Teaching
Teaching is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the SCA. Crafting, experimenting and research are my loves, but nothing brings those things alive more than sharing them with others in a way that they too can start to produce new works or deepen their knowledge of a subject. In the past two decades I have grown from teaching small groups how to make basic bodices, or how to construct cotehardies from commercial patterns, to teaching more in-depth classes on the things that I most love to research. Below are a list of the classes that I am currently teaching, those that I still teach on occasion, and some that are being fleshed out for future sharing.
Future Classes:
Pennsic 2020
Deeper Look at Textiles & Trim of Viking Age Dress
???
Basic Viking Clothing with No Regrets
Preachain's 28th Annual Early Period Arts and Sciences Day
8/7, E-23 across from Ravespittle
More info coming!
Classes:
Basic Viking Clothing with No Regrets
This class is an informal lecture that will focus on how I would rebuild my wardrobe if I had to start all over again, but still know what I know now. I will discuss my past mistakes and provide ideas for putting together a Viking woman's costume that is evidence based and that can be a good foundation for a more authentic wardrobe.
Beyond the Aprondress
While the aprondress, and its associated brooches, is the ubiquitous women’s garment of the Viking Age, that fashion eventually gave way to other styles. The class will discuss the reasons for the change and will offer examples of evidence on which to base a late Viking Age kit. This class will also include discussion on and examples of headcoverings.
Viking Era Wool: History, Production and Use
This class is a mix of discussion and demonstration, and includes hands-on components. Discussion covers the evolution of wool, wool types (to aid in understanding archaeological texts) as well as sheep breeds descended from animals spread across Northern Europe by the Vikings. Following the discussion there will be a demonstration portion of the class showing how wool was processed and manufactured in the Viking age. During this time students will get to handle many different types of wool. (Typically this class runs 2 hours and has no limit on participants. It is very heavy in visuals and samples that one can actually experience.
The 3 hour version of this class offers the students an opportunity to comb, spin or weave fibers. There will be combs and spindles to test out different types of wool as well as a miniature warp-weighted loom for weaving. (The three hour version is limited to 12 students.)
A Deeper Look at Textiles & Trim of Viking Age Dress
By looking deeper at both the textiles and the details from extant items, this class aims to help individuals make informed choices for crafting their garments. Tactile examples will clarify the weaves and weight of period fabrics and there will also be discussion of possible modern substitutions. Additionally, practical details for finishing or embellishing garments will also be explored and their history investigated. The goal of this class is to help the individual understand how daily life during the Viking Age could affect how textiles were crafted and worn. This class will now include additional discussion and samples of women's Viking Age headcoverings.
Beginning Spinning on a Drop Spindle
This class will give a new spinner and opportunity to test out spinning on a top whorl drop-spindle with an assortment of wool types and, if time allows or it is desired, can include a demonstration of combing fibers as well. Several viking reproduction spindles will also be available for demonstration or testing if desired. Depending on the event or context there can also be discussion of yarns produced in the Viking age.
Viking Textile Embellishment (Forthcoming)
This class is being designed to assist the students in better embellishing their upper class Viking clothing based on archaeology. The is part lecture and part hands on and will help the student sort fact from fiction and enable the individual to take the next steps towards a more period kit.
Rectangular-Cut Tunic Construction
The rectangular-cut tunic is based on what one typically sees labeled the Birka cut tunic. This simple garment spans centuries and many cultures and can be a fantastic staple for the SCA wardrobe. This class is always hands on and is limited to less than 6 people. Requires a location equipped with several sewing machines, an iron and a good surface for cutting. Each student brings fabric for a mock-up and leaves with a mock-up that is fitted to them.
Aprondress Construction
The Norse aprondress is one of the most simple garments to make and it flatters nearly every figure. This class is designed to show several popular styles seen in the SCA and discuss their origins. The students then get to make their own mock-up to take with them. This class is always hands on and is limited to less than 6 people. Requires a location equipped with several sewing machines, an iron and a good surface for cutting. Each student brings fabric for a mock-up and leaves with a mock-up that is fitted to them.
Hand Sewing a Dublin Cap
The class is designed to teach very basic hand stitching and will allow the students to sew their own Dublin cap (based on Viking era finds) during the class. Limited to 6 depending on venue and time.
