The Needles Excellency

Nine Patch Leftovers - Help!

2012-03-02T11:48:00.001+11:00

So, I have a heap of strips left over from the nine patch project I am working on. There should be enough to make something useful from with a little bit of work. What I lack are ideas. I was thinking maybe a couple of strips of plain fabric? But I don't want to buy too much more fabric or deal with having to work out co-ordinating colours. Or maybe one of each colour per block to make a stripy pattern? But that wouldn't give me as many blocks as if I only used one strip per block.

So any ideas or suggestions would be much appreciated.

Here are the strips to give an idea of colours.

Also, here is the pile of nine patch blocks ready to be made into the top. It's gonna be huge!!

Clean Up and Fabric Donation

2012-03-01T13:28:00.002+11:00

So I didn't get around to taking any photos of the UFO. But I did manage to clean up my craft space a little bit. I found several bits of fabric I won't use, so I posted to my main quilting group and got a list of people and groups working on quilts for donation to worthy causes. I have sent off two large parcels of quilting fabric which will now be made into quilts for people who really need them. And I hope to send some more once the clean up is complete!

Do YOU have any of that "Oh my God, what was I thinking when I bought that fabric"? Why not see about donating it to a group making quilts or other items for those not having the best of times? If you are in Australia and would like a couple of names let me know!!

In an effort to add some colour, here are the blocks I currently have for the next UFO on the list to complete. I need to make another seven blocks and then just add a border. Should get this additional blocks done this week. A bit more time consuming as they are hand stitched.

UFO Update (Sort Of)

2012-02-28T14:12:00.000+11:00

So, I'd planned on having a nice update on the current UFO I am trying to finish. Well, on the bright side, the top is now done. I plan on sending it to a shop to be quilted. I have come to the realisation that I will never get any quilts done if I hand quilt them all. So this lap quilt is a nice test run. I did take photo's of it last week, but the light was poor and the colours were way off. I had planned on taking more photos over the weekend, but a combination of over cast skies and a sudden urge to clean (which happens so rarely is should never be put off) and I didn't get it done. Also, I have totally stuffed my neck. No lateral movement at all. So, some sewing done (couldn't do much more than watch tv for two days) and a much cleaners craft room still counts as a win. I hope to have photos in the next couple of days. Might need to bring to work with me to get a day time shot.

Pink Stone Wrap Bracelet

2012-02-20T10:20:00.000+11:00

I made this one for a friends 21st Birthday last week. I think she really liked it. I love the colours and the texture on the stones.

Blue Beaded Bracelet

2012-02-17T10:40:00.000+11:00

This is another one of the bracelets I made on the weekend. It's actually a very easy method to do. But I would recommend using beads no larger than 6mm, as it's gets much harder with bigger beads and doesn't sit quite as well. I gave this one to a friend of mine.

Beaded Bracelet

2012-02-15T10:48:00.001+11:00

So I get easily bored. I found a few tutorials for making beaded bracelets via Pinterst. Here is what I made on the weekend.

Reversa Work Table Runner

2012-02-10T10:21:00.003+11:00

In my continuing nostalgia process, here is another of my old pieces. It's a red and white reversa work, based on a pattern from Plate 44 from Bassees’ “New Modelbuch” of 1568. It's done in long arm cross stitch.

More details are available on my other website.

Reversa Work – a lesser known variety of voided work produced on the Iberian Peninsula. It has many similarities with Assisi work, including stitches and colour choice. Other characteristics include in later periods to the use of yellow as a filling colour and the outlining of patterns in either black or another colour, darker than the filling.

Old Quilt Revisted - Y2K Quilt

2012-02-09T11:54:00.004+11:00

After having a play with Pintrest, I realised that I didn't have a decent photo of my Y2K Quilt. So here it is. It was made as part of a world wide Y2K movement among quilters to commemorate the turn of the Millenium.

It is made up of 2001 individual pieces of fabric. No fabric is repeated (I hope!!). There are also a large number of signature squares from the people I swapped fabric with to make the quilt. To view these, check out some of the individual blocks in detail.

Bookbinding

2012-02-07T13:28:00.000+11:00

A selection of some of the limp bound, hand made books I've made. Also, an excuse to play with the collage feature in Picasa!!

XMas Card 3

2011-10-22T11:32:00.003+11:00

From Cards

XMas Card 2

2011-10-20T11:31:00.002+11:00

This card is based on one designed by Jess Larsen.

From Cards

This second shot shows the shimmer better. Made with Perfect Pearls.

From Cards

Christmas Card 1

2011-10-17T13:20:00.002+11:00

This one is an original design. Not too complicated but I like it.

From Cards

More Cards

2011-10-15T13:10:00.001+11:00

Still waiting for the silk to arrive. Starting to get a bit worried. It usually doesn't take this long.

