Occasionally I realize that I have totally lost my mind.  Clearly this is one of those times. 

Last year I decided I wanted to come up with a super easy, one layer sort of loose garment that I could do in linen that is more period than my typical bog dresses.  (My "bog dress" is a modified version of the typical two-flap style that involves less fabric, less bunching, and some pleats for better drape.  It is plausible, but is "inspired by" rather than based on an actual extant piece.  My instructions are here: http://awanderingelf.weebly.com/blog-my-journey/sca-standards-the-bog-dress) awanderingelf.weebly.com/blog-my-journey/sca-standards-the-bog-dress

I prefer linen at War, but the issue with linen is that its drape does not lend well to garments that have a lot of fabric bunched up at the waist.  Linen has a very beautiful crisp hand, and tends to fall away from the body rather than flow over it.  Linen is also typically a tabby weave.  Tabby also tends to fall away from the body, whereas a twill will better flow.

Both linen and wool are wonderful, as are both twill and tabby.  They, however, have very different looks and are suited to different things.  For me personally the linen tabby does not make me happy with a Huldremose or Zweeloo style bog dress because it is simply too much cloth (that does not flow well) gathered in at the waist.

I recalled awhile ago that I was deciding on what to do with some lovely mid-weight wool, twill plaid, and tested a very hypothetical garment out in that cloth.  The bulk was too much, but just maybe it would work with this mid-weight linen...
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In my massive stash of books and articles I have one entitled "Visions of Dress. Recreating Bronze Age Clothing from the Danube Region".  This is by Karina Grömer, Lise Bender Jørgensen and Helga Rösel-Mautendorfer.  I tend to collect articles by certain authors, in this case it was Bender Jørgensen that is responsible for this one being in my stash.  It discusses a fantastic find from the Bronze Age in Austria and what the plausible costume construction for the fantastic (and dangerous, lol) jewelry could have been.

One of the options (Variant 4: Pustopolje type) is a very simple wrapped garment made from a rectangle of cloth.  I have to take a moment here and note that it is expressly stated in the article that "none of the recreated outfits can be considered as 'the truth'".  This is very key, they are all exceptionally hypothetical (and the methodology is laid out in the document itself, which I shall link further down).  It does, however, work amazingly well and is quite beautiful in the linen that I tested!  (There really is not enough to back this, even with this article, to give this garment enough to pass muster as an A&S project, but it certainly works for events like Pennsic, where I want to stay cool and comfy!)
​https://www.academia.edu/10762573/Visions_of_Dress._Recreating_Bronze_Age_Clothing_from_the_Danube_Regionwww.academia.edu/10762573/Visions_of_Dress._Recreating_Bronze_Age_Clothing_from_the_Danube_Region

Below are some tests I did.  This is 2 yards of 5.3oz linen, un cut and unhemmed.  I tried it with and without a belt and both styles are secure.  I can walk, climb stairs, get up and down off the ground and chase cats in it.  For this test I simply used kilt pins.  In reality I will hem the cloth and use my Crafty Celts Belt and Fibula set (which dates several hundred years after this, but I have it and it is stunning).

The only issue I have so far found at all was that the top-front (neckline) tends to ride a little high on me.  That can be easily fixed with a small brooch or fibula in the front that would serve to gather  just a bit of that fabric (pulling it a bit lower).

I know that I wanted to over complicate this exceptionally simple garment, and was pleased when I figured it out exactly how easy it was.  Below are steps to complete this look yourself.  Note that the fabric requirement will change with size and body type!  

If you have recently been to Æthelmearc War Practice, you know that there is an open Artisan's Playtime that goes on in the Great Hall during the event.  This event has areas for different arts (C&I, wood working, fiber, etc.) where you can see arts demonstrated or even try your hand at something new yourself!

This year, Æthelmearc Royal will be hosting a Pennsic Artisans' Playtime!  On Middle Saturday, from 10am-3pm, feel free to stop by and check things out.  Come find your new art!  

Lady Rosamund and I will be there processing wool and doing some other fiber things if that is of interest to you.  Please stop by!

https://www.facebook.com/artisansplaytime/  www.facebook.com/artisansplaytime/

​Please note that Æthelmearc Royal is a good location to remember should you need a place to sit in the shade or a bit or a glass of water.  There is a populace hospitality area just inside!  The Hospitality Staff will be happy to point you to it.

I can never just do what I need to do, in any sensible order.  I did, in fact, prep the RV and do some Pennsic Packing this weekend, but I also spent some time trying out indigo dyeing (I need a long blue wool veil) and finished up a Hedeby purse.

The dye I used was actually an indigo tie-dye kit from Dharma.  It has everything you need to set up a vat very quickly and with little chance of error.  As I am only a dabble-dyer, and have never used indigo or woad before, I opted for easy.  I will definitely use this again!  I did three dips with my wool gauze veil, 3 with a small piece of silk habotai, and Lady Rosamund came over and dyed 3 skeins of wool yarn and several scraps of wool cloth and felt.

My one comment is to buy LONG rubber gloves if you dont want blue fingernails!

http://www.dharmatrading.com/kits/starter/sets/indigo-dye-kit.html

Less than 2 weeks till War!  I cannot wait!

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As part of the A&S display this year there will be an opportunity for consultations!

A & S Consultation Tables
NEW THIS YEAR!


Entrants can voluntarily request feedback based on the higher degree of expectations that happen at more competitive levels.


The focus is on extensive research, historical understanding, and exemplary execution. These are all important for A & S Champions entries, but also for other activities throughout the Society. Even if you never plan to enter A & S competitions, you can use these tables as opportunities for feedback.


