Started the day by having to really motivate myself to get out of bed. It was just so nice and warm and comfy. However, I got out and started the day. Quick trip to the building society to drop off coinage. Those $2 coins add up quickly. Then back home for house keeping duties. Got all that done by just after lunch. I finally started a quicky project that I've been wanting to get out of the way. Its a banner for an SCA friend on mine. He is in a household and wanted a banner with his household badge on it. Not hard and I got most of the hard bits done today. I am cheating, using visloflex to put the motifs together (Yorkist Sun in Splendor) and then outling details with cord and pearls. I only got the background made and the central motif done. I couldn't put them together cause I need some hemming tape to finish the back of the backing. But I can pick that up tommorrow, then its just a bit of handwork and it is done. But at least it is started.

On the scissor sheath front, I finished of the side seam today using some imitation Japanese Gold thread in a braid stitch. Now, all I have to do is the finger loop braid for the handle. I am going to do that tommorrow, a bit tired to work it out now. I hope to post a progress pick soon.

No stitching over the last couple of nights, too tired and not focused enough. So I've been working on patterns for my Anglo-Saxon clothing handout. I managed to work out how to do a pattern I was having trouble with. I realise that I had some commercial trim that was basically the same design, with a minor variation. It's amazing that patterns can remain in use over such a huge period of time. So I now have five keyhole necklines done, with match hem pattern. I will work on one more at lunch to give me six in total. I want a good variety in case lots of people use the handout, I don't want everyone walking around with the same one or two patterns. After the necklines are done, I want to work up some roundal patterns. I am going to use some of the border animals from the Bayeux Tapestry. I also noticed some nice simple thin patterns that I might draft as well. They could also be used for really simple decoration. So I think I will probably end up with about 10 pages of patterns. Once the patterns are done, I just have to tidy up the text, work out some sexy DTP bits and then it will be done. Then, if I am feeling really mad, I will work up some test pieces.

I finished sewing the scissor sheath together last night and I lined it with some of the red silk I bought on the weekend. The silk is a bit bunched up inside but it works. The scissors fit, which is the best part. Now I have to figure out how I am going to finish it off. I was going to run a length of fingerloop braid all around the outside so that that covered the seams at the side and made a handle all in one go. But when I look at the original its based on, the fingerloop handle is only attached at the top. So I think I will have to do some braid stitch in gold along both side seams and then attach the fingerloop braiding at the top. I am very keen to get this finished.

by David M. Wilson

This book is a new edition of a book originally written in 1983, by David M. Wilson. The book is divided into two main sections.

The first section is made up of a series of colour plates of the Bayeux Tapestry. The images are at approx 54% size of the originals and the images were taken in natural light, during the most recent restoration process to be undertaken of the tapestry. This is a significant factor as most other images available were taken through glass while on display, which can change the colour values of the materials in the piece.

The photographs of the tapestry are excellent. It is possible to see many details of the work, including the ability to identify individual stitches and methods of working. Another interesting detail is the fineness of the cloth on which the embroidery is worked, which can be compared to the cloth used to make repairs, near the end of the tapestry.

The second section of the books is a series of text based information which discuss various aspects of the tapestry. Immediately following the images of the tapestry, is a section on the text in the tapestry. A side by side comparision of the original text (Latin) and English translation is provided. Following the inscription is a section of commentary. This is done in a style where black and white photos of the tapestry (on a much smaller scale than the plates of the tapestry in the first section of the book) are annoted with an in depth commentary that explains the story that the tapestry is telling. It also provides historical context for various elements in the tapestry.

The final text section of the book is made up of a series of historical discussions about the world in which the tapestry was made, looking at the political, economic and social influences on the events depicted in the tapestry. There is also an attempt to put the tapestry into is historical context in relation to Anglo-Saxon art of the period. There is specific discussion of architecture, dress and objects. The text sections of the books used endnotes, so it is possible to explore additional resources with some guidance.

My Thoughts:

I really, really like this book. The colour plates are fantastic. The details that can be seen are really amazing. You can literally see every stitch. It also offered a fantastic source for Anglo-Saxon motifs that can be used for embroidery. Once you start looking at the elements, there are alot of things that can be used in different ways.

