A Happy Little Accident

With the tagline of "Everyone deserves to be part of the story," how can you not want to be involved?

Sir Crispin dela Rochefoucauld spent the better part of the year working diligently to bring an Assistive Listening System to the Middle Kingdom. From the overview on his blog: "Assistive Listening System (ALS): A portable and event-ready system that provides real-time audio during courts, classes, and announcements that is delivered directly to an attendees’ personal devices, including Bluetooth earbuds or compatible hearing technology."

Without getting too lost in the weeds, I helped facilitate onboarding for those interested in the system and collaborated on documentation. At Pennsic, Crispin scheduled three technical support sessions at the Midrealm Crafters Green, and on a lark I sketched a logo on our camp whiteboard - blending the classic three-arch Wi-Fi symbol with a nod to the triple rainbow badge created by the system’s originators.

After Pennsic, I ran the photograph through ChatGPT with the command "Stylized/clip art style, exclude the silvery frame and focus on the words Midrealm Assistive Listening System and the wi-fi symbol on the left with five circles replacing the third part of the wi-fi symbol." and was pleasantly surprised with the first draft. Add several hours of Photoshop and viola the final logo was complete!

Inspiration.

First draft.

Final-ish logo.

Pennsic War 52 Classes I Took

My scheduled commitments, paired with catching a variant of the Pennsic Plague, prevented my attendance to many classes that caught my eye this year. (And the heat, let's not forget about the oppressive humidity and heat...) Nevertheless, here we go!

1. Bycocket Workshop.  Learn about the history, construction and finishing of a wool felt bycocket. This is a hands-on workshop that **REQUIRES** that the participants bring their own wool felt blank in order to make a hat. Individuals without a blank are welcome to sit in and receive a handout. [Instructor: Lady Margarette la Gantiere]
2. Coats, Cloaks, and Other Outerwear. Weather happens. Sometimes it's cold or wet. What is the appropriate coat, cloak, or other protection from the elements for your persona? Survey of European outerwear 1000-1600 CE. [Instructor: Lady Sisuile Butler]

Pushing for Pennsic - 2025

Rather than curse myself with a monthly project update post, I humbly offer a list of garment-related items I have been working on for the two of us or for kingdom projects. My stretch goals for the winter were a bit stretchy. (Sounds familiar, eh?)

Crispin's Wardrobe Refresh

• completed projects
• green linen cotehardie
• shot linen lightweight cotehardie
• army green linen work tunic
• natural linen work tunic
• dark blue lightweight linen work tunic
• shot linen lightweight work tunic

Gianna's Wardrobe Refresh

• completed projects
• green wool cotehardie with silk sleeves
• green linen short sleeve cotehardie
• aluminum (grey) linen short sleeve cotehardie
• shot linen lightweight cotehardie
• purple archaic chiton with purple and grey trim
  
• green archaic chiton green and white trim
• natural archaic chiton with red and brown trim
• red archaic chiton
• shot linen archaic chiton
• Traveling Hat Club
• North Oaken - Middle Kingdom Coronation
• South Oaken - Royal University of the Midrealm
• Pentamere - Val Day
• Midlands - Ragnarök Rampage
• Constellation - Better War Through Archery

Other Projects

• Midrealm Royal
• award shield heraldry (1)
• award shield heraldry documentation

Pushing for Pennsic - 2024

Rather than curse myself with a monthly project update post, I humbly offer a list of garment-related items I have been working on for the two of us or for kingdom projects. My stretch goals for the winter were a bit stretchy. It isn't that I lack the skills, I lacked the spoons to do an awful lot during the winter. (Without getting too technical, I spent from August to April working on an exceptionally large project at work and it was very time, labor, and spoon intensive.)

Regardless...