Rigid Heddle Weaving for the SCAdian (Forthcoming)
The rigid heddle loom is a very simple tool for weaving textiles. It takes up less space and costs less than a floor loom and can give a new weaver great experience before upgrading. This class introduces the loom to students, teaches how to direct warp it and then give them some time to weave a little themselves. Lecture will compare how textiles woven on the loom differ from other types of weaving (such as a warp-weighted loom or floor loom), and will talk about both the range and the limitations of rigid heddle weaving. Class is a minimum of 3 hours (and there needs to be enough advanced notice that both of my looms can be freed up for the class).
A Step Further from Fantasy - Basic Middle Eastern Costuming
Overview of some basic women's garb of the Middle East commonly seen in the SCA environment. Discussion will focus on how to improve the student's existing wardrobe while learning more about period options for future projects.
Handout: http://awanderingelf.weebly.com/a-wandering-elfs-journey/a-step-further-from-fantasy
A Step Further from Fantasy - Women's Ottoman Costume
Covers late-period Ottoman women's layers and how to approach building a period wardrobe. Focus will also be given to selecting appropriate textiles (color, patterns, fabrics) to help one take things to the next level.
Middle Eastern Caftan Construction
Period caftans for either Persian or Ottoman garb are surprisingly simple to make and fit. This hands-on class walks the students through style options and then teaches the construction method and sends the student home with a fitted mock-up. - This class is always hands on and is limited to less than 6 people. Requires a location equipped with several sewing machines, an iron and a good surface for cutting. Each student brings fabric for a mock-up and leaves with a mock-up that is fitted to them.
Handout: http://awanderingelf.weebly.com/a-wandering-elfs-journey/a-step-further-from-fantasy
From the Ground Up: Basics for Bellydance in the SCA (Previously entitled "The Bonfire and Beyond")
Covering basic movement vocabulary and improvisational skills, this class will touch on both cultural information and musicality. Also presented will be dance etiquette and discussion of different ways you will see (or do!) dance within the scope of the SCA. For both the newer dancer and those with prior experience, the class is designed to get you up and moving at events!
Handout: http://awanderingelf.weebly.com/a-wandering-elfs-journey/dance-it-really-is-for-everyone
Past Classes:
Atlantia University 2020
February 1, Dun Carraig
Highland River Melees, Atlantia
http://highland-foorde.atlantia.sca.org/hrmelees/index.php
Deeper Look at Textiles & Trim of Viking Age Dress
Time TBD
Pennsic 2019
Deeper Look at Textiles & Trim of Viking Age Dress
A&S 12 on 08-03 2:00 PM
Basic Viking Clothing with No Regrets
8/5, A&S 5, 9:00AM
Preachain's 27th Annual Early Period Arts and Sciences Day
8/7, E-23 across from Ravespittle, 2:00PM
www.facebook.com/events/2264085510515243/
Pennsic 2018
Deeper Look at Textiles & Trim of Viking Age Dress
A&S 13 on 08-07 12:00 PM
Beyond the Aprondress
A&S 13 on 08-07 2:00 PM
Basic Viking Clothing with No Regrets
Times and locations TBD
Pennsic 2017
A Deeper Look at Textiles & Trim of Viking Age Dress (twice)
Beyond the Aprondress
AEthelmearc AEcademy
11/12/16
A Deeper Look at Textiles & Trim of Viking Age Dress
Pennsic 2016
Deeper Look at Textiles & Trim of Viking Age Dress
8/6/16 and 8/9/16
5/23/16
AEthelmearc War Practice (Class submitted, waiting for information)
Deeper Look at Textiles & Trim of Viking Age Dress
2/28/2016
Dun Carraig (Atlantia) Newcomers' Class
Introduction to Spinning
11/21/2015
FFF - http://www.aethelmearc.org/eventinfo.php?event=1066
Viking Era Wool: History, Production and Use
7/30/2015
Pennsic University
Viking Era Wool: Its Production and Use
8/4/2015
Pennsic University
Viking Era Wool: Its Production and Use
2/7/2015
Atlantia University - Dun Carraig
Viking Era Wool: Its Production and Use
9/27/2014
Siege of Glengary - Shire of Sylvan Glen
Fiber Solar - Beginning Spinning on a Drop Spindle
7/31/14
Pennsic War - Private camp/unlisted class
Handsewing a Dublin Cap
11/23/2013
Holiday Faire - Barony of Stierback
A Step Further from Fantasy (Ottoman Costuming)
9/28/13
Siege of Glengary - Shire of Sylvan Glen
A Step Further from Fantasy (Ottoman Costuming)
