Amazing Blackwork Project

I'm including a project today made by my friend Linda, a/k/a Mou, a/k/a Baroness Gabriella. She took me to my first event almost 9 years ago now at 12th Night in Castel Rouge. We knew each other from an embroidery shop that we take classes at and she talked warmly about the great fun she had with this historical group.

This set was my 2009 birthday gift that I just got as she submitted it for a fundraiser through the Embroidery Guild of Winnipeg. It was accepted for their fundraiser calendar and is just exquisite. The large pin cushion is called a Biscornu and the small cushion is a scissor fob. The pattern is her own original one made up of leaf patterns, lovely tiny red beads, gems and a stunning tassel and cord. She provides so much inspiration and is always trying new techniques.

If you ever want to talk about blackwork, speak with Gabriella!

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-Stellar University of Northshield

This past weekend was the SUN event in Nordskogen. In spite of the weather, many people made it out to share knowledge and laughter with friends, old and new.

This was one of the first events I have not offered to teach and not attended any classes. It was not on purpose that chose not to go to classes. But I got busy helping a friend with her baby, chatting with another friend about garb and just sitting and chatting with friends that I have not been able to visit with much lately. Friends who attended said the classes were very good and covered a great amount of subjects from Developing a Persona, to Sprang Weaving and more.

Sometimes the best learning comes from just sitting and sharing your knowledge. It does not have to be in a formal setting. The SUN event gave a great opportunity for a lot of knowledge to be shared. And it was a wonderful setting for Berwyn to be elevated to Pelican. Very well deserved.

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.

What to do with oops moments

There are a few no-nos when sewing such as don't eat or drink when sewing however, the reality is that many of us attempt to multi task when we do things these days. Such was what happened recently when I was working on a set of cuffs for a friend. It is a 36 count white linen with black silk thread. I was drinking tea, put the cup too close, the dog came by and splash. The cuffs are stained. I am currently tea dyeing them however, I'll keep them for myself and work on a new set for her. Note to self-put tea far away.

A tip for snacking while embroidering is to use chopsticks. You don't need to touch the food, you only eat a small amount at a time and you can keep the snacks far away from your sewing.

Prioritizing projects

When you look around your living room and realize you have 6 or more projects on the go, it's time to figure out a way to prioritize them. I used to start a project and just work it through until it was done. Now I find that I need some smaller projects to help offset the longer ones. Here is where I am with some:
Cuffs-a day of working on the cuffs and they will be done. I've decided to gift them to a friend for his new tunic that I'll be making.
Black shawl-this one is for Ninka and I'm struggling with whether to attach commercial trim in the red/gold colours that she loves or weave some and stitch the gold thread in later.
Socks-I had to rip out and start over. I stitch loosely and they would have been bagging around his ankles.
Hood-I'm trying to figure out how to do two types of hoods for ladies. One needs to be open at the front but I'm trying to decide on lacing or buttons. The other needs to be a hood with a small cape. I'm thinking linen on the inside and wool on the outside.
Lombardi garb-I'm working on the pattern for the embroidery plus figuring out how much cording I'll need.

In addition, I really need to get a new set of garb ready-Italian Courtesan (not too racy) or a burgundian set. Decisions, decisions.

Honour, chivalry and hope

Today is the Crown tourney for Northshield. Unfortunately, I am unable to attend. It is one of my favourite events for a number of reasons:
1/What crown tourney is-to find the heirs and to see the best fighting.
2/Honour-watching people fight with honour and dignity. There are some who do not but rarely are they tolerated.
3/Garb-it's a great people watching event with some of the best garb being out. Wonderful hats, great dresses, amazing work.
4/People-it's really all about the people. For those not directly involved in the tourney, it's a mix of anxiety and hope, watching those you care about fight and hoping they win their bouts and ulimately, the tourney.
The A and S part of the event is a great place to see projects from all areas. Embroidery, armour making, cheeses, etc.
I hope all that attended had a wonderful time and I encourage everyone to actively participate in making the crown tourneys a success.
Vivat!