Crispin Wardrobe Refresh

• repairs
• general's tabard - repaired sleeves
• black pants - repaired armor tears on legs
• grey geometric tunic - repaired neckline
• blue geometric tunic - repaired neckline
• yellow tunic - shortened sleeves
• green tunic - shortened sleeves
• completed projects
• black linen hood
• white three piece coif

Gianna's Wardrobe Refresh

• repairs
• white underdress - added long sleeves
• white underdress - added long sleeves
• white underdress - replaced long sleeves
• white underdress - repaired long sleeves
• blue work dress - shortened sleeves
• tan/brown overdress - extended hem length, added trim
• completed projects
• blue linen hood
• blue linen short sleeved cotehardie
• blue/white diamond weave short sleeved cotehardie

Other Projects

• Personal Encampment
• tri-fold privacy screen
• Midrealm Royal
• barricade (shield wall) documentation
• award heraldry shields (9 painted)

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]

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 ]

Pennsic War 48 Classes I Took

War this year was a mixture between personal, project, and professional time. I was able to squeeze in a small number of classes as time allowed. (I'll try to come back through and eventually write up insights on the classes, but today is not that day.)

1. Surveying Material Culture from Written Inventory - This class will explore the Last Will and Testament of Kale Pakouriane, a Byzantine *patrikia* (noblewoman) and her impressive inventory of clothing, jewelry, and household goods, within the dispersion of bequests to a variety of beneficiaries. Beneficiaries included her mother, sisters, manumitted slaves, and other household staff. We will re-live her marriage, life, closet, and wealth from her written will, and reconstructed garments will be displayed. (Instructor: Baroness Anna Dokeianina Syrakousina)
2. Slavery & Freed Persons in Rome - Slavery was a fact of life in ancient Rome, so what might a Roman persona be expected to know about it? Join us as we dispel the myths, face the facts and gain an understanding of how Roman people interacted with this challenging tradition. (Instructor: Salvia Repentina) 
3. Twelve Plants through the Ages: Year 3 - Follow twelve plants through time from Celsus to the modern day. What plants were used medicinally in period, and which of these uses have been proven by contemporary science. I am covering 12 plants this year which are different from the previous two years of plants covered by this class. This is a historical overview of uses, and does not constitute medical advice. (Instructor: Mistress Raziya Bint Rusa)
4. Justinian’s Plague and The Great Mortality - Come learn about flagellants, fleas, *tarbagans+, plague saints, and what Empress Theodora did with her three orifices. (Instructor: Baroness Slany bean Uillic)
5. Medieval Soil Amendments - Come discuss a variety of soil amendments used by medieval gardeners, and talk about why they were/are added/used from both a modern and medieval standpoint. We will try to discuss at least four soil amendments, and possibly more if time permits. (Instructor: Baroness Ellice de Valles)
6. Kick-Ass Medieval Women - We've heard it all before: Women were subjugated in the European middle ages. Haha, not quite! There will be no damsels in distress in this class! We'll survey a handful of strong women who bested their "better sex" using the sword, pen, or both. (Instructor: Baroness Anna Dokeianina Syrakousina)
7. Coronets: Interacting with Royals and Baronage (Instructor: Baroness Edan Lowery)
8. Russian Folk Demonology - Overview of the most common characters of Russian folk demonology, including household and nature spirits, diseases, werewolves, mermaids, and the undead, none of them particularly nice. (Instructor: Lady Luceta Di Cosimo)

Pennsic War 47 Classes I Took

One of my goals each Pennsic season is to take as many classes as I can during Peace Week as War Week is peppered with baronial and kingdom obligations. What I've noticed in documenting my interests is that I tend to lean in one general direction with my studies, this year being pro scientia atque sapientia. Without further ado...