This card is based on one designed by Jess Larsen.

From Cards

Cards and Quilts

2011-10-10T11:11:00.005+11:00

Sorry, no embroidery. I am waiting on an order of some flat silk thread from China. So nothing until then. But I have been working on my summer quilt, which is working up way faster than the last one I did!

And I had a bout of making man cards on the weekend!! Here is one of them. My original design. Let me know if you are interested in using it for a class.

From Cards

More Thread Ordered

2011-09-16T10:17:00.001+10:00

So, I finally got around to ordering some more flat silk thread for the presentation piece my friend and I are working on. It's for a recent king, who happens to have come from our Barony. We had some pretty severe limitations on the design - could only be black, red and yellow. With a Celtic feel. He supplied a pattern, which we then adapted. The finished piece will be two cuffs. The first one is done and it looks pretty awesome. I did the silk work and my friend, Leoba, did the goldwork. We had a small delay due to a car through a bedroom! So once I get the silk, I can start working on the second cuff. It should only take me a couple of weeks to get it done. It looks fancy but its really quick to work up, just basic satin stitch, though working with the flat silk can be a challenge. I can't post pictures until it is done, though, sorry!

Cards Made Today

2011-07-13T17:22:00.001+10:00

This is what I managed to get done today. Sorry for the quality of the photo but the camera on the iPad sucks.

They open up, with a place to write and somewhere to put a gift card or photo.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Uni Now Finished

2011-05-09T14:38:00.002+10:00

I just submitted my final two Uni assignments. I'm not very happy with them but at least they are done. And I was not going to improve them enough to outweigh the last penalities. So they were submitted as is.

This means that I now have no excuse not to do some embroidery. I have two outstanding WIP's that need to be completed, so they will be first cabs off the rank. I should have some progress pics by the weekend.

Back From Hiatus

2011-05-04T13:27:00.001+10:00

Just thought I would say hi to everyone. I haven't been posting much the last few months as I haven't really been doing much in the way of embroidery or any handy craft at all really. Most of my time has been taken up with doing my Uni course. My last assignments are due this weekend, so after that I should be getting back into the swing of things.

Xmas Card 1

2010-09-22T16:50:00.002+10:00

Xmas 1, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

I know I haven't blogged in ages. My digital camera died and without piccies, I'm not very motivated.

Anyway, not alot of sewing at the moment, I've been making cards. I am hoping this will get my creative juices going so I can get some scrapbooking done. I am SOOO out of practice.

Here are some Christmas cards I made with the newly released Stampin' Up Christmas paper.

Update - Merovingian Cartouche

2010-05-09T20:47:00.001+10:00

Update - Merovingian Cartouche, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

Finished the first lion. Taking a bit longer than I expected. Not being helped by being distracted by stamping stuff. But I think I've gotten most of that out of my system.

Good Luck Card

2010-04-12T20:52:00.000+10:00

Good Luck, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

Final card from the Stampin' Up class. I quite like this one. And I managed to do the best stamping out of everyone! A first for me!

Celebrate Card

2010-04-11T20:47:00.002+10:00

Celebrate, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

Another Stampin' Up class card.

Razzleberry Card

2010-04-10T19:29:00.000+10:00

Razzleberry Card, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

One of the cards I made at the Stampin' Up class I went to on the weekend. I love the Top Note die cut (the shape used on the front and the inside). The colours are very nice as well.

Cartouche Progress

2010-04-09T19:28:00.000+10:00

Cartouche Progress, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

Making good progress. I think this is going to be quite dark.

Merovingian Cartouche

2010-04-07T16:24:00.001+10:00

Merovingian Cartouche, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

These are my contribution to the last Royal gifts. The WCOB are making a set of 12 cartouches to be given to the last King and Queen as a gift. Based on Merovingian designs. Onion skin dyed wool, to be worked using Appletons Crewel wool, single strand in chain stitch with some details in satin and stem stitch. Shouldn't take too long to do. I'm thinking a couple of weeks for both of them.

Cut Out Wreath

2010-04-05T13:14:00.001+10:00

Cut Out Wreath, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

The wreath and shield for the middle of my tent stitch project. They are no cut out and ready to be tacked to the background. Then be outlined in gold twist.

Finished Second Outling

2010-04-04T13:12:00.000+10:00

Finished Second Outling, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

Finally, after about a year and a half, got around to doing the second and final round of gold outlining. All the large floral elements are now done. Working on getting the centre wreath and shield tacked down and ready for outlining.

Festival Day Trip

2010-04-02T13:15:00.000+11:00

Decided to go down for a day trip to Festival. Left home about 7am and arrived on site at about 9am. Took so long because I had to make a pit stop for batteries.

