Post Pennsic Blah - Stretch Goals 2023

After Pennsic, I like to collect my thoughts as well as my to do (or to buy) list to make things easier the next year. For those that know me, endless lists and notes will come as no surprise - but they're so helpful! I took care of 2022's list (of purchases) by September 2022 and come July of 2023, I was patting past-self on the back.

I would like to expand the list to projects I'd like to complete in the downtime between Wars for just the slightest bit of accountability. I think the underlying goal was to complete at least one project per month. Best of luck, future me!

Crispin Wardrobe Refresh

• hoods
• black linen
• gold wool
• pants 
• yellow linen
• black linen
• blue linen
• green linen
• red linen
• long sleeved tunics 
• olive green linen
• shot linen
• gold linen
• short (work) sleeved tunics 
• olive green linen
• shot linen
• neutral linen
• tunica 
• white linen

Gianna Wardrobe Refresh

• underdress
• neutral linen
• light blue linen
• long sleeved cote
• olive green linen
• short sleeved cote 
• blue linen - needs buttons and finishing (8/23)
• shot linen
• purple linen
• sideless surcoat
• tunica 
• white linen

Shared Items

• hoods
• blue linen - cut out, needs construction (8/23)
• brown linen
• black/gold parti-color

Other Projects

• Midrealm Royal infrastructure documentation and schedule (book)
  
• Midrealm Royal shield documentation (booklet)
• Midrealm Royal shower documentation (booklet)
• Midrealm Royal gate tent documentation (booklet)
• Midrealm Royal independent shire heraldry (hanging plaques)
• Midrealm Royal missing award heraldry (hanging plaques)
• Pennsic Tent or Camp Projects
• Stamp (decorate) interior curtains
• Paint carousel tent
• Paint day shade

