That means you can take a peek now.

http://www.pennsicwar.org/penn46/PW46EventGuide.pdf

Links to the papers for the International Medieval Congress gatherings.

http://www.distaff.org/?q=taxonomy/term/15

I am very much enjoying working on this scroll.  I like it better now that I am adding some shading and the outlines.  I could see me doing another... but not till after Pennsic!

Right now I am trying to focus on my new, late Viking Age garments, materials for my classes, a master (annotated) bibliography and I will soon by putting up additional information here about the type of cloth that is often associated with women's headcoverings in the Viking Age.  

But in the meantime, the bottom corner is finished.  I painted some areas the wrong colors (oops) and made a few modifications to other things, but I am not unhappy with it right now.
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For some time there has been a rather comprehensive thesis available online about clothes from the Netherlands in the early Middle Ages.  I saw that the book, Clothes Make the Man: Early Medieval Textiles from the Netherlands, that came out of that project was finally published last month and I posted a link for it on my FB page.  A friend then shared the open access link for the work and... well... go right now and pick this one up.

This book has VERY detailed information on the textiles from the finds (many of which, while not Scandinavian, are still Viking Age).  The later part of the book gives detailed analysis of what the costumes of these people might have been like, including drawings for male and female garments.  If someone was interested in building out a persona/kit for this time and place, this document is likely the best resource you could hope for.  It is pretty amazing.

Oh, and as a side note, if you want hats with "seam embellishments", this area actually has evidence of that practice in the Netherlands on high status items (note though, there are still no sprawling, giant herringbone stitches... this is compact narrow work comparable to Sutton Hoo and Mamman pillows).  Just thought I would toss that out there ;-)

https://openaccess.leidenuniv.nl/handle/1887/39627

I love this event.  I love camping at this event even more.  It is so much smaller than Pennsic, but there is a wonderful vibe.  I love walking (weather permitting) in the Pennsic grass in my barefeet and visiting friends I usually only see at War on cool nights.  This weekend was no exception.

The weather ended up amazing (unlike the last two years). A bit of rain Friday, pretty much perfect Saturday. Cool temps (I could wear WOOL!) and crisp evenings.  I got to get my Beast and Boar mug early, and had a pre-Pennsic dinner with them. Only breezed through the merchants on a walk-about (which was fine as I was out of money, lol).
Sorcha and Seamus were great camping buddies. Sorcha delivered piping hot cinnamon rolls to us Saturday morning, followed by Scotch eggs. We all dined together that night on grilled fresh keilbasa and perogis.

Friday I got to take a class on basic enameling. The instructor was lovely (Dasani from the Middle Kingdom). I have only done it once before and this was two different techniques than I tried then, so it was fun. I don't think this will be my next hobby, but it is nice to experiment.  I am highly tempted by her cloisonné class though.  Maybe at Pennsic I can try that.

That night I went to (now) Mistress Gwen the Graceful's vigil. It was a lovely affair, with wonderful food and it was great to chat with people I usually see at War.  We almost did not make it to WP, but was delighted to be able to attend after all, if only for my ability to go to the vigil.  It was my first time speaking with a vigilant as a Peer, and I was honored to be able to do so.

Yes, I will point out now (again, lol) that I love the pomp and circumstance of the SCA.  I love the traditions and the pageantry.  I enjoy the processions and Court and was happy to try to live up to my role by taking part as an an advisor as did so many who chose to come to my own vigil.

Saturday started with the above mentioned breakfast and then a meeting, and then I made my way to the Artisans Playtime. I had a great time looking at the displays and talking with a few people and was really impressed with the Scribal area. I loved seeing everyone working on things, and new folks trying things out. I was talking to Lady Shirin about her display (which had some very nice work on period pigments, along with a fantastic chart) and then was asking some questions about what I would need (bare basics) to try my hand at Illumination and she sat me down with a blank she had already started and showed me how to paint it, and then send me home with the paints, the scroll and a brush!  I immediately ordered the Finetec gold to finish the scroll and that has already arrived at my office.  Hopefully I can sit down and paint some more tonight.  Not sure it will work up well enough to give out, but I am beyond excited to try my hand at this!

Later that afternoon I walked out to the battle field for a bit, and then went to retain for TRM then on to our little in-camp feast of Polish food and then Court.  So funny because I went from long-ago being someone who ran from Court to someone who very much enjoys it.  I was honored to welcome our new Fleur and Laurel and to retain, if only briefly.