1. Jewelry Demonstration: Etching Copper Alloys - The class was primarily a lecture with examples of the teachers work. She went through the different materials used, focusing on different printer friendly resists for transferring your image to the metals. Teacher was knowledgeable in her art and inspirational to give it a go for our own medals and awards.
2. History of Fabric Embellishments with Examples - The class was taught by the owner of the infamous adult ball (silk sari) pile and she used thought provoking examples throughout the class. I would recommend this overview for anyone interested in costuming. I think the most A HA moment was the connection between early period embellishment, using what you have available to you (your hand) and how when balled looks like... a paisley! Insert mind blown graphic here.
3. Hand Sewing 101 - I attended this class to see if I could learn any tips or tricks of the trade, but was shortly called out for being a ringer. (Oops.) The women teaching the class were subbing in for a friend who was unable to attend. Overall, educational for the novice hand sewer. The tip I took from it was to stop actually knotting my thread and using a different method to secure the ends. Will I do it? Probably when I remember I should be better.
4. The Rule - I've taken a few classes with this instructor and they're always incredibly educational, but not for the average student looking for a lighthearted class. This is definitely more like a college lecture. I was furiously taking notes, then realized I should probably just listen and enjoy it because there wasn't a test. Old habits die hard. The focus was on St. Benedict's rules regarding human weaknesses and strengths and how they've carried forward into society after 1500 years. Go out of your way to take these classes. They're enlightening.
5. Roman Round Table - The Roman round table was full of passionate and inspirational people. I can hardly wait to fall into this exceptional rabbit hole of awesome... (Certainly food for thought on another post somewhere down the line.)
6. Are You Wearing A Tablecloth? - I have taken this class before, but I wanted to confirm my theories about construction. I've waxed poetic about this before, but the more complex a pattern, the easier it is for me to work on. When things are relatively straightforward and simple, my brain cannot process and therefore I overthink things. If you haven't taken any of these before, I highly recommend them. :) It helped to cement many of the opening ceremonies garb choices for Cleftlands. There is also a make-and-take class she hosts, but I figured it would be cheating to finish up my hems when I'd already done the side seams at home on a machine.
7. Gildas, Cranky Old Romans, and No British Dark Age - A whimsical lecture (in which I did take notes) regarding Roman society still thriving in Britain during in and around 550 AD. It was enlightening in the realization that the societal influences were basically everywhere and is such a broad time period, that you can really play with the idea of being a Roman in the wilds of the isles, or Africa, or... pretty much anywhere. #inspiring
8. Roses, Part 1: Then and Now - A more standard lecture regarding different types of roses bred and grown in the SCA time period with examples, pictures, and roses. The teacher is a rose aficionado out of North Carolina who participates in horticulture. Good class, but I missed Roses, Part 2.
   
   In which our heroine discovers she has had this in her Drafts folder for over a year, so just stops reviewing the classes and posts their class descriptions.
   
   
9. Norse and Rus Women's Head Coverings - Explore possible hair knots, braids, wraps and coverings derived from extant images of Scandinavian Norse (Viking) and Rus/Slavic tribal women. Bring a scarf or a long piece of material to learn how to wrap your hair. (This class will not cover the British Isles caps or Western Scandinavia.)
10. Norse, Varangian & Rus: What is the difference? - There is a huge interest in Norse, Rus, Varangian and Slavic culture right now and I would like to show the differences between these distinct cultures and the occupation that was "Varangian". We will discuss the differences specifically in clothing and accessories for men and women of these different cultures and time periods. Lecture and demonstration class.
11. Keep Thee from the Nunnery (or Worse!) - Learn the traits to cultivate to make yourself the epitome of marriageable Italian womanhood. There is only so much dowry money to go around, and, if you've got sisters, you are likely to end up as Sister Mary on the Shelf. Culled from various sources of advice, learn about the ideal bride and the options if Lord Charming never comes.
12. The Byzantine Army -  Tactics and organization of the Byzantine army, with an emphasis on the tenth century. The Byzantine army was one of the best armies of its time.
13. Getting Down to Byz-ness: Byzantine Persona - Interested in building a Byzantine persona but don't know where to start? Let Anna fill your head with bad ideas for an hour, and see what you can come up with. Discussing Byzantine as a culture, rather than a time period, is the key focus of this class. There will be history, garb, names, titles, and yes, even Varangians. 
14. Closing your Clothes - Survey of period clothing closures and how to use them. Covers antiquity to 1600, and all the cultures that I have time for. Includes information on where to purchase these items. I will pass around actual closures and demonstrate their use.

Pennsic War 46 Classes I Took

The load of classes I was able to squeeze in between my baronial duties was unfortunately a bit limited. I did manage to cram in taking eight classes and teaching one. Without further ado...

