This is the last one for a while. It's aimed at people who need to write documentation for SCA arts and sciences events.
jane_stockton_writing_documentation.pdf
30 November 2007
29 November 2007
Research - Don't Panic
Another set of documentation. This one is on how to do basic research. It's aimed at research for an SCA project but it could work for other things as well.
jane_stockton_research_dont_panic.pdf
28 November 2007
New Handout - Non-Counted Blackwork
Finally got around to uploading my latest handout. It's on non-counted blackwork. Quite a few original patterns taken from period sources in it. I may modify this at some stage, but that might never happen so best to upload it now just in case!
jane_stockton_non_counted_blackwork.pdf
23 November 2007
Organising
They really got the term right when they called it Spring Cleaning. I got home at about 10.30am from work yesterday. I've been feeling like doing some scrapbooking so I sat down to do that. I had to put a few things away off the desk and the next thing I know I was completely reorganising my embellishments (now by colour) and then organising paper. Things are now much better. I didn't get any scrapping done but I will be in a much better position to do it next time I want to.
22 November 2007
Yipee
A quick post. I just got home from work. I arrived to find that Security wouldn't let us in the building. Apparently the electricity was out and they had shut down everything. Once we got the B Med interviews sorted out, we got to go home.
I will not watch all of Season 3 of Battlestar Galactica in one day. I will not watch all of Season 3 of Battlestar Galactica in one day. I will not watch all of Season 3 of Battlestar Galactica in one day.
I will not watch all of Season 3 of Battlestar Galactica in one day. I will not watch all of Season 3 of Battlestar Galactica in one day. I will not watch all of Season 3 of Battlestar Galactica in one day.
21 November 2007
Details On Mounting The Silk
Machteld asked about the silk claws I used for the silk banner painting. I used these claws from an Australian online store called Silksational. From the packaging they seem to be of German manufacture (I'd have to check at home for the exact brand). You attach elastic bands to the claws and then attach these to the frame.
There is some information on the process on the website of the Barony of Southron Gaard. Of interest is how they attached the silk to the frame. Instead of using the specialist claws, they just used saftey pins, which would work out cheaper but would be a little bit more time consuming.
I've asked the nice lady at Silksational about using the steam set dyes. These give stronger colour and more supple fabric, but I would have to build a steaming box for the banners and that is a bit beyond my abilities. So I might have to stick with the hobbiest level stuff for the moment.
There is some information on the process on the website of the Barony of Southron Gaard. Of interest is how they attached the silk to the frame. Instead of using the specialist claws, they just used saftey pins, which would work out cheaper but would be a little bit more time consuming.
I've asked the nice lady at Silksational about using the steam set dyes. These give stronger colour and more supple fabric, but I would have to build a steaming box for the banners and that is a bit beyond my abilities. So I might have to stick with the hobbiest level stuff for the moment.
19 November 2007
Step 4 - Mounting Banner
This is the banner mounted onto the frame. I made the frame from some timber and wing nuts. As its for silk, it didn't need to be super strong.
The silk is held in place by some very nasty looking claws/prongs. Then elastic bands hold the banner to the frame. They give a good even tension around the whole thing.
Step 5 - Painting Crescents
This is the yellow paint on the crescents. No gaps in the gutta so no running onto the background.
Step 6 - Background
The red background done. I had to make sure to put enough paint into the rolled hem so there were no white spots.
16 November 2007
Silk Banner Painting Step 2
This is the silk banner sticky taped in place on the desk over the pattern for the banner.
Silk Banner Painting - Step 3
This is the third step, with the gutta being traced over the design for the banner. Not the best tracing in the world but not bad for a first go and practice run. The gutta needs to dry over night. Next step - painting.
Dear Poms, Please Read (And Everyone Else As Well!)
Looks like the The Textile Conservation Centre (TCC) is under threat. It was established as an independant charitable trust in 1975. Based in Hampton Court Place from 1975-1999. Merged with the University of Southampton in 1998 and moved to a custom-designed building on Winchester School of Art campus in 1999. It does alot of great work both restoring and conserving historical textiles and training people on how to do it. If you are British citizen, please consider signing the petition to keep the centre open. If you aren't from the UK, consider spreading the word to those who can by posting information on your blog or linking to this post.
Non-UK citizens can still send feedback to the Dept of Culture, Media and Sport.
Non-UK citizens can still send feedback to the Dept of Culture, Media and Sport.
15 November 2007
Medieval Embroidery Fragments
Got a reply from the V&A about this item.
