There have been several cancellations and additions. Please note that some of the classes have materials requirements.
The semi-final draft schedule is available.
How to Train Your Slate Frame
Lady Cele OM
How to set up a slate frame for embroidery. Knowing which end of a needle is pointy would be useful. Limited number of kits to go from pile of sticks to set up frame available. Unlimited observers. Students will start with the unassembled frame, sew up the embroidery ground cloth, and sew to frame. See why this method was the way to embroider until the 20th Cent., the tension is even and holds like the Hoover Dam. Email if you have a frame that you want to get set up.
1 hour. Limit 5. $20 for kits.
Couching: The Medieval-est Embroidery Stitch of All!
Mistress Jaqueline de Molieres
An overview of six variations on Couching, when and where they were used, pictures, examples, demos. No actual stitching by students, so no supplies required. Students will go away with an understanding of different types of Couching and how it might apply to them and their Embroidery projects. I will have examples and photos of each stitch and will demo how they are done. Please bring paper and pencil.
1 hour. No limit. No fee.
Bling out your Veils: An Introduction to Veil Beading
Baroness Oddkatla Jonsdottir
You will learn basic beading techniques, and receive a veil, beads, beading needle, and thread. Work on the veil will start in class, with instructions and a handout, so that you can finish the veil at home
1 hour. Limit TBA. $5 per kit.
Spinning
Support Spindling
Lady Glenna Cholmondeley
This class will explore the history and techniques used to create yarn using a supported spindle. Supported spindles are ideal to use for fine yarns or more delicate fibers that might not stand the weight of a drop spindle (such as cotton or cashmere). Supported spindles and fibers will be provided in the materials, but students are encouraged to bring their own fibers or spindles they would like help with.
1hour. No limit. $5 for materials
Fiber Prep for Handspinners
Lady Glenna Cholmondeley
This class will explore different fibers and fiber preparations and strategies for spinning or felting fibers that may be new to the students as well as recognizing which fiber preparations may be best suited for the skill level and desired outcome by the student. Wools, silks, cottons, and other natural fibers will be explored. This class is suitable for all skill levels. Fibers will be provided in the class materials, but students are encouraged to bring their own fiber samples and fiber prep tools to have questions answered and/or suggestions for dealing with problematic fiber preparations and tools.
1 hour. No limit. $2 for materials
Braiding
Skjoldehamn Belt Deconstructed
Elska á Fjárfelli
Learn to make the 24 yarn, 12 strand braided Skjoldehamn belt, with demo's on the braid and plausible ways of wrapping the cord and making the tassels. Includes detailed DIY handout. This is a show and tell class, but if you want to start a braided belt and work on it the weekend, bring 12 bobbins, each of two yarns, of twice the length needed (either kumihimo bobbins, or pieces of cardboard - check my blog for more info) and I can get you started.
http://bookeofsecretes.blogspot.com/2017/10/how-to-make-12-strand-skjoldehamn-belt.html
Class length, limits, materials, and special needs (if any)
1 hour Limit 5. Auditors welcome. No fee.
Weaving
The Rules of Brocaded Tablet Weaving
Silvester Burchardt
A discussion of the techniques and materials used in period for creating brocaded tablet woven bands. We'll also review various modern materials for brocade threads with an eye toward availability, longevity, work-ability, etc.
1 hour. No limit. Donation for handout welcome.
Metallic Brocading
Hrólfr á Fjárfelli
A hands-on intermediate class on brocading, a tablet weaving technique to create narrow woven bands with intricate patterns. This class will focus on brocading with silver thread. I will discuss some unique challenges in brocading with metallic threads. We will then weave some basic patterns on a warp-weighted table tablet weaving loom.
1 hour. Limit 4. Auditors welcome. No fee.
Tablet-Woven Structures
Silvester Burchardt
A discussion of various techniques used to produce tablet woven bands in period and how they compare structurally to one another and traditional loom weaving of a similar style.
1 hour. No limit. Donation for handout welcome.
Period Sense and Modern Sensibilities: Adapting Period Tablet Weaving Motifs to Suit Modern Aesthetics
Mistress Rosalind Ashworthe
We will be learning how to modify period patterns to take out potentially controversial motifs yet retain the aesthetics of the period piece.
1 hour. No limit. No fee.
Hair of the Naga: How to Weave Fake Fur
Lady Cele OM
Early Period fake fur was a way to make a shaggy cloth AND still have a sheep for milking, making more sheep and wool. Knowing what a loom is would be very useful. Students will have a small 2 harness loom to work on during the day. They will go home with a woven sample of cloth and other samples. Samples of cloaks and cloth will be available to examine. Students will have a warped (with hand spun) loom to work with, soft spun yarn for weft and separated locks to insert for the fringe. Another method of making a shaggy cloth will be presented as research in process.