Got there just in time for Market Day, but I didn't find anything that I wanted. Gave Anton his 20 copies of King Jade that I'd printed and bound for him. I think he was pretty chuffed with them.

Got lunch, hung out in Mordenvale encampment. Then off to Laurel Prize Tourney with my bookbinding teaching models. Got some nice buttons and pewter studs. Can probably use all of them on some more books.

Then to WCOB meeting. Then more hanging out and then back home. Totally exhausted.

Hattie Relaxing

2010-03-10T12:08:00.002+11:00

Hattie Relaxing on my Chest, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

This is Missy Hattie laying on her back getting comfy on my chest. It really is a hard life!! Not!

Stampin' Up Card

2010-03-06T10:36:00.000+11:00

P1030380, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

This is the card I made at the Stampin' Up class I went to today. I like the colours. I will have to start making some cards. Don't know what I will do with them when I'm done though!

Apt, Shroud of St Anne

2010-03-05T12:09:00.000+11:00

Apt, Shroud of St Anne, embroidered orbiculus, originally uploaded by julianna.lees.

Not alot of details, but an interesting embroidered piece.

iPhone Arrived!!

2010-03-04T10:38:00.000+11:00

iPhone, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

Woo hoo! My free iPhone arrived today. Telstra had the info wrong on the website. So we rang up and pointed this out and said we wanted the phone for the advertised amount. They said no, we kept at them until they sort of gave up and we insisted they take our details down and log our complaint. They said they would get back to us. We knew that was a lie. So we gave them a week and then followed up.

The next guy said could we send them screen captures of the info cause they couldn't find it on the website. We said sure (I love our photocopier that scans!) and sent along. The email bounced as unknown user. So we rang up again and got someone else. She said yes, it was what the deal said, and took all our details and said the phone would be there in a couple of days. And they were.

It is so awesome.

Redemption Cartridges

2010-02-28T12:04:00.000+11:00

Redepmtion Cartridges, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

My redemption cartridges arrived today. That was pretty fast, I only sent the paperwork in last week. I will only be keeping one, Printing 101. I will be Ebaying the rest.

Heritage Cuts

2010-02-24T12:00:00.000+11:00

Heritage Cuts, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

This is the first go at using the Cricut to cut out stuff for a layout. All for one couple in my family history album. Also similar cuts in other colours for layering. Having a bit of trouble putting the layout together, basically out of practice with the scrapbooking. Might just put it together and revisit later if not happy.

Swap Blocks

2010-02-21T16:02:00.000+11:00

Swap Blocks, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

I'm organizing a block swap on a quilting email list I am on. These are my blocks for the first six months of swaps. I wanted to get them out of the way so I don't have to be dragging the sewing machine out every month. Oh to have somewhere to permanently set it up.

Craft Show Loot

2010-02-19T16:02:00.000+11:00

Craft Show Loot, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

No cricut cartridges but I did pick up some other stuff, as you can see. Pretty even split between scrapbooking stuff and quilting stuff. Got basically one of each colour in the Glimmer Mist. The pink and green is a combo cutting mat and iron mat, with a nice cover and carry handles. I also added to the stash of 1930's fabrics. Found an interesting green that I REALLY like.

The show was good. I had planned on attending some of the seminars but I didn't get a chance. It was too hard to try and get to the rooms they were in. I must've done about 12 laps of the aisles. Was totally wiped out by the time I got home.

Cricut in a Box

2010-02-18T16:12:00.000+11:00

Cricut in a Box, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

Pink Cricut Expression Machine

2010-02-18T16:10:00.000+11:00

Pink Cricut Expression Machine, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

All the lights etc are pink!!

Phrase from Cricut

2010-02-17T16:23:00.001+11:00

Phrase from Cricut, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

This is what a cut out looks like when the excess paper is removed. You can see how clean and sharp the cut out shape is. This is one of the pre-made phrases on the cartridge.

Cricut Cutout

2010-02-16T16:11:00.000+11:00

Cricut Cutout, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

This is what the stuff looks like when it is still on the mat. But you can see the variety of shapes it can cut.

Can't Find a Fabric? Try This Website

2010-02-12T09:50:00.002+11:00

In my search for my missing fabric, someone sent me this great link. I haven't heard back yet, but thought others might want to know about it.

http://www.sewn.net.au/Findit/FindFabric.aspx

Basically, you tell them what fabric you are looking for (you can attach an image if your not sure of the details) and they send it out to the network of shops that have signed up with the service. If someone has it, they let you know and you can buy it! Sweet.

