I feel like it's time to up my SCA crafting game. I have been in the SCA for two and a half years, and I have enough basic garb to get me through even multi-day camping events (three bliauts, a Norse apron dress, an Italian renaissance dress, my Slavic dress, and a sideless surcote that really needs a kirtle to go with it), but what I feel my SCA life is missing is accessories. Because I race through much of my garb-making, I don't own a lot of pieces with embellishments, embroidery, hand-sewing, etc. I could also really use more purses, belts, fans, etc. The things that make you look like you live in your garb, rather than like someone putting on a costume.
This year I want to work on really settling into my SCA life, and hone in on making lovely art. To that end, my goal is to complete at least one project per month, whether it's a work in progress (WIP) or something new. January's finished object (FO) is, of course, my Slavic dress and filet. Below is a wish list/to do list of what else I've got in the works that could potentially turn into monthly FOs.
- Keep working with HG Clare and Baroness Oonaugh on the set of Rus garb we are making for Sir Brynjolfr. I'm doing the trousers, which are due by Celtic Revolt in May. He is paying us in card woven trim.
- Go back and flat-fell the seams on garments made on my sewing machine with no seam finishing yet (I'm almost done doing this to the dolphins dress, and there are others in line) Update 2/29/16 - dolphins dress is done!
- Continue working on my first weaving project on a floor loom; Mistress Giliana gave me some lovely wool thread in green and gold (two of my colors) and coached me through the first steps of weaving a small-ish first project, a twill table runner. So far the warp is all measured and ready, next is tying on!
- Continue working on a long-term spinning project. In summer 2014 Aonghus and I helped our laurels (who happen to be married to each other) shear their sheep and angora goats, and the fleece came home with me. I am hand-processing their Icelandic sheep (an old landrace breed that is very period) with viking combs (to separate the tog/hair/overcoat and thel/down/undercoat, will spin them worsted and woolen respectively for a small weaving project.
- Acquire a period spindle for the above project, and experiment with some different distaffs. I'd really like to make my own, but purchasing one to work with in the meantime might be a good plan. I really want to get comfortable with period spinning tools, so this will help. Update 2/29/16 - done!
- Get cracking on some tablet weaving. I could use some more belts and would love to make some trim as well. I have lots of leftover wool sock yarn that would be great for this.
- Make a purse to go with the 14th century purse frame HG Clare gave me as a member of the Queen's Confidence.
- Finish my kirtle pattern (just need to draft the sleeves) and make a kirtle out of the lovely tan wool fabric I got from a friend last summer, with the nice heraldic buttons Don Gomez gave me over a year ago.
- Make a set of SCA camping pajamas for schlepping around camp. These will be vaguely Norse garb, and since I really don't like long nightgowns the aim is a pair of Thorsberg trousers and a t-tunic that will be warm and comfy to sleep in, but less glaringly modern than my usual flannel PJs and hoodie. I think I have some stash fabric that will work for this.
- Make myself a new silk banner. My current one was my first, and it wasn't great to start with, but it's looking less great the older it gets.
- Make some more under-dresses so that I have plenty for events. I have some handkerchief linen just waiting to be used. I want to embellish my under-dresses a bit too, since most of them are pretty plain. Maybe a trapunto one to go with my bliauts.
- Fix the neckline on my blue bliaut, which is a bit crooked and has been bugging me for ages, and keep doing general repairs and touch-ups on my garb as it gets worn.
- Maybe learn to make my own arrows and give that a shot, to go with my pretty new bow (still haven't gotten to shoot it yet!)
I've also been looking at what events I'll be attending this year. Obviously work and school are my first priorities, but I'm tentatively planning on the following:
Honor War in An Tir (March)
Coronation in Barony of 1000 Eyes (March)
Crown Tournament right here in Arn Hold (April)
May event TBD in Arn Hold (May)
Celtic Revolt in An Tir (May)
Uprising War in Barony of 1000 Eyes (June)
Raptor War in Arn Hold (July)
Coronation TBD (August)
That gets me through the camping season. There is also an event in Arn Hold every November, so we'll see about that. Anyway, I know this is sort of rambling and random (which will not surprise anyone who has met me), but it's good to get things written down so I stay accountable.