German, Cologne
2nd half of 15th century
Silk, linen, gilt membrane tissue.
1/2 twill, 1 binding, 2 pattern warps, 4 pattern wefts.
Warps: bindings: silk, red; pattern: linen, undyed.
Wefts: silk, red, green, white, blue; gilt membrane on a linen core.
Museum no: 845-1899
Does this mean it's woven and not embroidered? Anyone who's been to the V&A know?
14 November 2007
Found My Scissors
I've been in a bit of panic the last few days as I thought I'd lost my good dress making scissors. I'd searched everywhere. I'd taken them to work to use the meeting room desk for some cutting out on the green gown. I could've sworn that I'd packed them away, but obviously I handn't as I found them with the girls at the other end of the building. I'm glad I didn't buy a new pair when I dropped my sewing machine off for it's annual service today.
11 November 2007
Coat and Stuff
Thanks to everyone who has given me advice about working with the velvet, it is much appreciated.
I spent the day doing housework, including cleaning up the "craft" room so that I can see the floor. Which also means I can now get at the cupboard with the walking foot in it to tackle sewing the coat up. I really would like to have something finished before I need it. If I can get this done before the end of the year I will be really stoked.
I spent the day doing housework, including cleaning up the "craft" room so that I can see the floor. Which also means I can now get at the cupboard with the walking foot in it to tackle sewing the coat up. I really would like to have something finished before I need it. If I can get this done before the end of the year I will be really stoked.
10 November 2007
Site Prep
Got up very early for the site prep. We made it by the deadline. Lugged lots of bits of wood around and got my feet very wet every time I jumped across the creek. Sort of ironic getting you feet wet building a bridge so that in future your feet won't get wet! Got sucked on my a leech. Had some very nice muffins (must get the recipe). And we stopped at Tuggerah on the way home, they now have a Starbucks. So I was able to indulge my Mocha Frappacinno addiction. Also saw Borders for the first time, boy, they really do have alot of books. Just wish I had the accompanying amount of money! So we flew the flag and hopefully we will have a better idea of what needs to be done next time.
9 November 2007
Working on Green Velvet Loose Gown
With no major projects on hand, I decided to tidyup a few wips. The green velvet gown I started in July has been sitting on top of a pile of blankets since they were cut out. So last night I grabbed them and sewed the major seams up. I got the trickest part done, which is the back collar. When I tried it on the side seams looked like crap. I think the puckering on one side is caused by a combination of not feeding through at the same speed and the pieces not being cut out properly. So I brought the coat to work with me and used the big table in the meeting room to lay it out. When I looked at how the side seam of the back piece was cut out, I saw a major part of the problem. So I grabbed a straight edge and recut this side. I think think this will solve most of the problems. I might also put the walking foot on my machine (yah, had the damn thing for years and never used it!) to see if that helps as well. I think working on a bias cut seam of stretchy velvet will require these solutions.
The next step will be recutting the lining to the correct size and shape and putting the lining and fur together. I hope the linen will be able to cope with the weight of the fur. Then once the body is together, I can start thinking about the sleeves.
The next step will be recutting the lining to the correct size and shape and putting the lining and fur together. I hope the linen will be able to cope with the weight of the fur. Then once the body is together, I can start thinking about the sleeves.
7 November 2007
6 November 2007
Melbourne Cup Day, 2007 Hat
The party at work requires a hat for entrance. So I went with a "Spring" theme to fit in with the Spring Racing Carnival.
I went mad with my Sizzix machine and some felt I had on hand. Best thing is that all the bits can be removed as the only thing holding them on is static electricity!
5 November 2007
Work in Progress - Elizabethan Bed Hanging
This is the Elizabethan bed hanging I am working on. There will be a large heraldic motif placed in the centre and a number of smaller floral, fauna and insect motifs scattered around the background of the hanging.
I had a plan to finish outlining all the slips, but I had an attack of apathy on the weekend, so the yellow one still requires one more round of couching. But it may provide a good comparison of what a difference an extra round makes.
4 November 2007
3 November 2007
2 November 2007
Tristan Quilt
Quilted bedcover, Sicily, about 1400. Museum no. 1391-1904., originally uploaded by Medieval and Renaissance - V&A.
Looks like the V & A might be doing some work on the Tristan Quilt. Whatever the reason, some really great close up shots are available at their Flickr site - Medieval and Renaissance - V & A's Photos.
This is the Tristan Quilt held in the Victoria and Albert Museum. The quilt dates from around c.1400. Details can be seen on the website. The museum number is 1391-1904.