Post-Tocal Debrief

Tocal turned out to be a somewhat intimate affair this year. Very few attendees and even less fighters than last year - only five. But I think most people had a good time. The feast was lovely and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

I didn't get a picture of the new coat, but I did like the smaller ruff that I was wearing. Much more suitable. Also, I tried a new method for anchoring my hats which was also successful. Added to which the cooler weather meant I could wear all my nice wool gear without overheating. It also stood up to the late night temperature drop.

I got home fairly early on sunday. I worked on my current patchwork project. I should be able to get the last of the blocks finished off tonight. If I do, I will iron and post a picture tomorrow. Then I can start cutting out the alternate white fabric blocks. Once they are together, the next stage will be sewing the 120 half square triangles for the border and start thinking about colour combinations for the applicque.

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Embroidery Night

I've lived in my suburb for 30 years now and I've never had as much trouble getting home as the last few weeks. First the rain, then collapsed parts of roads and last night a bad traffic accident.

Anyway, after taking the long way home, I tidied up ready for visitors and made a chocolate cake. I forgot to bring the tunic home, I left it at work in the rush to beat the traffic. So I worked on my brown coat with stripey sleeves instead. It was actually fortuitous, because I'd forgotten I wanted to finish it off for the weekend. Got one sleeve done. If I get the other one done, it will be wearable, though I'd like to the the pocket slits done as well.

Tonight will be cutting out the green velvet and lining for the new coat and maybe also working out which sleeve pattern to use. Then if I can get up early tomorrow, I will finish off the tunic.

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Step 2 - Elizabethan Hood With Bongrace - Side View

Step 2 - Elizabethan Hood With Bongrace - Side View, originally uploaded by jane_stockton.

Step 2 - By putting the bulk caused by sewing the front seam at the top, it helps fill in the "gutter" behind the wire and make is presences less obvious.

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Step 2 - Elizabethan Hood With Bongrace - Front View

Step 2 - Elizabethan Hood With Bongrace - Front View, originally uploaded by jane_stockton.

Step 2 - The wire strengthened frame is covered with a thin padding fabric. I used a white flannelette.

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Green Coat

Had a pretty laid back Sunday. Went to Baronial gathering. Took my Green Elizabethan gown/coat so that I could get some help marking the pockets on the side. I am going to outline the pocket slit as per the various images available. Then this coat will be officially done. I also took my newest Persian along to get some help evening up the hem.

Lots of people showed up, which was nice. Rurik brought his rapier stuff. I think I am still very keen to give this a go. Need to track down a mask and get a gorget made. Everything else I can do myself. So I will be doing a few things this week so I can get into the rapier seen.

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