Lochac Scribes Blog

2010-02-11T10:38:00.001+11:00

The Lochac Scribes College have started a blog to promote both the Scribal arts and to let the people of the Kingdom know what they are up to.

http://lochacscribes.blogspot.com/

Moonglow Update

2010-02-06T10:17:00.000+11:00

I've finished most of the alternate blocks but I'm one or two pieces short of fabric and no one seems to sell it anymore. I have been reduced to begging on my quilting email lists. Hopefully, something will come up. In the meantime, my finishing binge continues. I think the next project I will work on will be my everyday blackwork shirt. I've deconstructed the first shirts I made and modified them a bit - the sleeves were way too big and too complicated. I've cut them down and am putting some blackwork on them. It was going to be a take along project, but with Festival around the corner, I have no shirts to wear, so a concerted effort is required.

Do You Know Who Sells The Kit For This Quilt?

2010-02-05T16:05:00.004+11:00

Yes, there may be a prize if you can give me the answer!!

I don't know if this kit is still being sold but I am interested in getting hold of it if it is! I know it was sold by an Australian business who are online. But I can't for the life of me remember which one! I saw the design at a couple of quilt shows but didn't buy it and now I am kicking myself!

Hattie Layout for Vet

2010-01-26T19:26:00.001+11:00

Hattie Layout for Vet, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

I decided to make a layout with some photos to send to the vet that I adopted Hattie from. I chose pink because I love that colour and also her "holding" name at the vet was Pinky!

Arms for Guild Banner - Finished

2010-01-25T08:59:00.002+11:00

Arms for Guild Banner - Finished, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

Finally, the arms for the Guild Banner are done.

To see what the progress on the whole project looks like, check out this page - http://broiderers.sca.org.au/__data/assets/image/0020/1397/WCoB_banner_complete.jpg

A Brief Cat Interlude

2010-01-23T08:54:00.000+11:00

Hattie Comfortable, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

Only a cat could comfortable in this position!!

Arms for Guild Banner - Penultimate

2010-01-22T08:52:00.000+11:00

Arms for Guild Banner - Penultimate, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

Got the second last section done. I hate working on such a small scale, but at least the arms are of a good design. The split stitch really does work nice in giving a shimmer effect to the design.

Arms for Guild Banner

2010-01-21T08:50:00.000+11:00

Arms for Guild Banner, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

Finally, some actual historically based embroidery. You'd thought I'd forgotten how to do this stuff, right?

As part of my finishing push, I'm determined to get this one done in the next few days. I had most of it done before I ran out of the silk thread. It took me ages to get more and by then I'd lost momentum. But now it's back and this will be done by next week.

Moon Glow and Hattie

2010-01-20T08:48:00.000+11:00

Moon Glow and Hattie, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

Another view of the blocks with flash and cat model, Miss Hattie.

Moon Glow Alternate Blocks A - Finished

2010-01-19T08:47:00.000+11:00

Moon Glow Alternate Blocks A- Finished, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

Sorry that this one is a bit dark, but it gives an idea of what the finished blocks look like.

Moonglow Instructions

2010-01-18T12:32:00.003+11:00

I started doing this quilt as a Block of the Month (BOM). With that I got the fabric and instructions. The quilt pattern is now 10 years old so the designer, Jinny Beyer has put the pattern up on her site for free. If fact, the instructions up there are way better than the ones I paid for as they include more detailed construction information and pictures of the fabrics. I would love to have had the fabric swatches in my instructions.

Moonglow Quilt Pattern

Great German Clothes and Illumination

2010-01-15T10:46:00.001+11:00

Found this over at Biblodyssey. It's a great blog, dedicated to graphic design/illustration. The post in question is entitled Meet the Fluggers.

Alternate Block A - Round 4

2010-01-10T20:17:00.000+11:00

Alternate Block A - Round 4, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

I like the dark green on this round best. Only one more round to go.

Alternate Block A - Round 3

2010-01-08T20:16:00.001+11:00

Alternate Block A - Round 3, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

Didn't quite get these all done before going back to work, but got most of it done. Was a bit hot today but I managed to get this round done. Starting to transition the colours. I really love the purple vine fabric.

Alternate Block A - Round 2

2010-01-06T20:15:00.000+11:00

Alternate Block A - Round 2, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

Got the second round on today. The colours are really nice.

Alternate Block A - Round 1

2010-01-04T20:15:00.000+11:00

Alternate Block A - Round 1, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

And now for something that actually involves a needle and thread.

Starting on the rounds for the alternate block. I need to do five more of each (I've already made one as a model to follow). I am hoping to get these done by the time I have to go back to work.

Very Hot Kitties

2010-01-02T20:08:00.000+11:00

Very Hot, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

We've just had an absolute stinker of a day. The poor kitties were very hot. Sorry for the messy bed but they look soooo cute. Look at Cleopatra's curly tail!!