7/31/13
Pennsic War - Private camp/unlisted class
Beginning Spinning on a Drop Spindle
7/27/13
Pennsic University
A Step Further from Fantasy (Middle Eastern Costuming)
7/26/13
Pennsic University
From the Ground Up: Basics for Bellydance in the SCA
3/24/2013
Class taught at a private home
A Step Further from Fantasy (Middle Eastern Costuming)
3/24/2013
Class taught at a private home
Patterning a Middle Eastern Coat
6/30/2012
Defenders Tourney - Sylvan Glen
From the Ground Up: Basics for Bellydance in the SCA
May 2012
Class taught at a private home
Rectangular Cut Tunic Construction
March 2012
Class taught at a private home
Women's Viking Garb - The Basics
March 2012
Class taught at a private home
Women's Viking Garb - Aprondress Patterning
2009/2010/2011
Basic Middle Eastern Dance - Taught at mixed Household/Shire gatherings
April 2009
Class taught at a private home
Rectangular Cut Tunic Construction
8/3/08
Pennsic University
A Step Further from Fantasy (Middle Eastern Costuming)
8/8/08
Pennsic University
The Bonfire and Beyond: SCA Middle Eastern Culture and Dance for Beginners
3/29/2008
Day in the Middle East - Dun Carraig
A Step Further from Fantasy (Middle Eastern Costuming)
Fall 2007
Shire of Sylvan Glen & Household Class
A Step Further from Fantasy (Middle Eastern Costuming)
Fall 2007
Shire of Sylvan Glen & Household Class
Patterning a Middle Eastern Coat
July/August 2007
Pennsic University
Basic Middle Eastern Dance
June 2007
Highland River Melees
Middle Eastern Demo Dance Instruction
Pennsic 1999
Pennsic University
Introduction to Irish Social Dance - Part 1
Pennsic 1999
Pennsic University
Introduction to Irish Social Dance - Part 2
Pennsic 1999
Pennsic University
Introduction to Irish Social Dance - Part 3
Future Classes:
Pennsic 2020
Deeper Look at Textiles & Trim of Viking Age Dress
???
Basic Viking Clothing with No Regrets
Preachain's 28th Annual Early Period Arts and Sciences Day
8/7, E-23 across from Ravespittle
More info coming!
Classes:
Basic Viking Clothing with No Regrets
This class is an informal lecture that will focus on how I would rebuild my wardrobe if I had to start all over again, but still know what I know now. I will discuss my past mistakes and provide ideas for putting together a Viking woman's costume that is evidence based and that can be a good foundation for a more authentic wardrobe.
Beyond the Aprondress
While the aprondress, and its associated brooches, is the ubiquitous women’s garment of the Viking Age, that fashion eventually gave way to other styles. The class will discuss the reasons for the change and will offer examples of evidence on which to base a late Viking Age kit. This class will also include discussion on and examples of headcoverings.
Viking Era Wool: History, Production and Use
This class is a mix of discussion and demonstration, and includes hands-on components. Discussion covers the evolution of wool, wool types (to aid in understanding archaeological texts) as well as sheep breeds descended from animals spread across Northern Europe by the Vikings. Following the discussion there will be a demonstration portion of the class showing how wool was processed and manufactured in the Viking age. During this time students will get to handle many different types of wool. (Typically this class runs 2 hours and has no limit on participants. It is very heavy in visuals and samples that one can actually experience.
The 3 hour version of this class offers the students an opportunity to comb, spin or weave fibers. There will be combs and spindles to test out different types of wool as well as a miniature warp-weighted loom for weaving. (The three hour version is limited to 12 students.)
A Deeper Look at Textiles & Trim of Viking Age Dress
By looking deeper at both the textiles and the details from extant items, this class aims to help individuals make informed choices for crafting their garments. Tactile examples will clarify the weaves and weight of period fabrics and there will also be discussion of possible modern substitutions. Additionally, practical details for finishing or embellishing garments will also be explored and their history investigated. The goal of this class is to help the individual understand how daily life during the Viking Age could affect how textiles were crafted and worn. This class will now include additional discussion and samples of women's Viking Age headcoverings.