1. Twelve Plants through the Ages - This class is a continuation of Pennsic 45's Twelve Plants focusing on (as you can guess) twelve different plants. I wasn't surprised to see so many previous students in the class, I still stand behind this being an amazing treasure trove of modern and historic lore, perfect for the curious or the studious! Teacher is still great.
2. Pennsic Homes - The class focused on the instructor's varied attempts at a Pennsic Small House, but cited many historic references to traveling caravans and homes. It was well attended and had more meat in the citations and the documentation was excellent. I wish I had a copy for my own perusal, but the teacher saved it for the next session.
3. Deeper Look at Textiles & Trim of Viking Age Dress - A gorgeous and in depth class discussing the creation of textiles. I'd try to summarize it, but my words would fail to cover the scope, so I'll just provide you with a class description. "By looking deeper at both the textiles and the details from extant items, this class aims to help individuals make informed choices for crafting their garments. Textile examples will clarify the weaves and weight of period fabrics and there will also be discussion of possible modern substitutions. Additionally, practical details for finishing or embellishing garments will also be explored and their history investigated. The goal of this class is to help the individual understand how daily life during the Viking Age could affect how textiles were crafted and worn." If you see it pop up 
4. Landed Baron/ess Roundtable - As stated, this round table allowed us to meet and greet with some of the other landed barons and baronesses of the Knowne World, outside of the Midrealm. I would recommend this for any interested in serving or for those already in service. I took quite a few notes and plan to apply some of the principles locally.
5. Soap in a Bottle - I arrived late for this class, so it was essentially an audit. The instructor gave several examples of how to make soap and encouraged all to give it a try. I can see this being a valuable technique to learn and subsequently to teach. I have a cousin who makes soaps for her small business so I may reach out to her for some tips and tricks.
6. Pennsic Without a Cooler - The class focused primarily on medieval foods that could last during the two week war with samples. Overall, well attended and educational, but I was looking for more of a modern take on doing Pennsic without a cooler to avoid the dreaded nutmeg. No fault of the instructor as her examples were useful.
7. The Bliaut Revisited - A generally good class covering the history of and the basics for construction of the bliaut. The instructor shared her experiences with planning, construction, and wearing them in all climates.
8. Espalier Trees - When I saw the class in the handbook, I was exceptionally excited and rearranged my baronial schedule to attend. (And still made my commitment a few hours later.) The instructor went through different tree and root stock, pruning techniques, historic shapes, and provided an exceptional pictorial guide on his own espalier tree farm. This is a multi-year project and takes a lot of time and care to come to fruition (pun intended) properly.

Pennsic 46 Classes

Since I wasn't sure of my baronial commitments, I opted to reprise one simple yet fun class for 2017.

• 8/4 @ 2:00 PM - Whose Partner Am I Anyway?

In the past, the class had been lightly attended but not this year! It just so happened that an exceptionally heavy rain storm hit right about 2:15, so after dropping the side walls of the dance pavilion, the dancers and I got back down to business and finished just shy of 3:00. I would say it was an overall success. :)

Pennsic War 45 Class I Took

Looking back on last year, it was the first time that I focused on attending classes other than dance at Pennsic University. It was a bit of a blur and I could barely remember all the classes that I took, so I promised myself this year I would actually take some notes.

Here's the run down:

