Before clocks…
…what did people call ‘clockwise’? Deiseil (or sunwise) & widdershins. (No idea what culture this is from, other than the Spindlers list, but it’s a good question.) Continue reading Before clocks…
Month: August 2007
Vikings from….Norway, surprise!
Helenes side Terrific fiber/reenactment blog, too bad my Norwegian is non-existent. Continue reading Vikings from….Norway, surprise!
Luttrell Psalter videos
Everyone’s familiar with the Luttrell Psalter, right? Er, um, I have to admit here that I was on passing terms with it – when mentioned in context I thought ‘oh, right, medieval manuscript’ but didn’t know any more. Well, these folks are learning it very well – they’re re-enacting it, and filming their efforts. It’s very nice, because you learn so much when you try things. Like in the milking the sheep (milk sheep?) film, was there a first draft of the wattle sheep corral that wasn’t high enough, as implied by the jumping sheep at the end? It’s easy … Continue reading Luttrell Psalter videos
Linen class: ‘Seed to Shirt’
I have committed to teach a class at Gatalop at the end of October about what I am learning about linen. Here’s the blurb: ‘Linen – Seed to Shirt’ : Lecture and hands-on spinning demo with spindle and wheel, for 5 spinners, but unlimited auditors. Spinners who want to take their drop spindles home are asked to donate $3. Sources for seed, unspun stricks, flax processing tools, and natural dyes will be given. I’m accumulating my info here, at a wiki I’m building called Peasant Tech. Please comment if you’d like to be added to the editing staff at Peasant … Continue reading Linen class: ‘Seed to Shirt’
Linen: Spinning and Handweaving
Linen: Spinning and Handweaving is an out-of-print (come on, Interweave!) practical bible on how to grow, process, spin and weave flax and flax-like fibers. I am flabbergasted by the amount of content presented in these 200 pages. I feel if I can just follow Patricia Baines’ instructions, I too will be able to do what the Beales did, which is really my goal for Peasant Tech independence vis-a-vis cloth production: Percy and Rita Beales made a firm decision to learn to spin, dye, and weave linen when they moved into Percy’s old family home in North Lopham, Norfolk (where his … Continue reading Linen: Spinning and Handweaving
Daggers & Hemlock over!
And a terrific success! In some ways we did better than some kingdom level events lately. Blurry pics are on their way – ’cause I was much too busy being a ‘defacto PDA’ to the autocrat to be a very good Historian. Continue reading Daggers & Hemlock over!
Equipment I can’t have…
Oh man, these are great deals, folks! I’m buying a beautiful foldable floor loom, direct tie-up, in three weeks, 24" wide. If I get a great wheel my husband will not allow me to leave the house anymore. Better not. (Concentrate on the flax project.) But for you I present: Great Wheel for Sale. Need space, Have mother. Oak, In good condition, Has all working parts. Had main whorl remade exactly (from black walnut) using my other wheel’s complete Miner’s Head as pattern. Large wheel in excellent condition. Breaks down easily for transport…except the large wheel’s diameter is 47". Will … Continue reading Equipment I can’t have…
Notice the second comment…
From Treehugger … "It would probably be helpful to get actual training in broadsword & shield at your local SCA shire. Probably not at all effective against Meth heads." But possibly useful at Daggers & Hemlock! Continue reading Notice the second comment…
Fabulous Myra does it again…
Can I be Myra when I grow up? Not only wonderful men’s clothes, but that wagon! And don’t they all look beautiful at the campsite! It also doesn’t look like they’re dying of heatstroke. Must learn more about North African technologies. Continue reading Fabulous Myra does it again…
Peach mead!part2
Racking the mead again. I missed the first racking of the mead, it happened after we all dragged ourselves in from RUM, but Lavena looked at the carboy and decided it was time to separate the mead from the peach/yeast sediment.That light stuff is the sediment. Lavena and Cato are washing the 3 and 1 gallon carboys that the mead will go into. Chlorox is involved. This is Lavena washing out the siphon with cheap vodka. Here goes the siphoning! I missed the start of the siphon, but it looks like they just used the dissimilar level method to get … Continue reading Peach mead!part2