Pennsic War 50 Classes I Took

1. Henry VIII: Victim or Tyrant? Was Henry VIII a victim of genetics, circumstance, and repetitive injury, or simply a tyrant? [Instructor: Isgerthr Bjargeyjardottir ]
2. The Hortus Conclusus - The Hortus Conclusus, the medieval walled garden in art and allegory. [Instructor: Victoria Fitzgerald]
3. Beaded Veil Edges - Beads add weight and beauty to your veils. In addition to being pretty, it is a practical way to keep your veils from blowing about in the breeze. This is a hands-on class using tiny needles and tiny beads. Youths 12 and older welcome with an adult. You will learn several techniques and leave with a sampler of beaded edges. Some hand-sewing knowledge is helpful. Please bring reading glasses and thread snips if you have them. [Instructor:  Sarra Bossard]
4. Short Veils and Square Chitons: Carthaginian Dress -  A concise overview of Punic dress and dress accessories. Includes patterns, instructions, and information on fibers, weaves, dyes, and stitches. Handouts will also be available online.[Instructor: Aelia Suphunibal]
5. Period Fabrics and Modern Sources - Learn about what fabrics were used in clothing during the Middle Ages and Renaissance in Western Europe. Learn about how and where we can find these fabrics for our own garb. We will make a swatch book, so you have some physical examples to help when you’re trying to identify and compare the fabric. The class is back after a long break for Pennsic 50. The instructor has over a decade of experience working in fabric stores and making garb for family, friends and strangers. [Instructor: Catalina Doro]
6. What's in Your Roman Pantry? - We will discuss and sample some of the most common ingredients featured in recipes from Apicius, learn their many uses, and how we can bring Roman flavors into our everyday cooking.[Instructor: Ottilige Rappoltsweiler ]
7. Roman Africa - An introductory look at the role that the people, landscape, and provinces of Africa played in the history of Rome. [Instructor: Salvia Repentina]
8. Ancient Inventions - Are we smarter that our ancestors? Probably not; we just have better machines, although our ancestors did have some pretty smart machines. Did aliens build the pyramids? Only in our imagination. Learn about a number of surprising tools and objects our ancestors had and used. Some of them may surprise you. Then bust some myths about history that you thought you knew. For example, why do all cultures have a seven-day week? Who invented spectacles? What’s the oldest musical instrument? [Instructor: Chengir abu ben Said]
9. The **Perfect Hat Stretcher** Made Easy -  Hat stretchers not only can stretch a small hat to fit your head, they will also keep a hat from shrinking. A stretcher is great for all hats and a must for felt hats. The problem with commercial hat stretchers is that they are expensive and rarely fit the shape of an individual's head. Learn how to make a hat stretcher at home in an hour or two that will exactly duplicate the shape of your head! This will make and keep your hat shaped perfectly, so you can wear it comfortably all day long without getting hot spots and it will be unlikely to blow off in the wind. And best of all, it will cost you around $5 or less to make. The stretcher is so easy and inexpensive to make that you will probably make one for each hat that you own. [Instructor: Bedwyr Danwyn]
10. Canvas Painting Practicum - Practicum of painting on canvas. We will use the modern acrylics and discuss how you can decorate your tent, etc. Covers how you plan a project and adjust paint. Take home the canvas you painted yourself. [Instructor: Aldermoureis Ventzke]
11. Garb from Simple Shapes - This class will discuss how clothing can be constructed from simple geometric shapes, based on extant garments from various parts of SCA period. We will look at how the extant pieces use rectangles and triangles to create clothing to fit the human body. Strategies for fitting and sizing to the individual will be discussed. [Instructor:  Abu-Darzin Ibrahim al-Rashid]
12. Archaeology of the Roman Diet - This is a lecture class focusing on how recent archaeological finds have changed our understanding of the Roman diet. The class will focus on recent archaeological digs at the port cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii. It will discuss how new finds and methods are being used to re-examine the traditional viewpoint of the diet of the average citizen and reach towards a better understanding of the diets of these members of the Roman population. [Instructor: Pompeia Rufina]
13. Making Better T-Tunics - Now that you have made your first t-tunic, learn some pointers for making the next one better. [Instructor: Aldermoureis Ventzke]
14. Modern Media in the SCA - Reaching people who are interested in the SCA can be difficult; reaching a large number at once even more so. In this class, Æthelmearc Media Liaison and broadcast journalist Baron Arias Beltran del Valle discusses how to reach out to modern media and share activities and events with them, while also adhering to Society media policies. Includes what to do (and not to do!) when the media arrives at an event. Included in the discussion will be suggestions on how to make an event more interesting to news outlets. We'll touch on rights given to the reporters and to participants. We'll also discuss who should be involved in preparations for meeting the media at an event, and how to present the best face for your group! [Instructor: Arias Beltran del Valle ]
15. Beginning Silk Banners Learn some history and make a simple banner using permanent dyes.[Instructor: Michaela Isabella Botticelli]
16. Talkin' Dirty: Pre-Modern Hygiene Always wanted to know about pre-1700 European toilets, bathing, washing, etc.? Join us for a wide-ranging discussion. [Instructor: Jadwiga Zajaczkowa]

Under Pressure - Pennsic 2023

Crispin's Wardrobe Refresh

1. black linen pants
2. black linen pants
3. black linen pants
4. lightweight fighting tabard with sleeves
5. lightweight rust linen work short

Gianna's Wardrobe Refresh

1. blue/black diamond short-sleeved cotehardie
2. brown wool short-sleeved cotehardie
3. tabby weave lightweight fighting tabard with sleeves
4. long sleeved white linen underdress
5. long sleeved white linen underdress
6. silk chiton
7. linen chiton
8. green detached sleeves
9. red/gold detached sleeves
10. pink feathered detached sleeves (mobile project)
11. blue heavy linen hood (mobile project)
12. blue cotehardie (mobile project)

Shared Items

1. black linen hood

Other Projects

1. 4 keg canvas covers
2. 2 canvas bench bags
3. 36 ropes / toggles for Midrealm gate tent 
4. 36 painted finials for Midrealm gate tent
5. 18 ropes /toggles for personal day shade
6. 18 painted finials for personal day shade

