In October 2014, Dave made a leather cup for the cottonwood base turned by Bill Lyons of Cody, Wyoming. It was challenging to get the cup shape and size just right, snug enough to wrap the base without being too small. He stitched it the seam using waxed linen. Then to make it drink-worthy, he dipped the leather cup into melted beeswax, soaking it until … Continue reading Leather cup with wooden base
I made this blue linen dress about a year ago. The bodice is cut on the bias so it is just stretchy enough to pull over your head, no lacing required! And the sleeves are short so it is cooler at summer events. However, it was kinda plain and blah. After inspiration from another source, I decided to enhance the dress to simulate a layered … Continue reading Dress: plain to snazzy
In September 2016, I hand-sewed this blue linen liripipe hood for Dave. I embroidered a yin-yang dragon design (courtesy of Christa Percival) on the front of the hood using wool crewel yarn (chain stitch, split stitch). Here are some photos of the process. I am currently embellishing the dragons with gold and silver thread. (September 2017) Continue reading Blue dragon hood
In April 2016, Dave made this leather flask cover using vegetable-tanned leather, which he stained black. He used a Mexican braid to lace up the sides. Continue reading Leather flask cover
In October 2014, I made a dress for the event “Simply Allegorical: A Masque in Venice” in Worcester, Mass., on November 15, 2014. This event was a competition to replicate a medieval allegorical illustration or other inspiration. Details: http://eastkingdom.org/EventDetails.php?eid=2682 I chose to work with this illustration of the Virtue of Cleanliness. Here are some in-progress photos of the dress. I used the same pattern that I … Continue reading The Virtue of Cleanliness
In September 2014, I made a bag for Dave’s bow. I used a brown tweedy wool that I purchased at Savers for a couple of dollars per yard. I made several pockets for the outside of the bag for storing extra bow strings and other accessories. It has a loop at the top for hanging, and a hemp strap (for which I used a hemp … Continue reading Bow bag
In July 2014, I ventured to make my first fitted dress, using purple linen. I drafted the pattern myself, and used a dress form to fit and adjust it. The dress is completely hand-sewn, and I flat-felled all of the inner seams so the linen would not unravel. I learned how to insert gores in the skirt. I also hand-bound all 48 eyelets for the … Continue reading First fitted dress
In June 2016, several of the Canton of the Towers members collaborated to create 2 throne bags for the new royal thrones. (The creating of the royal thrones was led by Peter the Red.) These bags are designed to protect the thrones during storage and transport to events. They are canvas on the outside, with strong web strapping all around. They are lined with wool, … Continue reading Throne bags
On April 5, 2016, I helped to organize a Canton of the Towers project in which we gathered to create toys and other items to fill the East Kingdom royal toy chest. Over a dozen people gathered. We made small felt and other toys, as well as cloth bags in which to put them. In many cases, we matched a toy to a story book. … Continue reading Filling the Royal Toy Chest 2016
In August-September 2017, I made this leather case to hold my old-timey reading glasses and a bodkin (for lacing stays). First I created a felted wool liner, and I used this to protect the glasses until the case was done. Then I measured, cut, and embossed the leather, stitched it together, burnished the edges, and polished the case. It has slits in the back so … Continue reading Leather glasses case
A Medieval Journey 