Hattie Getting Comfy

2009-12-30T20:06:00.000+11:00

Hattie Getting Comfy, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

I think she is getting used to the place!! She almost got right in the middle.

Another Good Sleepy Spot

2009-12-28T20:06:00.000+11:00

Another Good Sleepy Spot, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

Detante

2009-12-26T20:05:00.000+11:00

Detante, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

We've had about two weeks of decreasing stress. We are now able to hang out together without too much hissing and spitting.

Hatshepsut - Still Gorgeous

2009-12-23T20:03:00.000+11:00

Hatshepsut, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

She has found some favourite spots already.

Hatshepsut - Comfy Much?

2009-12-22T20:02:00.000+11:00

Hatshepsut, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

She's been here a few days now and is pretty much at home. Yes, there will be more cat photos than embroidery for a while.

This is Hatshepsut

2009-12-21T10:20:00.001+11:00

This is Hatshepsut, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

She was up for adoption as a rescue cat at the vet the lady in my office uses. Cleopatra is still not happy, but no blood spilled. I think they are on the verge of having a play.

I Still Hate Borders Online

2009-12-11T10:48:00.001+11:00

So I finally got sick of waiting for my book. I ordered it online at Galaxy and it arrived Wednesday. Yesterday, I put two letters to Borders (one to the main office and one to the online office) letting them know I am not happy about my experience. We'll see what happens.

Plymouth Plantation Jacket Finished

2009-12-10T10:58:00.000+11:00

For those following the project to recreate a 16th C embroidered jacket, the finished product has been revealed. Well worth the wait.

http://thistle-threads.com.mytempweb.com/blog/index.php/2009/12/

I Hate Borders Online

2009-11-24T15:28:00.001+11:00

I am NEVER using Borders Online again. I've been waiting for this book to be published. They had it available. Said 7-10 days delivery which means it's coming from the USA. I factored that in and figured it would still be quicker than getting it from instore.

It is now 26 days later and I still don't have the book. I've sent a couple of emails and no response. I rang the help line to ask how it was posted, normal mail or Air Mail and the person, while friendly, was no help at all. I explained that Normal mail from the USA involved a boat and the Pacific Ocean, so the promised delivery time was not realistic. I am sooooo annoyed, next time I'm ordering from Galaxy.

Horn Spines

2009-11-23T18:54:00.002+11:00

Horn Spines, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

These are the horn spines for my vellum exemplars. They are just short of A6 height. All are the same size, I took the photo at an angle so the grain of the horn would show up. They will have holes drilled in them and attached as spine support.

And boy, was it hot yesterday. Two straight days of 40C. I was checking the weather for tomorrw at 7pm, it was still 37C!! And we haven't got to the hot part of the year yet. Lucky I like this weather.

A6 Kraft Notebooks

2009-11-22T18:52:00.000+11:00

A6 Kraft Notebooks, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

I made these up as just quick and easy projects. A6 in size, with Kraft card covers with stamping, rubons or die cuts on the covers. Sewn with 3 hole pamphlet sewing with coloured waxed linen thread. Normal photocopy paper for the pages. I also made some A7 and A4.

Back

2009-11-10T11:11:00.002+11:00

I've been pretty slack about posting lately. Last week was pretty full on and I haven't been doing much embroidery stuff.

I have had a couple of family history breakthroughs, which is good. I'm writing up all the research I've done on one of the four main branches of my family. I want to send something to all the members from that branch, as that is the branch with the most people around and kicking. Once I've done the write up, that will help me identify holes that I need to do more research on.

And I am doing National Novel Writing Month. I'm a bit behind on my word count. I had hoped to catch up on the weekend but I had a shocking headache all saturday, so by the time I'd caught up on things I didn't get to start writing until the late afternoon. And I managed to knock out just over 2000 words last night. If I can keep going a few hundred over the daily quota and have a big session this weekend, I should be able to get myself back on track. I'm enjoying it. I'm a bit out of practice on putting that many words to the page but the benefit of writing fiction is you don't need to reference anything!

Notebooks

2009-10-15T14:04:00.001+11:00

Notebooks, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

Not much sewing or bookbinding going on. Recovering from the Spring War spree. I've started tidying up the workareas so I should be right to do something productive on the weekend.

I found an online shop that sells all sorts of notebook goodness.

* Moleskine
* O-Check
* Clairefontaine

Cleopatra Worship Day

2009-10-05T14:46:00.000+11:00

I promised Cleopatra that since I'd been away for most of the long weekend that today was worship her day. We started with a good half hour of brushing and patting. Followed by some steak strips for breakfast and then a walk outside. Then we decided Mum was annoying and sat out in the cat run for a few hours. Then once Mum was settled into working on a project for someone else that needed to be done today, "we" came inside and sat in the middle of the project. After sufficient attention I was able to get back to work. So she had a nice attention day and I got a cuddle that night as reward.

