Gimli weekend and buckets of inspiration

I find whenever I come home from our Gimli weekend (Labour Day wknd) hosted by our group, Castel Rouge, that I have laughed and found amazing inspiration to move my projects forward. Whether the inspiration comes directly from an artisan like Athena with her fibre arts knowledge and gentle nature that shares with so many people or Karel, my friend who is a woodworker and can make the most amazing things from wood. Or, if it's the friend's child who revels in the feeling of a new piece of garb. Inspiration surrounds us and we need only sit back and take in the great feeling.

I've come home with great ideas on how to work towards the remainder of my 50 for 50 plus find some time to work on a new persona for myself and the garb to go with it.

Vivat to friends!

Inspiration

I have written a few times about where to find inspiration or how it comes to you. This past weekend was our group's 12th night event. Talking to friends and spending time laughing reminded me that inspiration is all around us...we need only keep our eyes open to it.

Consider the beautiful blue glass stone handle on a pate spreader from a friend that gave me an idea for a new embroidery pattern based on a 14th century picture I had seen. The realization that machine embroidery for a large project is a better use of time than my trying to embroider 10 feet of trim for a friend's cloak. Better to focus on the small details that will be seen more often. Watching a friend explain a new piece of garb to someone who has not ventured into that era yet.

Inspiration is not just what you find but what you give. Give lots!

Motivation or, where did mine go?

Lately I have been working on Christmas gifts and my SCA sewing and other projects has taken a back seat. Also, I'm finding while I have a list of projects that I want to do, I seem to be lacking a spark to get them done.

I'm posting some pics of some mundane projects but I ask you to share...where do you find your inspiration and how do you share it with others?

SUN and inspiration this weekend

Good day everyone,
I know it's been ages since I posted. The new job is great but I'm getting wiped out by the time I get home from work. I'm looking forward to SUN this weekend to get some much needed inspiration. I'm about to embark on one of my biggest projects to date and although I know what I need to get done, I need to get that "boost" that helps us all move forward.
I have packed my bag of goodies to help purge out my fabric stash. While it's great to have tons of fabric, it's important that it gets used and dosen't just sit there.
I have some shawls I want to complete as these will be relatively quick projects to help balance out the goldwork project.
Hope to see you there and I'll be back with photos.

Aspiring to success

Today's post is about a friend of mine, Jes, who goes by Asny in the SCA. This past weekend she received an award called Bridget's Flame. It is for individuals who have shown, over time, that they are enthusiastic about their craft, that they share their craft and continue to research and strive for mastery. Asny demonstrates this in spades. I have yet to see her at an event when she is not sharing information whether it is someone who is admiring her garb or if she notices someone working on something and provides encouragement.

She shares her information with anyone who wants it and on a selfish note for me, is currently leading up a project to make me a set of Elizabethan garb. She started the project with Isobel (Debbie) and has gathered a small army of helpers. I am constantly impressed and amazed when people like Asny demonstrate chivalric qualities that we all strive for but rarely achieve. I encourage you to seek her out at an event and learn from her and I can assure you, she'll be wanting to learn your craft as well.

Gimli and amazing projects

This past weekend was our group's annual event in Gimli. We had a great event, weather was cool but pleasant. I got to see tons of great projects and here are just a few:

Satchel for Tarrach for his award of the Pelican. It was a group project and made from scratch for most everything. Really lovely!

Token for Tarrach made by Thunderbunny

Spinning of wool

Weaving

Silk Banner making (thank you Liz!)

Fingerloop braiding

and lots of discussions about projects to undertake. Here is a picture of Yngevar and his hood which is one of my 50 for 50. He hates wearing hats but this helps keep his head covered and cool. It's made from a lovely dark cherry linen and is cross hatched with an overdyed silk/cool mix which I know is not period but I like it!

Weekend of inspiration

This weekend is our group's annual Gimli weekend and this year, we are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Barony of Castel Rouge. It should be a lot of fun, great friends and wonderful food.

I'm looking forward to seeing Liz's banner making class (her first time teaching), watching Athena spin (amazing fibres), see Ia's progress on her latest socks, help Asny figure out a viking leg wrap (14 layers?) that she found with a bells that looks like it will be amazing and see a lot of other great work.

I'll bring back lots of pictures and wish you all a happy and safe Labour Day weekend.