Pennsic War 49 Classes I Took

1. How to Make Period Furniture That Packs Flat - Make medieval-style beds, tables, and chests that pack flat for travel and snap together in minutes. Requires a beginner's skill and simple tools. [Instructor: Merswynd of Caudor ]
2. Weed Walk - Wild plant identification. Different teachers on different days. [Instructor: Juliane Bechaumpe]
3. Roman Fibulae - Make your own Roman-styled brooch/fibula from wire and a package of glass/metal beads. [Instructor: Gina Dragoni ]
4. A Feast for Bees - Planting a garden for pollinators is easy, fun, and quite period. We will discuss history, plants, plantings, and what may stop by for a snack. [Instructor: Juliane Bechaumpe ]
5. Weed Walk - Wild plant identification. Different teachers on different days. [Instructor: Raziya Bint Rusa ]
6. 12th Century Women's Clothing - An overview of 12th-century women's clothing, including the elusive bliaut. This class examines period sources outside of the Chartres Portal Sculpture box to explore how women's clothing was made in the 12th century. [Instructor: Briony of Chatham]
7. Godesses, Giantesses, Norns in Norse Mythology - From Valkyries to Völvas, giantesses to goddesses, we'll talk about the deeds, magic, and derring-do of the women in Norse myth.[Instructor: Sarah Barringer ]
8. Food & Sex in the Middle Ages & Renaissance Medicine - A look at the documented interrelationship of nutrition and sexual health in pre-1600 Europe. [Instructor: Lucretia Marcella] 
9. 13th-14th Century Nalbinding - An introduction to nalbinding worldwide in the 13th and 14th centuries. [Instructor: Sigrid Briansdotter ]
10. Ragnarök and the Death of Baldur - God is dead! Or at least a god is dead. How does a god die? And what happens next? Let's talk about Balddr! [Instructor: Sarah Barringer ]
11. The Richest Man Who Ever Lived: Jakob Fugger - A look at the life of the richest man who ever lived (depending how you calculate it): Jakob Fugger. The Augsburg banker who financed Europe. [Instructor: Friderich Swartzwalder]
12. Upon Thy Hem - An overview of different ways to finish edges of skirts. Reviews techniques and explores which methods were used when, where, and on what. [Instructor: Elena de la Palma]
13. Stepping Up Roman Garb - Little tricks for a variety of budgets to help build your Roman garb. [Instructor: Lucretia Marcella ]
14. When in Rome - The weird little quirks of Rome and some very bizarre facts. [Instructor: Lucretia Marcella ]
15. Vinegar: Anti-Brewing - How to make a homemade vinegar, plus a tasting of various vinegars and alcohol. [Instructor: Oswyn of Baðon ] 
16. Painting Your Pavilion - Want to paint your tent? Painted it already and want to commiserate with others? Come talk tent decorations and share your experiences. [Instructor: Aymii of the East Strand ] 
17. Modern Techniques & Aesthetics - Use the basics of Symmetry Analysis to analyze period artworks. This method is used on art from Stone Age pottery to tiling in the Alhambra. [Instructor:  Rosina von Schaffhausen ]

Under Pressure - Pennsic 2022

Crispin's Wardrobe Refresh

1. hunter green linen tunic
2. apple green linen tunic
3. cream linen tunic
4. grey linen tunic
5. black/white linen tunic
6. brown linen tunic
7. white linen braies
8. white linen braies
9. cream linen braies
10. cream linen braies
11. cream linen braies
12. apple green linen braies
13. hunter green linen hood
14. pale dove grey linen tunic
15. cream/green diamond short sleeved overcote
16. yellow/tabby cotehardie
17. yellow linen tunic (repair)

Gianna's Wardrobe Refresh

1. cream/green diamond surcoat
2. red/gold heavyweight overdress
3. 3.5 linen sleeveless smock/underdress
4. 3.5 linen sleeveless smock/underdress
5. red/yellow dalmatica (gift)
6. red/yellow dalmatica 
7. yellow linen hood - handwork project
8. 3.5 linen d-shaped veil - handwork project

Award of the Argent Cresset - April 2022

The Award of the Argent Cresset is an award given by the Baron and Baroness of Cleftlands to individuals who make efforts to learn and teach the arts within the Barony.