1. Beginning Netting - This was the first class that I attended this year. (Yay!) I arrived at the class fairly on time and that clearly wasn't early enough. I was able to audit part of the course, but I was sitting outside the classroom and the teacher was demonstrating primarily to the people in the front of the class, but even they were having difficulty because she had her back turned to everyone. Maybe one or two people could have seen it and they were on the absolute sides of the classroom. I ended up leaving the class to grab some coffee because I would have a better chance of learning to net by watching a video. My constructive criticism here would to be enforce the class size and demonstrate with your back away from the audience, not to the audience. It was nearly impossible to see or hear anything going on.
2. Theories on Garments Found at Pskov - The class was co-taught by Mistress Blitha of Wolfhou and Lady Alfdis Thorsdottir. I really enjoyed the class and discussions, but was most impressed by the recreated examples of the extant finds used as visual aids. The documentation was well presented. Should they teach again, I recommend it!
3. Wet Felting: Viking Style - I have wanted to get my hands dirty, er clean..., with wet felting for a couple of years, but I had been unable to get in early enough to take it. I happened to catch Lítil-Grevinne Ísgerðr Gulkárr (of The Practical Viking fame) early in the morning and she was kind enough to take advance payment for an afternoon class. She was exceptionally accommodating to the over 30 students that wanted to take her class (original limit 15) and I walked away with a cute little felted pouch. I can see wanting to do this on my own in the future, despite how time consuming it is.
4. Graph Paper is Your Friend - A friendly mother-daughter team teaching their first class at Pennsic. I would recommend this class for someone starting out or a more experienced tailor interested in learning fabric conservation techniques.
5. Homeless Monks - The Mendicant Revolution - The class wasn't on my original schedule, but it turned out to be quite an enjoyable discussion with some historical favorites, such as Saint Francis of Assisi and and his friend Saint Dominic de Guzman. I enjoyed the brush with medieval history and religion for a time period I'm not overly familiar with.
6. How to Build a Yurt on a Budget - A very practical and detailed approach on how to build yurts, as the title says. I was relieved to work this in to my schedule fairly early at War because I figured it would be busy, and it was! The teacher was experienced and the hand out was great.
7. 16th Century Western Erotica - A class for adults, this was a frank and insightful class on the history of pornography in medieval times, focusing on I Modi or The Sixteen Pleasures by Raimondi and Aretino in the 1520's. I would recommend this class to anyone, but especially anyone whose persona focuses after that time so you have something to gossip about. 
8. The History of Prostitution - Taught by the same teacher as 16th Century Western Erotica, the class delved into history of prostitution through the ages and the legal and often financial ramifications of trying to moderate it. I was especially interested in how it was viewed in Roman culture and the interactions between the profession and the church. I highly recommend taking this class if you have a Roman or Italian since it would be common to know about them and how to either dress or NOT dress like a professional.
9. Whose Partner and I Anyway? - I technically attended this class... because I taught it. A collection of easy English Country Dances including Rufty Tufty, Hearts Ease, and Cuckolds all in a Row.
10. History of Block Printing & Printed Textiles - An excellent introduction to the history of block printing on textiles. It gives a great and plausible reasons for painted fabrics throughout time. The teacher was exceptionally passionate about the subject which was really contagious.
11. Medieval Gardening - An excellent overview of medieval gardening practices including seed sharing resources. I would highly recommend attending it if you're into dabbling.
12. A Hat for Every Head - The class covered head coverings throughout many time periods and reasons why they were worn, from cleanliness to holiness. Having the correct head coverings can really make or break your garb.
13. Live Like a Viking to Dress Like a Viking - A passionate teacher interested in the how and why clothing was worn, what was practical to wear, and how not to dress like you're going to your own funeral for every day task. (See also: Wet Felting)
14. Viking Penannular Brooches - This was a hands-on class that walked the students through making brooches. I wish I had better pictures of the forms we used for shaping the malleable metals, but M. loves the brooch I made.