Beginning Spinning on a Drop Spindle
This class will give a new spinner and opportunity to test out spinning on a top whorl drop-spindle with an assortment of wool types and, if time allows or it is desired, can include a demonstration of combing fibers as well. Several viking reproduction spindles will also be available for demonstration or testing if desired. Depending on the event or context there can also be discussion of yarns produced in the Viking age.
Viking Textile Embellishment (Forthcoming)
This class is being designed to assist the students in better embellishing their upper class Viking clothing based on archaeology. The is part lecture and part hands on and will help the student sort fact from fiction and enable the individual to take the next steps towards a more period kit.
Rectangular-Cut Tunic Construction
The rectangular-cut tunic is based on what one typically sees labeled the Birka cut tunic. This simple garment spans centuries and many cultures and can be a fantastic staple for the SCA wardrobe. This class is always hands on and is limited to less than 6 people. Requires a location equipped with several sewing machines, an iron and a good surface for cutting. Each student brings fabric for a mock-up and leaves with a mock-up that is fitted to them.
Aprondress Construction
The Norse aprondress is one of the most simple garments to make and it flatters nearly every figure. This class is designed to show several popular styles seen in the SCA and discuss their origins. The students then get to make their own mock-up to take with them. This class is always hands on and is limited to less than 6 people. Requires a location equipped with several sewing machines, an iron and a good surface for cutting. Each student brings fabric for a mock-up and leaves with a mock-up that is fitted to them.
Hand Sewing a Dublin Cap
The class is designed to teach very basic hand stitching and will allow the students to sew their own Dublin cap (based on Viking era finds) during the class. Limited to 6 depending on venue and time.
Rigid Heddle Weaving for the SCAdian (Forthcoming)
The rigid heddle loom is a very simple tool for weaving textiles. It takes up less space and costs less than a floor loom and can give a new weaver great experience before upgrading. This class introduces the loom to students, teaches how to direct warp it and then give them some time to weave a little themselves. Lecture will compare how textiles woven on the loom differ from other types of weaving (such as a warp-weighted loom or floor loom), and will talk about both the range and the limitations of rigid heddle weaving. Class is a minimum of 3 hours (and there needs to be enough advanced notice that both of my looms can be freed up for the class).
A Step Further from Fantasy - Basic Middle Eastern Costuming
Overview of some basic women's garb of the Middle East commonly seen in the SCA environment. Discussion will focus on how to improve the student's existing wardrobe while learning more about period options for future projects.
Handout: http://awanderingelf.weebly.com/a-wandering-elfs-journey/a-step-further-from-fantasy
A Step Further from Fantasy - Women's Ottoman Costume
Covers late-period Ottoman women's layers and how to approach building a period wardrobe. Focus will also be given to selecting appropriate textiles (color, patterns, fabrics) to help one take things to the next level.
Middle Eastern Caftan Construction
Period caftans for either Persian or Ottoman garb are surprisingly simple to make and fit. This hands-on class walks the students through style options and then teaches the construction method and sends the student home with a fitted mock-up. - This class is always hands on and is limited to less than 6 people. Requires a location equipped with several sewing machines, an iron and a good surface for cutting. Each student brings fabric for a mock-up and leaves with a mock-up that is fitted to them.
Handout: http://awanderingelf.weebly.com/a-wandering-elfs-journey/a-step-further-from-fantasy
From the Ground Up: Basics for Bellydance in the SCA (Previously entitled "The Bonfire and Beyond")
Covering basic movement vocabulary and improvisational skills, this class will touch on both cultural information and musicality. Also presented will be dance etiquette and discussion of different ways you will see (or do!) dance within the scope of the SCA. For both the newer dancer and those with prior experience, the class is designed to get you up and moving at events!