My only issues with the book are to do with specific elements in the text section. In the area which discusses the tapestry in its art history context, there are several additional illustrations of other period art works. My issue is that the dates for these pieces are not always given and that the photographs are black and white. This is especially annoying with the three additional textile examples that are given. It would have been more useful for these to have been in colour. This can be weighed, however, against the fact that the current location of all examples is given, so further research is possible for the highly motivated.

Details:

• Hardcover: 234 pages ; Dimensions (in inches): 1.10 x 13.82 x 10.32
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson; New edition (April 2004)
• ISBN: 0500251223
• Price: $60 AU
  

Weather has been overcast all day. I wasn't sure if I would go to Baronial meeting. But I thought I better give it a go since I am A & S officer. Stopped at Spotlight to grab some stuff. Finally got the cord for the banner I am making for Dallan. Only took 3 bloody months! Picked up some cheap paper silk, $4 m in two shades of red. Might use if for linings. And some small snipping scissors, so I can finish my sheath. Looks like it might just fit.

We got an early start on my birthday (Monday, 26th) today. We went to see Shrek 2. It wasn't bad. Not as tight as the first one, but still funny. Then we went for lunch at my favourite restaurant. Then off for some shopping, including my birthday present. Couldn't find much I liked. I was gonna go for jewellery, but we went to the bookshop first. I looked at the extremely crappy craft section, and couldn't find anything. But then as I was turning around to talk to Adam, I spotted something in the photography section. It was a new book that I had been on the look out for a couple of weeks. It was a new edition of a 1983 book on the Bayeux Tapestry. I'd heard about it on a few email lists and everyone said it was well worth getting. But they had only mentioned soft cover versions. But this one was hardcover. It was $60 AU. So significantly less than what the jewellery would've have cost and something I wanted more. Win, win for everyone.

So, movies, nice lunch, and excellent book, a good Saturday.

Not much happening on the embroidery front today. So I thought I would pose a question about magazines.

Linn has just received a parcel of magazines from me, a few back issues of Inspirations. Now, I am not a big embroidery magazine buyer. Mainly because there isn't really a magazine that covers the types of projects that I would be interested in. But I do buy the odd edition of Inspirations because it comes the closest to having what I like.

So my question is, what is your favourite embroidery (ie any stitching form - cross stitch, hardanger etc) magazine and why? How could embroidery magazines in general be improved?

PS: What is that I see in the latest edition of Inspirations, Goldwork for beginners?

Thanks for everyones comments. The scissors, I'm sure, will turn up as soon as I buy another pair! I hate loosing things. I am the sort of person who doesn't loose things. My sister is, she was always loosing things. But not me, so I think I find it doubly frustrating when I loose something.

I went to a Macromedia demo today for work, I love Macromedia, I definately have to upgrade my Dreamweaver to MX 2004, the CSS stuff looks cool. And we saw this thing called RoboDemo that allows you to make little help movies and simulations. Looks like it would be most useful.

On the embroidery front, nothing for the last couple of days. I finally managed to get my room tidied up after the mess it had become over the last few weeks. Hopefully, now I can actually see the desk, I might be able to get motivated and get a couple of new projects underway. If I can get my hands on some fine calf skin, I want to make a pair of Elizabethan gauntlets. But what I really need, is some red silk twill, to make some Holy Roman Empire gloves.

After all the time I put in on the Elizabethan Scissor sheath, I've lost the bloody scissors!! I've looked all around the house, had a major clean up and still can't find them. My only thought is that they have slipped off the end of the couch and fallen in the bin. I wouldn't mind so much, they are only cheap scissors, but they were my prize for being the Embroiderers Guild Champion this year. I also had another pair I'd bought previously, but I can't find those either!! Very frustrating!

I've started to sew up the scissors sheath, I'm worried I've made it too small, but since I don't have any scissors, it isn't really a problem!

Over the last few months, I've been working on a new website. The aim is to get as much info and pictures of pre-16th century embroidery as I can find. Once you start putting it all in one place, there is a surprising amount of info out there.

