I know, I know… Phelippe and I have been poor about writing updates. The goal of this post is to provide some updates on recent projects (and a hint at what is coming in 2024). My lack of writing is not due to lack of activity; in fact, it is quite the opposite. In many ways last year felt like our first real return to SCA programming as scheduled. It was so enjoyable to be back at all of our regular events in person. Ok so here’s some insight into 2023…
The beginning of the year began slowly with Phelippe and I trying to get registered for Pennsic and figuring out some exciting (expanding) logistics, more on that later in the post. Then in February, I was able to attend a wonderful schola event (enjoy the car selfie) in Settmour Swamp. At this schola, the Lady Natal’ia Bolotnikova was kind enough to teach me drop spinning– so much fun!
In the mundane world, I was also working on getting my college classes up and running. At my university, I was excited to teach a Costume History and Design class last spring. One of the highlights of the class, was the day that my Laurel, Vivian de Dunbar, was able to visit. She led the class in a hands on deep dive into the origin of various textiles.
Shortly after the Schola, with Mudthaw looming on the horizon in March, I knew it was time for a quick garb update. Mudthaw was promising to be cool and wet. The event organizers had also decided to embrace the site, Vasa Park, and have the event be viking themed. I had been wanting to make a coat for some time. I began the process. Of course, in order to make a new coat you obviously have to make new trim. I picked back up our inkle loom and began the process. Ultimately, I was pleased how both the trim and the coat turned out.
I also knew I wanted to enter the Arts and Sciences competition at Mudthaw. Their Excellencies had created a wonderful theme– “As we celebrate the annual thawing of the mud our theme this year is Viking-era Scandinavian. We welcome you to display a collection of 1-3 items relating to your first sea voyage of spring after the cold winter months…”
I fully embraced the theme and created a narrative around a nervous (prone to sea sickness) norseman. She carries with her a bit of ginger, a talisman with inkle woven trim, and some Nålebinding materials.
I had been wanting to teach myself to Nålebind so this competition was a wonderful excuse. I began with the Oslo stitch and, though my first hat definitely needed improvement, I truly enjoy the process.
I was proud to win the Populace Choice at Mudthaw for my nervous viking.
As spring turned to early summer, a series of new projects took hold. The one of which I am most proud is my continuing efforts in my period rose garden. For the past several years, I have been hunting down and cultivating old world roses. They bloomed beautifully this year. I currently have grown four of the documentable roses from period. I was also able to type up my research and put together a presentation (overview here) which I shared at this past year’s Quest for Wit and Wisdom. It was this research and presentation that won me the title of Baronial A&S Champion.
In addition to the Baronial A&S Championship, it was also at Quest where Vivian and I made our Laurel Apprenticeship relationship official. I am so thankful to have her as my guide.
At the height of summer, most of my energies were directed toward preparing for Pennsic. Phelippe and I faced an interesting challenge with our encampment last year. As many of you know we work very hard to create a (mostly) period and aesthetically pleasing encampment. For a look inside our encampment in previous years, check out this blog post.
Last year, however, was going to be different. Instead of being just the two of us, my sister had decided to join and bring three of her children. Additionally, Phelippe’s mother was coming out for a couple of days. This meant instead of housing and clothing two people, I was housing and clothing seven! It was definitely a labor of love to get all the garb ready. My nieces are wonderful, however, and I was so happy to share this with them… even if they had some interesting garb requests like a “raven cloak”.
In getting our encampment ready, Phelippe and I had previously purchased two smaller round pavilions. I did want to paint them, however. I had also been wanting to update the paint on ours. I set out to apply my scenic painting skills and paint three pavilions. In hindsight, this was maybe a bit ambitious but everything turned out wonderfully!
I am the worst at taking pictures at Pennsic. Maybe one day I will remember and get better at documenting things.
I was also excited to help organize the camp layout for our camp for Pennsic 50. It was my first time drawing the encampment map. It is is truly the most fun puzzle!
Returning home from Pennsic is always a busy time of year. I am trying to get prepped to get the school year underway. Nevertheless, we did undertake a few small projects this fall.
Phelippe has been working on his leatherworking and I worked to put together a new class for a fall schola in the Barony of Settmour Swamp.
My schola class is probably the project that I am most proud of last year. For some time I have been wanting to bring in my background as a professional scenic artist into the SCA classroom. I put together a course that examined the period process of cartooning, or more generally, how to transfer images in a period way. Looking at all the primary sources was fascinating. I’ll provide a link to the presentation here.
Though as happy as I am to lecture on the topic, my goal was to make this class as hands-on as possible. I had a wonderful group of students that were willing try out various period techniques. It was truly a lot of fun. I definitely hope to teach the class again.
The end of the year has brought me a little time to rest and recharge for the spring. I did additionally have the opportunity to complete a few scrolls as awards for deserving gentles. One of my favorites involved hiding some breakfast items in the scroll of Settmour’s own Paddy Panekakes. We ended the year, attending Yule in Bhakail (one of our favorite events). Visiting with friends and tasting many wonderful homebrews (I can think of no better finale to the year).
Currently, Phelippe and I find ourselves deep in planning for this upcoming year. It looks like the whole family is returning to Pennsic (we may even add my brother in law). Phelippe is working on restringing a hammered dulcimer. He is also on the team to host the East Mid Bardic Expo.
Looking forward, I am most excited to to Autocrat Quest! It will be our 39th Quest for Wit and Wisdom in Settmour Swamp! In honour of the recent 400th year anniversary of Shakespeare’s Folio, this year at Quest it would seem that the Barony of Settmour Swamp finds itself nestled in an area that greatly resembles Elizabethan England – and the Vice District, no less! Our Quest will be a raucous adventure through the literary works and worlds created by Master Shakespeare himself! We are so excited! I am currently even planning some theatrical contributions…
And that’s a wrap on 2023! Thanks for sticking with this long SCA Arts update. Stay tuned for more 2024 shenanigans…
Spar, Disengage, Rosemary, and Time(s)...past 