Right tool for the right job!
I was putting together my wishlist for Christmas and realized that I have just about everything I need for several projects (should last until next summer actually).
The things on my list are mostly lace and illumination related. While I was thinking about what I needed for lace supplies I was thinking about my current stalled projects (mostly due to time, but there are a few other reasons).
The coif that I'm working on has stalled, but that is because I CAN'T STAND DMC METALLICS!!! They completely shred as if you try to actually pass through fabric with them and even if you manage to keep it together (I used every trick I know to help including waxing) it still doesn't look good. What's the point of embroidering this lovely stitch if you can't really see the detail of it. So I realized I am in dire need of some good gold thread to work with. I've put on my wishlist #3 and #4 smooth gild passing thread from Van Scriver (I love ordering from this woman!!!). I will be able to use this for my embroidery projects as well as my bobbin lace projects (don't know how it will look for needle lace, so I'll stick to the cotton and the linen for now).
I also need a better thread for my needle lace projects. I haven't really stalled in that area, but I'm ready to start working on actual pieces. I found a stomacher lace pattern and want to make that and a pair of cuffs for a simple late period dress, but I have the same issue as with the gold. The thread I'm using is just wrong! It is a DMC cebelia, but it is softer than the DMC cordonnet I used to use. It's also larger, so the details just aren't as nice. My roundels are mushy looking and it is much easier to accidently stitch through the anchor threads (making it harder to remove from the card). I also can't work on lace patterns smaller than the current practice ones I have until I get smaller thread. I included on my list size 40,50, and 60 cordonnet thread. It has a harder twist and more ends than the cebelia and my experience with working with it in the past has been extremely rewarding. :)
Can't wait to get my new stuff. I will tear out the gold work I've already done on the coif and start again (gladly!) and keep making pretty lace work (I'm hoping to have the stomacher and cuffs done in time for an event in February.)
The good thing is that my husband is happy to indulge me as much as I want in my lace making as it is the cheapest activity I have engaged in in the SCA. :)
As for the illumination supplies I found a new source for pigments and basic supplies. Going to buy a pigment kit and try it out. :) It's an SCA vendor, so there are some fun things like mini clay bowls for pigments and hand made mini mullers. The prices are really good and the pigments are made from historically ocurring plant extracts (I think there are a few mineral ones as well, but I wasn't really paying attention this morning). Quite excited to round out my illumination kit with period pigments. :)
Going to be a fun holiday season!
The things on my list are mostly lace and illumination related. While I was thinking about what I needed for lace supplies I was thinking about my current stalled projects (mostly due to time, but there are a few other reasons).
The coif that I'm working on has stalled, but that is because I CAN'T STAND DMC METALLICS!!! They completely shred as if you try to actually pass through fabric with them and even if you manage to keep it together (I used every trick I know to help including waxing) it still doesn't look good. What's the point of embroidering this lovely stitch if you can't really see the detail of it. So I realized I am in dire need of some good gold thread to work with. I've put on my wishlist #3 and #4 smooth gild passing thread from Van Scriver (I love ordering from this woman!!!). I will be able to use this for my embroidery projects as well as my bobbin lace projects (don't know how it will look for needle lace, so I'll stick to the cotton and the linen for now).
I also need a better thread for my needle lace projects. I haven't really stalled in that area, but I'm ready to start working on actual pieces. I found a stomacher lace pattern and want to make that and a pair of cuffs for a simple late period dress, but I have the same issue as with the gold. The thread I'm using is just wrong! It is a DMC cebelia, but it is softer than the DMC cordonnet I used to use. It's also larger, so the details just aren't as nice. My roundels are mushy looking and it is much easier to accidently stitch through the anchor threads (making it harder to remove from the card). I also can't work on lace patterns smaller than the current practice ones I have until I get smaller thread. I included on my list size 40,50, and 60 cordonnet thread. It has a harder twist and more ends than the cebelia and my experience with working with it in the past has been extremely rewarding. :)
Can't wait to get my new stuff. I will tear out the gold work I've already done on the coif and start again (gladly!) and keep making pretty lace work (I'm hoping to have the stomacher and cuffs done in time for an event in February.)
The good thing is that my husband is happy to indulge me as much as I want in my lace making as it is the cheapest activity I have engaged in in the SCA. :)
As for the illumination supplies I found a new source for pigments and basic supplies. Going to buy a pigment kit and try it out. :) It's an SCA vendor, so there are some fun things like mini clay bowls for pigments and hand made mini mullers. The prices are really good and the pigments are made from historically ocurring plant extracts (I think there are a few mineral ones as well, but I wasn't really paying attention this morning). Quite excited to round out my illumination kit with period pigments. :)
Going to be a fun holiday season!