After that was the best part of the evening, a walk-about to the lake to visit my Lusty Wench and Chalkman friends. Sitting there with my drink and friends that made me laugh till my sides hurt was wonderful. The walk back was brisk, but I swung by "home" (E17) and am just amazed at how sleepy it all seems right now, when I know how it will bloom to life in a few months.​

I wish I could have an event just like this every couple of months!  I think my soul would constantly be renewed and I would continuously feel inspired!

As it is, I will now lay low and catch up on the many projects (mundane and SCA), while I wait for Pennsic.  I need to finish my class materials, craft new garb, experiment with patterned beads and paint this scroll.  I think that should be enough to do between now and then!
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Unfortunately, I have been far to busy to write about Crown before now (and even today this will have to be brief).  Suffice to say, the event was lovely (and the weather even managed to sort it self out before the tournament).

The event was full of pageantry, good fights, and closed with a lovely Court. One of the things that I found to be rather fantastic though, was how quickly people were willing to step in and help.

When I arrived on site with the goods for the hospitality tent on Saturday, Master Morien McBain was there to assist as well as a newcomer and her daughter. The truck was quickly unloaded and we were able to get things set up so that the first round of coffee could be ready for those in need.

Later that day I was enchanted to listen to Mistress Morwenna explaining Crown (and many SCA traditions) to another newcomer, who had also pitched in to help that day, and her daughter also spend much of the day helping in the kitchen.

Petra (a fairly new SCA member from my household) baked a huge amount of what was served at the hospitality tent. She helped set up and worked there all day AND was helping in the kitchen. Once we closed up that tent for the day, she dashed off to the kitchen to help clean up there. This was only her third (I think) non-Pennsic event. (I also know she spent her entire first event helping with the Queen's Lunch and then all day in the kitchen!)

Lady Rosamund also contributed wonderful baked goods and sekanjabin, as well as her camp coffee expertise to the day.

Finally, when we went to break down the hospitality event we had all the assistance we could have wanted. People who had come by several times for beverages and snacks made a point of coming to help us break down. I also had people who I never saw there stop to assist. It was very smooth. I thank everyone for the help (and that goes for the awesome Sylvan Glen set up crew as well).
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This willingness to pitch in and volunteer (especially from newcomers!!!) is really what makes the SCA an amazing place. Thanks to everyone who made the weekend spectacular!

I was beyond thrilled when I pulled the last batch of beads from the annealer Friday and discovered that I indeed had enough to make a necklace that I could wear to Crown.
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I was talking to a new-ish person today who is concerned about having "good enough" or "accurate enough" garb for Pennsic.

I have this conversation pretty regularly with folks and most who know me know that if you want to talk accuracy, because it is something YOU want to pursue, I will likely hit you with way more information than you ever wanted.
However, I also realize that most newcomers aren't looking for research or actual accuracy right out of the gate. The real concern is often having something that they personally like, that will also allow them to be accepted.

That is a very, very important concept.  Acceptance.  For many folks, the SCA is something totally new.  They see amazing photos on line, or hear friends in the Society talk up the magic they see at events, and they want to participate, but they are intimidated.  Worried they will not do it right, or well enough.  For some people, this worry can be so intense it might even hold them back from jumping in.

Beyond the idea of acceptance, so many people come into this having this vision of The Dress and really, really are hoping it is OK to start their journey in the SCA with The Dress, even though they suspect it might not really be "right".  For many, The Dress (or strapping on armor and swinging a sword) is really one of the things that drew them to the SCA in the first place.  It is a chance to realize some internal mythic ideal, often fueled by Hollywood or Ren Faires.  They come to the game with the idea that AT LAST they can make and wear The Dress.

You will never hear me disparage the wish for The Dress. I had it it (though my personal version of The Dress might differ from yours). There were certain costume elements that I longed for when I started - lace up "brocade" bodices, bellydancer bling, the Ren inspired "Irish dress", poofy pirate shirts, princess dresses with bell sleeves... I could go on and on. 

I made everyone of those things and loved them all. I learned to become a better seamstress while making all of those very acceptable, if not terribly (or at all) period costumes. And I have very fond memories the many adventures I had wearing them. Having those garments, that made me feel good while wearing them, allowed me to play the game while I had time to develop the research and textiles skills to do the things I do now. NOT getting overly hung up on what others thought about my accuracy let me grow at my own pace, and eventually help others to do the same.

So yes, I will gladly help push you in the deep end if you want to take the next step, but I am also not adverse to giving you my personal tips for making The Dress as well. ;-)

(One of The Dresses that I had below.)