Handout: http://awanderingelf.weebly.com/a-wandering-elfs-journey/dance-it-really-is-for-everyone
Past Classes:
Atlantia University 2020
February 1, Dun Carraig
Highland River Melees, Atlantia
http://highland-foorde.atlantia.sca.org/hrmelees/index.php
Deeper Look at Textiles & Trim of Viking Age Dress
Time TBD
Pennsic 2019
Deeper Look at Textiles & Trim of Viking Age Dress
A&S 12 on 08-03 2:00 PM
Basic Viking Clothing with No Regrets
8/5, A&S 5, 9:00AM
Preachain's 27th Annual Early Period Arts and Sciences Day
8/7, E-23 across from Ravespittle, 2:00PM
www.facebook.com/events/2264085510515243/
Pennsic 2018
Deeper Look at Textiles & Trim of Viking Age Dress
A&S 13 on 08-07 12:00 PM
Beyond the Aprondress
A&S 13 on 08-07 2:00 PM
Basic Viking Clothing with No Regrets
Times and locations TBD
Pennsic 2017
A Deeper Look at Textiles & Trim of Viking Age Dress (twice)
Beyond the Aprondress
AEthelmearc AEcademy
11/12/16
A Deeper Look at Textiles & Trim of Viking Age Dress
Pennsic 2016
Deeper Look at Textiles & Trim of Viking Age Dress
8/6/16 and 8/9/16
5/23/16
AEthelmearc War Practice (Class submitted, waiting for information)
Deeper Look at Textiles & Trim of Viking Age Dress
2/28/2016
Dun Carraig (Atlantia) Newcomers' Class
Introduction to Spinning
11/21/2015
FFF - http://www.aethelmearc.org/eventinfo.php?event=1066
Viking Era Wool: History, Production and Use
7/30/2015
Pennsic University
Viking Era Wool: Its Production and Use
8/4/2015
Pennsic University
Viking Era Wool: Its Production and Use
2/7/2015
Atlantia University - Dun Carraig
Viking Era Wool: Its Production and Use
9/27/2014
Siege of Glengary - Shire of Sylvan Glen
Fiber Solar - Beginning Spinning on a Drop Spindle
7/31/14
Pennsic War - Private camp/unlisted class
Handsewing a Dublin Cap
11/23/2013
Holiday Faire - Barony of Stierback
A Step Further from Fantasy (Ottoman Costuming)
9/28/13
Siege of Glengary - Shire of Sylvan Glen
A Step Further from Fantasy (Ottoman Costuming)
7/31/13
Pennsic War - Private camp/unlisted class
Beginning Spinning on a Drop Spindle
7/27/13
Pennsic University
A Step Further from Fantasy (Middle Eastern Costuming)
7/26/13
Pennsic University
From the Ground Up: Basics for Bellydance in the SCA
3/24/2013
Class taught at a private home
A Step Further from Fantasy (Middle Eastern Costuming)
3/24/2013
Class taught at a private home
Patterning a Middle Eastern Coat
6/30/2012
Defenders Tourney - Sylvan Glen
From the Ground Up: Basics for Bellydance in the SCA
May 2012
Class taught at a private home
Rectangular Cut Tunic Construction
March 2012
Class taught at a private home
Women's Viking Garb - The Basics
March 2012
Class taught at a private home
Women's Viking Garb - Aprondress Patterning
2009/2010/2011
Basic Middle Eastern Dance - Taught at mixed Household/Shire gatherings
April 2009
Class taught at a private home
Rectangular Cut Tunic Construction
8/3/08
Pennsic University
A Step Further from Fantasy (Middle Eastern Costuming)
8/8/08
Pennsic University
The Bonfire and Beyond: SCA Middle Eastern Culture and Dance for Beginners
3/29/2008
Day in the Middle East - Dun Carraig
A Step Further from Fantasy (Middle Eastern Costuming)
Fall 2007
Shire of Sylvan Glen & Household Class
A Step Further from Fantasy (Middle Eastern Costuming)
Fall 2007
Shire of Sylvan Glen & Household Class
Patterning a Middle Eastern Coat
July/August 2007
Pennsic University
Basic Middle Eastern Dance
June 2007
Highland River Melees
Middle Eastern Demo Dance Instruction
Pennsic 1999
Pennsic University
Introduction to Irish Social Dance - Part 1
Pennsic 1999
Pennsic University
Introduction to Irish Social Dance - Part 2
Pennsic 1999
Pennsic University
Introduction to Irish Social Dance - Part 3
Do you have something you want to share with others in the SCA? Please consider teaching the art you have worked so hard to master! If you are new to teaching and think you might be ready to take the plunge, you can get some advice from my article here: http://awanderingelf.weebly.com/a-wandering-elfs-journey/time-to-teach