1 hour; can be finished during the day. Limit 4. Fee for kits $7 for fleece, yarn; use of a loom for the day.
What does THAT mean?
Mistress Phiala O’Ceallaigh
What’s a twill? What’s the difference between braiding and weaving? What about sprang? What on earth is samite? We’ll talk about textile terminology from yarn to fabric, and several stops in between, with emphasis on historical textiles and where to learn more. Bring your questions!
1 hour. No limit. No fee.
Clothing
Inventorying the Inventories: A Quantitative Analysis of Garments and Materials in the Inventories of Isabel of Portugal, Empress of Spain
Baroness Elena de la Palma
Recent publication of the full, unabridged inventories of Isabel of Portugal have allowed unprecedented access to information about what she wore, what it was made from, and what adornments it bore. This class will present the instructor's work to quantify the garments in the inventories: how many of each garment was owned, how often various materials are used for each, etc. Through this class, the student will gain an understanding of what conclusions can be drawn from these inventories to assist in the construction of clothing from Spain, what this information might mean in the context of broader European clothing context, and the limitations and drawbacks of inventories as source material. Access to a sortable, searchable digital spreadsheet will be provided at the end of class and available to students in perpetuity.
1 hour. No limit. Donation for handout welcome.
The Value of Cloth: Luxury Velvets in the "Renaissance"
Maistresse Marguerite d'Honfleur
In this class, we will explore how to see the VALUE of cloth as it was seen in the "Renaissance". We will start by comparing our modern perception of cloth's value with that of its perception in the 15th and 16th centuries. As a way to understand the value of cloth in this time period, we will explore luxury velvets. We will learn about the materials and labor that went into these highly valued cloths. Finally, this class will provide some ways that understanding the value of cloth can help to re-create more authentic clothing.
1 hour. No limit. No fee.
Hat Foundations
Baroness Therasa du Domrémy
Students will learn about different types of hat construction and specific techniques of the flat pattern method. You will practice the different basic stitches used in millinery work. Then you will use those stitches to sew millinery wire on buckram three ways and sew on trim. You will learn and practice how to sew on pearls so they stay tight and in place for the next 30 years.
Students need to bring: A Thimble that fits well, Embroidery Shears. If you have, please also bring: Sewing Wax, Small needle nose pliers, and 4” or 6” embroidery hoop. The Instructor will provide all other items needed.
2 hours. Limit 7. $2 for supplies.
Intro to Knitting: Make a Monmouth Cap
Mistress Irene von Schmetterling
You will learn to cast on, knit, purl, and other essential knitting tasks.Students should bring a skein of worsted or bulky yarn, preferably wool and Double point or 16 inch circular needle in size 10, 11 or 13. Some needles will be available for use during the class.
2 hours. Limit 12. No fee.
Hardened Leather
Hersir Torvaldr Torgarson
We'll be discussing hardened leather use in the Middle Ages, methods and techniques for hardening leather. Students may want to bring writing materials, there will not be a handout.
1 hour. No limit. No fee.
Miscellaneous
A Mary Rose Ruler for your Period Sewing Kit
Master Bedwyr Danwyn
This is a make & take class where each student can make a 6 inch ruler for their period sewing kit based on Mary Rose recoveries. Great for public demos as well as actual use.
1 hour No limit. No fee.
Getting Knotty with Posament, the Other Other Form of Viking Era Wire Work
Lady Mar’itsa Sumnikova
In this class you will learn the origins of tenntrad, the core spun material whose origins potentially lie with the Saami peoples, explore how it got into Viking hands, and learn the knotting techniques used to create one of the pieces found in Grave 944 at Birka. Open discussion is encouraged during this class, as are questions!
Experience with macrame or knotting is helpful but not necessary to attend. Handout, materials provided.
2 hours. Limit 12. No fee, but donations welcome if you enjoyed the class.
Introduction to Finnish Iron Age Bronze Spiral Decorations
Duchess Siobhán inghean uí Liatháin
I will give a brief history of how the ancient Finns used bronze spirals to decorate their clothing and show examples of those decorations.
1 hour. No limit. No fee.
Natural Dyeing
Mistress Irene von Schmetterling
Dyepots will be set up in a convenient place, and available throughout the day.
CANCELLED
“Waste of Time" Russian Gold Cording
THL Cristina inghean Ghriogair
Russian Gold Work Embroidery
THL Cristina inghean Ghriogair
How to Make a Japanese Kosode
Lady Oribe Tsukime
Multiperson Fingerloop Braiding
Mistress Phiala O’Ceallaigh