Entrants: After you have gone through the registration table, you may sign up at the A & S Consultation Tables for constructive feedback. (This is in addition to your other A & S Display activities and is no way required.)
You will not receive a score and there is nothing to win.

You will have a chance to talk to experienced judges and walk through their thought process as they examine your entry.


We can give you directed feedback and we can also walk you through example judging rubrics. It depends on what help you are requesting.


We will attempt to accommodate as many entries as possible. We will visit you at your table to view your display and talk to you. We can also work with you on scheduling a specific time.


Judges: We also welcome volunteer judges. Want to help? Let us know! It's you who will help make the A & S Consultation Tables successful.


We'd welcome you for the full four hours; two hour shifts would also help. Let us know what you can do and we'll work with you.


Never judged before and want to learn? Let us know. You can be a shadow judge. We'd welcome the company.

We also hope that this will make the judging experience more constructive and more enjoyable.


If you are interested in helping, please contact The Honorable Lady Kataryn Mercer.

http://www.pennsicwar.org/penn46/DEPTS/AANDS/DISPLAY/index.html#consult

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.)

Registration link is here:  http://www.pennsicwar.org/penn46/DEPTS/AANDS/DISPLAY/index.html

Recently someone asked me if they should teach a class at Pennsic.  I said to this person (who is highly knowledgeable and skilled), "Yes, you should absolutely teach at Pennsic."


But in case anyone else is wondering the same thing, here are my thoughts:

1. Do you have a class you already teach that you love to share with others? Then yes, teach at Pennsic.
2. Do you have a class in a subject that might only have a handful of people totally geeky over it? Oh yes, teach at Pennsic. Wars are likely the best place to find those others that have a common interest. It is also the best place to try to lure new folks in to your art or research.
3. Do you have things you want to share but are not ready to lead a full class? Perhaps you should consider a roundtable instead for War. Ask others with the shared interest to meet with you and have group discussion on the topic.  Another option is to set up your work at the Pennsic A&S Display or be involved in Artisan's Row where you can engage with others who share your interest.
4. Do you have a class you want to teach, but have never taught before? Well, if you have a solid base in your craft (see link to my article below), and have taken loads of other SCA classes (so that you know what to expect). Then, yup, teach at War!
5. Do you have a firm base but are not terribly familiar with classes in the SCA? For you I suggest trying to get to some local events and check out what classes are like. Talk to the Laurels and teachers around you for personal advice on this topic. Think you are ready? I recommend testing the class out on your friends or local group, get feed back and then, teach at Pennsic (maybe this year, maybe next, but yes, at some point Teach at Pennsic!).

Pennsic is not some sort of exclusive place to teach.  Classes are needed for all levels of participants from beginners at a craft to expert artisans.  We all have things to share and there are 9000 people there, many of whom might be waiting for that very class that you are sitting on, worrying about whether or not you should teach.

If you are new to teaching in the SCA, I have an article that might help you decide if it is time to take the plunge:  http://awanderingelf.weebly.com/blog-my-journey/time-to-teach
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Don't want to teach? Can't do it now? Then GO to classes and learn pretty much anything that could interest you!  The Pennsic University system is one of the very best things about War!

I will be teaching my "Deeper Look at Textiles & Trim of Viking Age Dress" class twice this year at Pennsic.  It will be at 9am on Peace Week Friday and 9am on War Week Tuesday.  Both sessions will be in AS13.  This will be the same class as last year, but will also include a bit more information on head coverings (as well as some new samples).  This class is 2 hours long.

I also am working on finishing some research and prepping a new class on Women's Viking Age Transitional Dress.  This class will cover what happened to the aprondress as the Viking Age progressed to the Middle Ages.  This also will have information on changes in textiles during that time, as well as information on headcoverings. I am guessing this will be a one hour glass with lecture and samples.  I hope to teach that once during Pennsic, and possibly once somewhere prior to that.  

I was very honored this past Pennsic to be invited by THL Reyni-Hrefna, from the Midrealm, to attend her Icelandic feast.  I have long admired her work, and was quite excited to be part of this event. 

Reyni-Hrefna not only experiments with cooking period dishes (no easy thing, given that recipes from this time do not exist), but she also experiments with period preservation methods.  She also frequently cooks in iron kettles and soap stone pots, both of which are period.

For this feast she not only laid out a beautiful spread (with each item served in a period container) but she explained to us the food itself, how it was cooked or preserved, and often why someone would choose to eat these things (because honestly, most were strange to an American palate).

Included in the feast was beef and kale with juniper berries, preserved in whey; goat and sheep hearts; kettle worms (a type of sausage); grasmjolk (icelandic moss cooked in milk); barley flat bread; skyr; a whole cooked head; roasted duck; an ocean stew with fish broth and shellfish; cultured butter; and a kale that is made the way one makes sauerkraut.

I have to say that I loved the preserved beef and kale, despite the fact that it is very bizarre to eat what is essentially a fermented meat product.  The moss was amazing, and I did not even know that item was edible.  The skyr was fantastic, as was the bread and butter.  I am not normally a fan of sausage but this was excellent and had a bit of a forest taste (more juniper?), and likewise, I do not usually care for duck, but this was tastey.  I liked the kale, but the texture was quite rubbery after preservation.  The fish broth and mussels were nice as well, but I did not help myself to either head or heart.

I loved that this was both educational and tasty, but I have to say that the atmosphere provided really allowed for this to be one of those true "medieval moments" that one occasionally gets to experience in the SCA.  Her attention to detail in setting up the table and preparing this meal was superb, and I was greatly honored to be included.