I had planned on tidying up all the mess I'd made getting ready for Spring War but that all sounded too hard, so spent the afternoon on the computer doing genealogy research.

Spring War Sunday

2009-10-04T14:39:00.000+11:00

I woke up really late this morning and thought I'd stay home. Had a chat to Dad on the phone and finally got up around 10.30am. Then I decided that a day at home alone sounded pretty crap. The car was still packed, so all I needed to do was grab a new dress and head out. Before that though I finished making a book for Anton. I'd printed out a copy of "The Prince" and started make a 16th Century laced in binding for it. It was put on hold due to running out of time. So I took about half an hour to finish it off.

I got on site about lunch time. Gave the book to Anton, he liked it alot, which is good. A couple of other people commented so I think I will make some more.

Most of the rest of the day was spent hanging around and chatting. The weather was a bit better so we christened the skittles. They were fun.

Left site in daylight and this time nearly ran into about half a dozen kangaroos! At least these ones checked the road before crossing.

Spring War

2009-10-03T14:30:00.001+10:00

I packed up most of the stuff last night. I had the car packed in about 5 mins. Travelling light this year!

I headed out at 7.30am on the dot as planned. Filled up with petrol and headed out. Stopped at Maccas for breakfast and kept going. Very easy run. Only problem was within sight of the gate to the property where Spring War is held. Bloody great Grey Kangaroo came bounding across the road and scared the you know what out of me. It would have been a dead heat of who would win if I'd hit him.

Got on site just after breakfast, in time to set up for Market Day. It was great this year. As well as the usual locals we also had Alex the Potter, the Hornmaster, Asa and Contarina and some nice brass jewellery. All a first for Spring War (except for Asa and Contarina). I didn't spend all my money in one go, I was good.

I only sold three books, but I suppose that means I don't have to make as many for Festival! I handed out a few business cards so I might have some more sales a bit later on.

I did the Collegia in the afternoon. Had mostly young ones watching. I rushed through it a bit, so I will have to slow down a bit next time. But it meant everyone had time to do the make and take and for me to make a full long and chain stitch book during the hour.

After the collegia, the rest of the afternoon was just hanging around. We didn't get a chance to christen the skittles as it was raining too much. I was a bit late leaving the site so most of the drive home was in the dark and pouring rain, not fun.

All in all, a good time was had by me!

Notes for Collegia

2009-10-02T14:29:00.000+10:00

Spent as much time as I could today getting the notes for the collegia finished. I had to drop a few things, some due to time and some to not having enough information. I'm pretty happy with them as they stand now but they will be modified before I teach it again at Festival. I managed to get them done and printed for tomorrow.

Spring War Prep Continues

2009-10-01T14:26:00.000+10:00

I decided to have my flex today rather than Friday. Gives me time to work on handout and print tomorrow!

I went shopping to pick up a few things I needed (new shoes and a REALLY girly maxi dress!). Also needles, paper etc for collegia on the weekend. I had planned on doing some work on the notes and exemplars but by the time I got home I was exhausted. Did managed to do some sewing on exemplars but that was it.

Spring War Preparations

2009-09-30T11:41:00.003+10:00

My summer internal alarm clock is kicking in. Today was my lay day from the gym but I still woke up at 6.30am. So instead of sleeping in, I decided to get up and do some prep work for Spring War. I got all of the covers cut out from my exemplar books. I should be able to get at least half to a useful stage by the time my collegia is on on Saturday. It might be useful if some of them are only half constructed as this will let people see "inside" the construction. I will also cut and kit up some spares to be working on and use to demonstrate bits and pieces in the class. Gotta love a technique that can be done anywhere!

I also need to get the pages cut and hole punched for my freebie giveaways for the class. I already have the covers cut out. Also need to cut out buttons.

I will also do some of the quick and dirty vade mecums to sell. I'm thinking about $10 should be about right.

Duststorm

2009-09-23T08:39:00.003+10:00

Duststorm
Originally uploaded by Jane Stockton

I woke up this morning really early (which is annoying 'cause Wednesday is my layday from the gym when I get to have a sleep in!) and could tell that the duststorm had hit. This video was taken at 6.30am. By the time I got to work at 8am it was even darker, redder and thicker.

I think that the car washing places are going to make a fortune over the next few days.

Exemplar List

2009-09-19T17:59:00.002+10:00

I've spent the afternoon working out what I need to make for my list of bookbinding exemplars. I wasn't doing anything productive as far as getting them started. I think having the list will make things better. I have an example of all of the different styles of limp bindings, including a variety of clasps and spine types.

Medieval Anatomical Pop-Up Book

2009-09-15T10:29:00.002+10:00

This was too much fun to miss out on.