The Award of the Argent Cresset was created on pergamenata with Windsor-Newton gouache and Speedball calligraphy ink. The text reads as follows:

Draw near to hear the words of their excellencies Crispin and Gianna, Baron and Baroness of Cleftlands. It is proper to honor those who champion the arts which enrich the splendor of our fair barony. Therefore, we recognize Baron Stephen von Lübeck as the recipient of our Award of the Argent Cresset of the Cleftlands. We grant the right to bear the badge: Fieldless, a cresset argent enflamed proper, within et conjoined to an annulet argent estencilly gules. Done by our hands on the sixth day of April, Anno Societatis 55 at our farewell fête.

Finished work.

Midrealm Fireside Chat

His Excellency Crispin and I were honored to be invited by Their Royal Majesties Midrealm to participate in the Landed Barons Fireside Chat and represent the Cleftlands and Northern Oaken. If you've the time to spend or the inclination to serve the Kingdom and populace as a landed baron, we recommend a watch! (Extra credit for those who catch a glimpse of the herded cat.)

Award of Saint Clairiel - October 2021

The Order of Saint Clairiel is an award given by the Baron and Baroness of Cleftlands to individuals who have performed minor miracles within the Barony. 

• Source: Catalog of Illuminated Manuscripts, British Library 
• Title: 
• Origin:  
• Date:  

The Order of Saint Clairiel was created on pergamenata with Windsor-Newton gouache and Speedball calligraphy ink. The text reads as follows: 

Now before all those present know that we Crispin and Gianna, Baron and Baroness of Cleftlands are minded to recognize the many miracles attributed to Claricia de la Mere, but specifically for her creation and maintenance of Internebbles. We hereby recognize her as a member of our Order of Saint Clairiel. Done by our hands this twenty third day of October Anno Societatis 56 at our (ir)regular event.

The recipient of this award was unable to attend Regular Event, so it was presented at our last baronial court as baron and baroness on April 6, 2022.

Finished work.

Inspiration piece.

Award of the Argent Cresset - October 2021

The Award of Saint Alfred is an award given by the Baron and Baroness of Cleftlands to individuals who have given service to the Barony.

• Source: Catalog of Illuminated Manuscripts, British Library 
• Title: Psalter, Uses of Sarum
• Origin: England
• Date:  1330-1340

The Award of the Saint Alfred was created on pergamenata with Windsor-Newton gouache and Speedball calligraphy ink. The text reads as follows:

Draw near to hear the words of Crispin and Gianna, Baron and Baroness of Cleftlands. It is proper to honor those who excel in the arts and share their enthusiasm with others while enriching our lands. Therefore, we are minded to recognize Forester Gladius the Alchemist as a bowyer in our service and present unto him an Award of the Argent Cresset. Done this twenty third day of October, A.S. 56 at our (ir)regular event.

The recipient of this award was unable to attend Regular Event, so it was presented at our last baronial court as baron and baroness on April 6, 2022.

Finished work.

Inspiration work.

Award of Saint Alfred - October 2021

The Award of Saint Alfred is an award given by the Baron and Baroness of Cleftlands to individuals who have given service to the Barony.

• Source: Catalog of Illuminated Manuscripts, British Library
• Title: Shaftesbury Psalter
• Origin: England
• Date: 12th Century

The Award of the Saint Alfred was created on pergamenata with Windsor-Newton gouache and Speedball calligraphy ink. The text reads as follows:

All should know that we, Crispin and Gianna, fifth baron and baroness of Cleftlands to do hereby recognize our subject Tryggr Gillason for the commitment to service as shown while acting as the baronial iron key. Therefore, we grant unto him the award of Saint Alfred. It shall be done this 23rd day of October A.S. 56 at our Regular Event in the Cleftlands.

Finished work.

Inspiration piece.