So if anyone is interested, please come and visit. If you know of images on the web or in books etc that I can put on the website, please feel free to email or leave a message on the forum at the website.

Well, I got hit by the flu again. Why do I always get sick on the weekend? So I am having today and probably tomorrow off, but I have my computer at home so I am doing some work as well, so I don't fall behind.

On the stitching front, I have finished the Anglo-Saxon collar. I am really itching to do some silk work. So I think I might spend today doing some research on nightcaps. I want something small but something I can do in silk. So hopefully, but this afternoon I will have a pattern.

Also a big "Thank You" to Lissy for her help with getting my percent bars on my works in progress working again.

Did more last night on the collar. I just want it done. I don't even want to think about the cuffs.

I really want to do something with bright, colourful silks. I found a heap more images of Elizabethan polychrome embroidery over the last couple of days. I like the look of coifs, but I hate wearing them, so I might make a nightcap instead, I like that shape better. And I really need to come up with a pattern for a sweetbag, as that would be a really great standbye piece to have when I get bored.


Progress pic of the collar. The image isn't very good, I took it with the camera in my PDA.

Back at work for another week. Boring.

Still working on the Anglo-Saxon collar, need to draft the pattern for the cuffs. Might do the whole set this weekend. I also need to redraft the patterns for the keyhole necklines due to forgetting about leaving enough fabric for the inside of the slit.

I was up early and was dressed and headed to the kitchens to help with breakfast by 7.30am. I am an early riser and get bored easy so I figured helping was a good a choice as any! So did a bit of lugging and drying of dishes. One advantage is if you help in the kitchen, you get first go at the food (if so inclined, most people who do the cooking at always the last to eat, if at all!). So I was second in line for bacon and eggs. I was starving so they tasted great. Then it was back to the kitchen for more work. Once breakfast was done, I did some cleaning up in the hall, clearing tables and packing chairs.

Adam came to get me at 10am. Then we were off. It was a good weekend. Back home, I had good intentions about cleaning up and doing washing but it didn't happen. After dinner, more embroidery and then bed.

Well, it was a big weekend and really only went for a day and a bit!!

Got to the site at just after opening time at 10am. Booked in, got keys, took stuff to room, grabbed good spot with my chair, dumped Esky with drinks and sewing and then went to help with set up of the hall.

Once people started to arrive and the fighting got underway, I settled down and did a bit of embroidery. Worked on the collar again. I managed to finish the tunic it is going on at 1am Saturday morning. Well, when I say finished, I mean wearable. I have to finish off the seams etc and do a few little tidy ups. But it was comfortable to wear and nice and warm.

I held my basic embroidery class outside. It was a bit cold and dark in the hall. The bagpipes were a bit of a distraction but we managed none the less. Everyone picked up the stitches very quickly and seemed to enjoy the class. I gave out some copies of the Broderers Companys' two most recent newsletters and signup up a few people to get the newsletter in the future.

Then it was time to go and get changed ready for the feast and court. I knew I would be going up in Court as I was being made the new Arts and Sciences Officer for the Barony. So I went and put on my fav red Elizabethan outfit, with my new hat. I think it looked pretty good (but I didn't manage to get any photos - again!!).

So we had the appatisers (Scotch eggs are yummy!) (at which point I got shanghai'd to serve the first remove/course). I did managed to get some food after serving. Then there was Court. The new King and Queen were there. That is one advantage of having the first big event after Mid-Wintoer Coronation, we usually get Royalty at Tocal.

We started off with change over of officers, there were a couple of offices that were getting new people. As expected, I got called up, just as planned. Then as I was leaving the Baron told me to stay, this is where I started to panic. Yes, I was getting an award. I got the Unfurled Lymphad, which is our Baronial service award. That is what shocked me, I thought for sure that if I ever got a Baronial award it would be for A and S!! The proper tokens haven't been made yet (which is sort of a good thing, cause it means they must be nice!) so I got a promisory, an cute little red button with a sailing boat (for those not heraldically inclined, a lymphad is a fancy name for an heraldic ship). So up I got and headed back to my seat.