From Bookn3rd:

The world’s largest collection of sixteenth-century anatomical prints, or ‘fugitive sheets’ has been digitized and is available online, thanks to the Wellcome Library. There are nineteen prints with pop-up action allowing the reader to see different organ systems in the order of dissection. In this male and female set you can see both still images and video of the flaps being lifted—brilliant! (I do wish that more of the entries offered stills, since the video is cool but it’s hard to get a detailed view of the different layers.)

Embroidered Bookbindings from the Bodlein

2009-09-14T12:45:00.001+10:00

A new database to search at the Bodlien called LUNA. A collaboration between ARTstor and the Bodleian Library to produce 25,000 images from 35mm filmstrip negatives and positive slides. Material includes medieval and Renaissance illuminated manuscripts.

Embroidered bookbindings - http://bodley30.bodley.ox.ac.uk:8180/luna/servlet/view/search?q=embroidered&sort=Shelfmark%2Csort_order&search=Search

Cleopatra the Very Tired Cat

2009-09-09T09:19:00.004+10:00

Very Tired Cat, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

Cleo had had a very big day and was very tired.

Vade Mecum Closed

2009-09-03T14:56:00.002+10:00

Vade Mecum Closed, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

Vade Mecum were medieval notebooks. They hung from belts and were used by doctors to carry important reference materials with them when visiting the sick. I've made this one inspired by the style but using individual pages for a notebook. Not very authentic.

EDIT: I've now found evidence for this sort of loose leather cover. So there are really only two things about this not authentic. The individual pages and the button to keep it closed. So, about 80%. That's pretty good. I think I will make some of these for Spring War.

Vade Mecum Open

2009-09-03T14:53:00.000+10:00

Vade Mecum Open, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

Dune Binding Collage

2009-09-01T18:31:00.001+10:00

Dune Binding Collage, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

I wanted to have a book I could take with me to my SCA events but that wouldn't stick out. So I decided to rebind my copy of Dune in a way that would make it blend in a bit more. It is made using a medieval secondary tacketing method.

If you click on the image and go to Flickr, there are notes on the image to explain what I did.

This Is Spot

2009-08-31T09:38:00.002+10:00

Spot, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

When I looked up from making my breakfast on Sunday, this is what looked back at me. He's sitting on top of my BBQ. Meowing very loudly. His name is Spot, well, that is what I call him. I think he lives around the corner. He's well feed and healthy. He's not the cutest cat in the world, but it's hard to resist a cat who only wants pats. He started coming around a while ago. Very tentative at first. Now as soon as he spots me, he starts demanding pats! It's hard to resist. And not only is he pretty ugly, but as soon as you start patting, he gets really happy and starts drooling like you wouldn't believe!! It's actually easier to change after patting him than to try and keep dry. So on the weekends, he comes to visit and usally gets a pat or two or three.

Zutphen Infirmary Accounts - 16th Century

2009-08-24T09:32:00.007+10:00

I started on the first of my exemplars this weekend. The first one will be the Zutphen Infirmary Accounts covering the years 1536-1555. This is a great example of the limp binding technique as it doesn't even have a cover. It is a set of accounts, each year wrapped with a piece of recycled parchment and then bound to a leather strip. The strip is pre-punched to allow the addition of further accounts at a later time. Each section is attached to the leather by direct tacketing, using parchment strips.

I obviously don't have a heap of spare 14th century parchment lying around, so I found some pictures on the web and printed them out on cardstock. I then distressed the pages using a variety of methods. The backs were painted with a walnut ink mixture, just to tone down the plain white paper. I hacked at the edges of the pages with sandpaper and also sandpapered the page itself, just to get rid of the smoothness. I then crumpled the edges of the pages. I'm quite happy with how they turned out.

I am using plain 80gsm photocopy paper for the internal pages. I might go through and put some fake accounts in them at some stage, but only if I have plenty of time.

I pre-punched the two leather external supports. Each is 3" x 3 1/2", with the holes punched 1/4" apart. There are 13 sets of holes in each support.

I did a test run on the parchment strips. I cut a very thin strip, only 1/16" wide and put it in a tub of water to soak and soften up. After about 10 mins it was flexible enough to use. I was worried about it being too wet to put inside the quires of each section. But once I'd dried off the excess water, it wasn't that wet.

I need to get some more parchment scraps as I think this would probably use some sort of parchment reinforcement inside each quire.

I am waiting for some parchment scraps to arrive, once I've done the tacketing, I will post a picture.

Restoration of Books After the 1966 Florence Flood

2009-08-23T13:50:00.001+10:00

This is an old, but very interesting video about what was done to restore the huge collection of books, manuscripts and other works of art after the flooding of Florence in 1966.

