Dance moot in Harplestane was once more a lovely occasion. For me, it was a hugely relaxing event: pusscat was in good hands, and I had three days to enjoy good company and do nothing more strenuous than invite people to join in the next dance in the hall. ( Read more... )

A lovely newcomer took some pictures - this is in the little courtyard adjascent to the site:


( Read more... )

As part of my long-term Cranach gown project, I've started first steps towards a hat, following instructions by Mistress Rowan of Lochac, who visited over the summer. She sat with me, to walk through the project, and sketched out instructions on how to model the brim, create the crown, and sew the layers together (I've posted pics of her sketches ( Read more... )

Remember I was complaining I didn't know what to do w/ t-shirts? Now I do! I can hardly wait to get home and view my ratty T's collection...

Except I'd nalbind them, rather than crochet - I already know nalbinding.

So I'm back to puttering with the Elizabethan gown 3Rs project.

Petticoat was fixed over the summer - taken apart, re-pleated onto a narrower band as cartridge pleats. A bit lopsided (more pleats on one side than the other! whoops) but noone will see it under my skirt.

Bodice: I've recut the neckline so it's square, and trimmed the lower back so it ( Read more... )

Towards reworking my non-specific late-period costume into a recogniseable Elizabethan doublet and skirt: this is my work on the petticoat.
I'd previously used a two-layer petticoat, gathered at the wide waistband. Both layers are a sort of neutral colour cotton.
I've unpicked the waistband and gathering, pressed it to within an inch of its life, and ( Read more... )

Very pleased that it's finally finished!


( Read more... )

Our guests more than paid their way by the advice and input they offered both Robert and me on crafts.

I showed Bastian my frustrating non-working soapstone mould and we tried it together. B observed that our pewter was very very different from his own - very brittle, very grainy. He said he wouldn't be able to snap the pewter sprue the way we can ( Read more... )

Pics of patched hose and replacement sleeves on a girl's gown - only for the thrifty and curious ( Read more... )

This weekend at Winchester Pilgrimage, pilgrims will have a choice of making a scrip from brand new lightweight canvas, or using some of Dubheasa and
( Read more... )