15. Look Like You Stepped Out of a Manuscript - This class outlined how the teacher was building her wardrobe and persona based on a particular manuscript. Tips and tricks for finding similar themes and colors throughout the book (so the person is likely the same one), focusing on the layers of clothing and items to come up with a cohesive look.
16. Matthew Paris and the Volcano - This class wasn't on my original schedule, but the squirrel effect (Hey, that looks interesting!) I went and it ended up being one of the most interesting and insightful classes I took and couldn't stop talking about. I'd wax poetic, but I recommend reading the East Kingom Gazette article and seeing for yourself.
17. The Landsknechten - A historical overview of the history and people behind the Landsknechten and how this shaped their fashion choices.
18. An 11th-Century Byzantine Noblewoman's Closet - If you haven't taken a class from Anna Dokeianina Syrakousina (Anna's Rome), you're missing out. She's an subject matter on all things Byzantine. In this class, she was discussing her master's thesis works on the house records and will of a Byzantine woman named Kale. The class was fast paced, but mesmerizing. If you haven't downloaded a copy of her works (on Etsy, I believe), I would recommend it as an excellent means of research and just plain reading.
19. Drawn Work Handkerchief Make-and-Take - A lovely make and take class by Mistress Genoveva von Lubeck. It provided the ground work for future projects, should I ever have the time (and glasses) for such delicate work.
20. Diet and Nutrition in Early British Populations - I'm not precisely sure what I thought when I first sat down in the class, but I was quickly mesmerized for an hour with this teacher's in depth analysis based in hard, scientific facts, about what a particular population ate in a given region. I spent a good portion of the rest of War talking about different scientific ways to identify diseases by their ravages on your bones.
21. Period Patterns: 16th-Century Tailoring Books -  A historic look at different tailoring manuals from the past. Primarily focused on manuals from Spain, but delved into German tailoring as well as other regional manuals. Tips and techniques how to understand units of measure and how they translate to modern patterning. e.g. What's a barra and how long is it? 33 modern inches, etc. I would recommend this class for anyone looking to use historic patterns for construction and for those wishing to expand their understanding of fabric utilization and thrift.
22. Periodness of the Pennsic Homes - The class had good bones, but was more focused on a few set examples of period homes and less on good attempts for mobile domiciles at Pennsic.
23. Twelve Plants through the Ages - A highly educated and researched view on the historic uses and references to twelve plants focused on for the course of this lecture and cross referenced with known modern uses. The teacher was a professional with a background in botany. I would recommend this class for anyone interested in the history of medicinal plants or medieval medicine. The instructor advised that the twelve plants would differ each year. Bonus! 
24. Medicine, Physick, and Surgery - The class was a deep dive into different medieval medical tools, techniques, and beliefs. 
25. Viking Age Textile Tools - My notes on this class are incomplete, but it was a general survey of different textile tools used to create garments from about 800-1100 AD based on findings from the Osaberg ship. 
26. 16th-C Working Class Women's Garb Across Europe - The class could have easily been triple the single hour that was elected for and was a good primer for how, across the 16th century, construction for working class women was very uniform with regional changes. Construction methods very similar
27. Braies and Chausses for the Practical Reenactor - A lovely practical look into period braies and chausses - how they were worn, examples from manuscripts indicating the braies were far less constructed and far more practical than modern aesthetics and construction would lead us to believe. I enjoyed the perspective of having the teacher being a man wearing the garments so we could see the practicality of it. Also a historic look into references where soldiers being requisitioned with squares of material to act as socks. Fascinating!
28. Constructing a Florentine Sottana for Beginners - With permissions of Margo Anderson, the pattern maker a recently released Italian pattern booklet, the teacher of this class went over the construction of the dress with tips and tricks. Overall, a very good class with a lot of attention to detail.