Of particular interest from the bookbinding perspective is footage of Christopher Clarkson doing a limp vellum binding.

http://data.scl.utah.edu/fmi/xsl/stream/details.xsl?-recid=354&a::v=22y7a47E1i

Be warned, the opening sequence of hundreds, thousands of precious manuscripts covered in mud and thrown around on the floor can be distressing to the biblophile!

Embroidered Bookbindings

2009-08-11T09:31:00.002+10:00

Found these while looking for something completely different!

The castle of Christianitie by Lewis Evans (1568)

Preparing for Tocal

2009-07-15T10:32:00.002+10:00

Tocal Token Tourney is our big dress up event. So this week I started getting some stuff done in preparation. I took my blackwork shirt apart and washed it. Last night I sewed it back together. My ruff and cuff set are currently soaking. Tonight I will get them out and try and get them looking nice. I am going to try using some spray starch and hair dryer to get the unwrinkly.

I also took my black dress apart. I knew that I'd lost some weight but I didn't realise how much until I grabbed the front of it the last time I wore it and was able to get whole handful of loose fabric. So I've taken the bodice off from the skirt. It shouldn't take long to take it in, as long as I don't have to deconstruct too much, hopefully it will just be a matter of resewing the front edges and no messing with side seams. I also want to add a couple of shoulder rolls, as the silouette isn't quite right.

I also need to fix my arch brimmed hat. The crown got wreaked, but I have a spare, so it should just be a matter of swapping crowns out.

And finally, I am going to make a leather pouch for the winner of the tourney. If the past is anything to go by, nothing has been organised yet.

Woo Hoo!

2009-07-12T19:54:00.000+10:00

I just got my first sale on Etsy!! Woo hoo!!

A7 Cream and Tan Leather Journal - Spine

2009-07-08T16:11:00.000+10:00

A7 Cream and Tan Leather Journal - Spine, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

A7 Butter and Chocolate Leather Journal - Spine

2009-07-07T16:13:00.004+10:00

A7 Butter and Chocolate Leather Journal - Spine, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

Small leather journal, a bit more modern looking interpretation.

Journals Available For Purchase

2009-07-07T16:13:00.002+10:00

I have finally got my Etsy shop sorted out. So if you would like to buy any of the journals that I have been posting about, please feel free to check out my shop. More to be added as they are made!!

http://crescentshire.etsy.com

A7 Khaki and Brown Journal

2009-07-06T10:05:00.003+10:00

A7 Khaki and Brown Journal, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

A7 Khaki and Brown leather journal with 110gsm paper. Waxed linen tackets and linen thread for the tie and leather button closure.

I stuffed this one up and put the spine holes in the wrong spot, so the cover wraps around the wrong way. But I figured someone might want it.

NOTE: To answer a question in the comments, yes, I am selling these journals. This one is the first one I've listed on Etsy - http://crescentshire.etsy.com/

A7 Khaki and Brown Journal - Front

2009-07-06T10:04:00.001+10:00

A7 Khaki and Brown Journal - Front, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

A7 Khaki and Brown leather journal with 110gsm paper. Waxed linen tackets and linen thread for the tie and leather button closure.

A5 Dark Olive and Tan Blank Journal

2009-06-26T09:01:00.001+10:00

A5 Dark Olive and Tan Blank Journal, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

This is an A5 journal made with 110gsm weight art paper. The cover is a light weight dark olive leather, reinforced on the spine with a stiff tan leather. It is sewn with a beige linen thread and secured using chocolate coloured, leather buttons. Stitched using tacketing.

A5 Cream and Tan Blank Journal

2009-06-25T09:15:00.001+10:00

A5 Cream and Tan Blank Journal, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

This is an A5 journal made with 110gsm weight art paper. The cover is a light weight cream leather, reinforced on the spine with a stiff tan leather. It is sewn with a beige linen thread and secured using chocolate coloured, leather buttons. Stitched using a long and chain stitch combination.

This one is the closest I've done to a total reproduction of an original item.

A6 Dark Olive and Tan Blank Journal

2009-06-24T15:46:00.004+10:00

A6 Dark Olive and Tan Blank Journal, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

A6 Dark Olive and Tan Blank Journal made with 135gsm art paper, dark olive leather cover and tan leather detail. Sewn with natural waxed linen. Closure is leather thong tied via slot to cover.

A6 Cream and Tan Blank Journal - Side Detail

2009-06-23T15:46:00.000+10:00

A6 Cream and Tan Blank Journal - Side Detail, originally uploaded by Jane Stockton.

A6 Cream and Tan Blank Journal made with 110gsm art paper, dark cream leather cover and tan leather detail. Sewn with natural waxed linen. Closure is leather thong tied via bone button. Medieval limp binding technique.