Horses and Dancing and Sewing Oh My!

Busy busy busy.

Friday I worked at home because of the impending storm. I know it was super bad for many of you, but out here in Livermore it was no big deal. We usually get high winds, but Friday we just got sprinkles and light rain and no real wind. Go figure.
Also managed to finalize my overgown sleeve pattern and get the wool and lining cut out and initial seams sewn. I had a puffy-topped "phoenix" sleeve pattern from 1999 and I just worked from there. Turned it into a 2-piece sleeve with a poofy top.

Saturday started with some basic chores, then it was off to the Barn. Both rachaelfluery and I had lessons and Brandee got a short training ride. By the time we were done at the barn, bought feed for Brandee, acquired food and got changed into our evening outfits it was time to head to the Crosston Ball. This is one event I aways try to make. It looked a little smaller than some years -- the pull of Cynagua Investiture understandably bein quite strong -- but the dance floor was always full. And we had 10 live musicians!

One of the best thing about the Crosston Ball this year was these three uber-cute Girl Scouts that came and participated. What the connection between them and the SCA/Crosston Ball was I have not idea. I'd put them at the 10-11 y.o. age bracket. They was so polite and asked good questions. I couldn't help but think that I could put them to work. ;-)

As always, had fun smoozing and dancing. Vyncent had finished prototype of the benches that are being made for the Perfectly Period Feast (this April, at Collegium). Those are great benches -- very comfy, esp. with the foot rail. Congrats to the team that is putting them together!

The ever hospitable rachaelfluery let me crash at her place after the Ball. We stayed up too late plotting new barding for Brandee and starting to plan for some sort of drill-team-dressage-y performance ride for this tourney season. Slept in her Room of Darkness and Silence, had breakfast with her and Noah and Brian, then headed home for a day of sewing with night_bocce.

The bad news is that night_bocce's car lost its transmission and so now can't come to Estrella. The good news (for me anyway) was that since she didn't have to sew for herself she generously offered to work on my stuff. Together we got the armholes of my overgown finished off, the sleeve tops finished and we got one sleeve put together and cartridge-pleated onto the armseye.

Let me take a minute here to say how grateful I am to night_bocce and how much I enjoy sewing with her. She always teaches me so much, especially about handsewing techniques. night_bocce has been a keen student of 18th C stuff, including looking at origianls at Williamsburg and working with thier staff. OK, so these are 18th C techniques; I have no idea if they are period for 16th C. But they produce great results, folks, so I'm using them. So sue me. ;-)
I learned a few things: to trim my seams down more before turning them under, and a stitch that looks like a whip stitch on the inside and a running stitch on the outside. We used this for the sleeve tops. I've got to work on my technique, though -- I need to get more stitch on the outside so that I get the super-firm flat edge that she gets.
I'm so glad she's decided to be active in the SCA again. :-) And, oh yeah, she brought me prezzies )belated B-day, Xmas, and pavillion-warming: a fabric piece that looks like turkish pillow tops, a new ceramic insulated french press, and Ladies Errant: Wayward Women and Social Order in Early Modern Italy, by Deanna Shemek, which looks good. :-)

The one down side of yesterday was that the rain started coming through the breakfast nook windows at about 9:00 PM due to strong rain and wind. Flooded the breakfast nook. I tried to get the window to close tighter by going outside and trying to reach it with a broom stick, but that did not work. When Owen eventually got home he looked at it, and after trying several different things the verdict is that those windows may have to be nailed (or screwed shut). :-/ Well, at least to roof wasn't leaking, which is what had been the problem in the past. Old houses can be such a joy...

It's Back: 16th C Salon at Beltane!

I have a pavillion, I've got a sunshade I can borrow, so it's time for another 16th C Salon!* Once again West Kingdom Beltane Coronation will be held at the Sheep Ranch site (sorta kinda near Cloverfield). Lovey site at that time of year (unless it rains, in which case all bets are off. :-0 ).

As in the past, I'll be wrangling finger food and drinks. I've started to hit up my musical friends and will continue. ;-) Games will be available and interesting discussions will take place. 16th C clothing is welcome and encouraged but not required!

If you'd like to contribute let me know. I'm always looking for 16th C food and drink contributions. Tables and table cloths will be needed, although I may be able to hit rachaelfluery up for her plastic tables and covers if we need them. Entertainment would be great too (hint hint). I've got an idea for at least one new thing, but that depends on someone else being willing to do it -- I'll keep y'all posted. ;-)

Remember, the idea is to create a 16th C (mostly latter half) playspace. There's a lot of great stuff going on in this century and the hope is to give folks a taste of what it has to offer ("The 16th C: it's not just about the clothes, folk!") And though, this being held at an SCA event means that all are welcome, the more people dressed appropriately the better an environment we'll create.

Hope to see you all there!

**For newer readers: I use the term "salon" because it communicates what this (sub) event is all about. I realize that it is an arguably non-period term.