It's a surprise to see just how many classes I took laid out in an ordered list! Also in knowing that the number would have been much higher if I hadn't wilted in the insufferable heat and humidity is impressive. Pennsic University is amazing, people. If you haven't taken advantage of it before, make sure you in the future!

Order of the Dragon's Heart

Midrealm Great Court, Pennsic War

On August 11, I was recognized as a member of the Order of the Dragon's Heart, a Middle Kingdom Award defined as:  given to those who have performed services on behalf of the Middle Kingdom above and beyond service normally expected of subjects of the Crown.

For all of you scheming to get me to attend the world's hottest and most humid court ever: I was going to go anyway. :|

For all those who wrote me in, thank you.

I am humbled.

Thank you to Baroness Soffya von Kulp for the lovely scroll. If you aren't familiar, her miniature work is amazing and I'm so happy to have this piece of art!

Proclaim to all that We, Cameron and Amalie are mindful of the time, labor, and love that Gianna Vettori hath freely given. Her tireless service fuels her barony and kingdom, she can continually be seen behind the scenes to ensure that the society is a better place for all. She truly has the heart of a dragon, and we are minded to create her a companion of our most noble Order of the Dragon's Heart.

Pennsic 45 Classes

The beginning of the year brought some pretty large changes and projects on the home and work front, so much that I missed the deadline for class submissions for Pennsic! After I returned from the UK, I submitted one class in the event that Pennsic U needed a spot filled in the dance tent. I was contacted by the Dean of the School of European Dance to wiggle my single class in. \o/ Thanks! :)

• 8/4 @ 10:00 AM - Whose Partner Am I Anyway?

Edit: While the class was lightly attended, thanks to the three students, especially Hakon Hrafnsson for being a repeat customer. [For those that don't know him, Lord Hakon is an exceptionally talented dance master, musician, webminister in the Shire of Rivenvale, and mean bocce player.]

Pennsic War 44 Class I Took

1. Anglo-Saxon Context: Franks Carolingia Merovingia - Very interesting series.
2. Anglo-Saxon Context: Scandinavia "Vikings" - Ibid.
3. Anglo-Saxon Context: The Normans - Ibid. I actually got up at 9 AM for all three of these!
4. Are You Wearing a Tablecloth? Greek Clothing - From what I remember, I liked it.
5. Baba Yaga, the Arch Villainess of Russian Folklore - Exceptionally fun and educational class. The mythos behind the Rus folklore makes me really wish I could read it!
6. Beautiful Neckline Finishing- Tricks and hints on how to finish necklines. (Start sewing!)
7. Fit Your Neck Hole: Keyhole Neck - Had to jet in this class. Teacher was good though!
8. German Saxon Gown - Mistress Cerridwen hath inspired me to make a monstrosity. Someday!
9. Ghirlandaio Girl: Intro to 1480's Florentine Dress - Well attended and excellent handouts.
10. Let's Be Frank: Improving your Caroligian Persona - Good class, male teacher, Frankish clothes. Simplicity and complexity all at the same time! Makes me wish I/we were earlier period.
11. Mozzarella, 30-Minute Process - Class was packed, but a good primer for cheese making.
12. Norse and Rus Women's Head Coverings - What can I say? Rannvaeig is a great teacher.
13. Norse Underdress Drafting: Basic Pieced Style - Good class. Super attended. 
14. Pilgrim's Bag - Excellent research materials, still need to make the bag!
15. Plagues of Europe: Really, There Was More Than One - Good history class.
16. Scandalously Practical: Italian Drawers - No what I expected, but useful.
17. Temple Rings and Tortoise Shell Brooches - See above. Rannvaeig is awesome.
18. The Orient Express: Did Byzantines wear Persian? - I really liked this class and the teacher was passionate about her subject matter.
19. Thorsberg Trousers: Pants that Last - Excellent class with a definite OOOOOH moment with the cut of the fabric actually mattering for stretch.
20. Zilbaldone da Canal: The Book of 14th Century Traders - Excellent history class.

There were a few more that I put on my list, but missed narrowly or only caught the tail end of as I spent a fair amount of time volunteering at A&S Point or teaching my own four classes. I can't wait to see what classes will be taught next year!

Pennsic 44 Classes

It seems like just yesterday I was posting about Pennsic 43, alas it's nearly Pennsic 44! Here is the docket of classes scheduled primarily during Peace Week, including a slight modification (and addition to) my Italian Dance for ECD, now English, Feet!

• 7/28 @ 10:00 AM - Italian Dance for English Feet: Anello, Fedelta
• 7/30 @ 12:00 PM - Italian Dance for English Feet: Contrapasso en Due
• 7/31 @ 10:00 AM - Italian Dance for English Feet: La Castellana
• 7/30 @ 4:00 PM - Whose Partner Am I Anyway?

Pennsic 43 Classes

Hello, Pennsic People! Here are my class notes for my Pennsic 43 classes:

• 7/30 - Alman all the Time
• 7/31 - Storytime with Arbeau
• 8/1 - Whose Partner am I Anyway?
• 8/4 - Italian Dance for ECD Feet – La Castellana

Pennsic 40 Rapier

Pennsic 40 Cleftlands Rapier Unit: Baroness Milesent, Baron Edward,
Sir Lorimer, Cynwrig, Vraile, Gianna, Ginevra, and Sir Farthegn.