More awards to other hardworking people (at which point a comment was made about a fleet of lymphads!) and then I got called up again, this time to give the Baron the pouch to give to the winner. This was presented, and cause I was standing there I could here the winner ask if he had to give the pouch back so it could be presented again next year. I got really stoked at this cause I interpreted this to mean he thought it was so nice that it wasn't meant for the winner to keep but just hold for the year!! But it is meant to be kept and has the date on it! I am already planning next years.

Then while I was standing there, I got called up again. This time to be made the Baroness' Lady in Waiting. I had known about this one but forgot!! So out I went again, by which point my legs were getting sore from the curtseying and kneeling!! So I then went to stand behind the Baroness to take up my position as Lady in Waiting. Then the Baronial business was finished and it was onto Kingdom stuff.

Someone was appointed to the Queens Guard and Carb (who is from Mordenvale) got appointed to the Mead Guard (Kings Guard). Then with a couple of other locals, I got called up again - see title of post! This time it was for Award of Arms. So now I am officially a Lady (has to be a first time for everything!!).

So by the end of court I'd been called up 5 times. Talk about embarrassing!! More than one person commented that I should have just pulled up a cushion and stayed there. It was great fun though. I just really didn't expect the Baronial award. I was more surprised about that than the AoA - which I didn't know about either but I've been around long enough and a few people had sort of hinted about it.

So then onto more food (we have some excellent cooks) and more conversation. I ended up going to chat with the Baroness in her room cause she was a bit under the weather and had to put the two children to bed and stay with them. But I figured this could be my first official Lady in Waiting job!

Once she went to bed, I headed back, did a bit of cleaning up of my place at the table and then headed to bed myself. I'm not a big drinker and didn't know alot of people there, and I was tired, so bed seemed like a good plan.

Couldn't think of a catchy title. The pouch is nearly done. I just have to do the buttonholes for the drawstrings and it is finished. I added a few metal decorations that I picked up at Festival. Those and some more pearls have added a bit to the the look. I would have liked to add some colour using beads, but I didn't really have anything that would go with the style. Ah well, it's better than last years! I will post photos in a couple of days. I will be away Saturday, back Sunday, photos then.

I managed to get the rest of the goldwork done on the pouch, added the pearls and outlined in gold. So basically the embroidery is done. Might add a few gold/foil shapes to it for a bit of sparkle. But I could start making the pouch up if I had to.

I have also decided that I need to make up the over tunic anyway, even if the embroidery isn't done. I need the extra warmth.

My email has decided to start playing up. So if you email me and I don't reply, try posting a comment here in the blog.

I've had to put the Anglo-Saxon collar on hold. I've had to put all my efforts into making the winners pouch for this weekends Tourney. I just have to do some pearls and outlinging in gold for the needlework to be done, then I just have to put it together. I will have it done by Saturday.

I also have to put some more kits together for my basic stitches class. I will be doing that again on the weekend.

I went shopping on Saturday. After last weekend I am all keen about scrapbooking again. I bought a few things, but didn't really have time to do anything with them yet. I spent Saturday night playing computer games with Adam. He's been in a bit of a funk and I knew that would make him feel better.

On Sunday, the weather was beautiful, so I decided to go to our Barony meeting. I hadn't been for a few weeks so I really needed to go. I found out last week that the post of Arts and Sciences officer was vacant. I was only saying a couple of weeks ago that I would like that job. The problem was that I had sort of said I would take on the Heralds post. But the more I thought about it, the more I felt I really wasn't up to that position and then A & S became available. I felt a bit bad about backing out of the Herald job but after talking to a few people, I think I made the right decision. I hate committing to something I can't carry out. So by the end of the day, I was the new Arts and Sciences officer. Whoo hoo.

The other big news was the Baroness asked me to be her Lady in Waiting. When I asked what the job was, its basically to stand up in court and to the odd job helping out. Since I'd help anyway, I said yes.

I also managed to get a bit of sewing done. I've been working on my Anglo-Saxon collar. I also had to start making the pouch that will be given to the winner of the Token Tourney next weekend. I actually managed to get a heap done at the meeting so I will have it completed in plenty of time.