Going to Halifax and Cape Breton Island next month. Any good restos or tips?

to my dilemma:
Go to more events.

It seems I won't be able to make it to the Civil War this year, it's on a weekend when Rickard works, and that really is a pity because last year was one of the best events I've been to. But we have our own event, Lady Ragnhild's Collegium, on the 26-28th of September and I suspect/hope that the shire of Gotvik will have their Sigrid's Feast around that time too. Then there's St.Martin's in November, but it's unlikely that I can go and after that I don't know.

This is here mostly for my own future reference. This is a fresco from the Schifanoia Palace in Ferrara, painted from 1476-1484. In the center is a man wearing an unbelted giornea, with the fabric falling in natural folds. On the left is a man wearing a giornea with the small tubular pleats that are typical of the style. This indicates to me that this depiction of pleats is not just artistic license, but an accurate portrayal of the style.

ETA: This painting (Botticelli, 1483) also shows different styles of giornea. The man in the foreground, the man in the center with his hand raised, and the man on the right all seem to have giorneas with natural folds, while the man in red (right next to the horse's nose) has rigid pleats that start at mid-chest. Looking at the form of outer garments at the end of the century, I would guess that the rigid pleats are going out of style at this point and are being replaced with more unstructured garments. Either way, this bodes well for future Pennsic wardrobes. :)

As shocking as this may sound, I don’t really enjoy sewing most of the time. Sure, I’m happy that I can make cool stuff, but just because I can make cool stuff doesn’t mean I like the process. Perhaps that has something to do with being reliant on my skills to have any kind of wardrobe growing up, or having spent 10 years doing it for a living. After working in a garment factory, several tailoring establishments and a number of theatres, touring companies and movie houses with terrible working conditions and hours that are reminiscent of forced labor, I no longer have a great drive to do it for fun.

I tend to forget all that when someone asks me to do a large project for them. Sure, I say no all the time to smaller one-offs, but when a good friend asks for something and they’re willing to give me something for my trouble, it’s harder to say no. And no, this is not a post to make all my friends feel guilty about asking me to make stuff. If I say yes, then I mean it. As I get older, I’m less likely to do projects I don’t want to do just to make somebody like me. There’s a lot to be said for the confidence of knowing who you are and where you stand, but that’s another post altogether.

Anyway, I’m finding that I’m really enjoying making all these dresses for mermadn. I experienced a similar level of satisfaction making the dresses I sewed last year for someone else. That may be because I’m making multiples of the same garment. There’s a zen to the manufacturing process that you can’t get into when doing a one-off. With a single garment, there’s a constant pressure to get to the next thing. You’re always puzzling out how to produce a professional product quickly without compromising your personal standard. With a multiple manufacture, you do that once, then settle into a rhythm of completing that stage. There’s a clear definition of how long it takes to cut, sew or handstitch each bit because you just did it six times. Producing can be fun and energizing, but manufacturing can be relaxing. Sometimes I need that to remind myself that this is something I once loved to do.

Odd, isn’t it, how it takes repetition to make the creative juices flow again? So long as I don’t get bogged down in the list of backlogged projects, I should be able to use this to my advantage.

Well, this was a fast effort--I managed to sew it all in evening.  Not much to say--it went together easily. I still have hooks/eyes to sew on and gathering threads to remove. I've also ordered 3 yards of chiffon for a shawl...hopefully it will come before I fly for out CC!

Work: Still on vacation, still not making any decisions :-)

Family: had a great visit with mom, who just left. We basically did the food and architecture of North Berkeley on Tuesday, and then the same in the city yesterday. Lots of walking, which means...

Health: I am back down to my pre-W/AT War weight! Yay!! Just a little bit more to the Pre-Pennsic target. The exercise is also giving me more energy (yeah, knew it would.)

Projects: All five of the linen tunics are done and serged, and the two wool ones are pieced. SL's Hatton outfit is progressing nicely. There's going to be a ton of trim left over, though.

SCA: Pennsic SOON! We leave next Friday night. Her RM wants me to rehab the blue thing for Pennsic, which means going by her house to pick up the extra fabric and cutting anew. Eh - will do it, of course, but I'll have to take it to Pennsic with me.

I just ordered a whole bunch of basic fabrics - and now I want to go home and MAKE STUFF.

Can't make stuff. Have to go to school. Also need to finish the projects I already have started - like Michael's fencing doublet. He'll need it for Midnight at the Oasis. It's really close to being wearable. I just need to DO IT, ya know? Oh - and he needs a fencing shirt to go with it, but that'll be easy peasy. Oh - and I need to order buttons for it. Boogers.

I ordered some wonderfully cotton-candy pink linen/silk for a new petticoat for moi. I totally feel like I'm copying attack_laurel, except pink has been my thing for a few years now. See: boots I wore at my wedding. ;)

Also ordered some lightweight wools in brown, black, and brick red. Not sure what'll happen with all those - Himself is getting at least one or two nice tunics out of the batch. I might end up doing a brown dress for me at some point. I really like brown.

So I'm in the middle of the crazy part of creating clothing......SOURCING! It is a stressful and time-consuming portion of this process. So far I now have resources for my labels and tags, fabric, and zippers. I think I have a bead on my source for elastics, but I still don't have a good source for buttons yet that will sell in the small minimum amounts. There are a few I worked with at Nordstom that I'm going to try and contact. Maybe I'll just not use any buttons in my designs.

I'm have to source a grading contractor. I can't stand grading patterns, so I'd rather pay for it. I have a few references I need to check out in that department.

I also need a fit model. This is going to be the hard part. I need a size 8/M, but the measurements need to be really close to my specifications (which I am still deciding on). The initial fit will be really important. If you think you fit the bill and live the Seattle area, please let me know, but don't be offended if I can't use you. It's not personal. A fit model has to be extremely proportional to make sure that the sizes will fit the widest audience possible. I will also need some folks to test size runs since I haven't produced a line before I need to makre sure the graded sizes work as well as the intial size does. I'll be taking volunteers for this, but you won't be able to keep the garments. :)

BTW, my line will be fore women between the ages of 20-35. It will consist of comfortable and cute active sportswear. :)

This silk from Fashion Fabrics could be kind of fun for trimming some An Tirian royally thing...

http://www.fabricfabric.net/images/swatches/TT849.600x600_thumb.gif

 

I should have been a plumber. Librarians never make $700 an hour.

We had a leak in the p-pipe in our kitchen sink. Robert tried to fix it - went out to Lowe's and bought about $25 worth of parts, but the long pipe cracked going in, so we threw the parts, which were covered in glue and crap, out and I called a plumber. He came out and gave an estimate (which cost us $78!).

It would cost us $738.12 to have him do the job. Seven HUNDRED thirty eight. Dollars. Actual dollars. Two-thirds of our Pennsic spending money to purchase and install $25 worth of parts and an hour of this guy's time. I think not.

Definitely going back to the DIY route.

Also, do you ever have those days when God (or insert deity or non-deity of your choice) conspires to send you just what you need to hear?

( Cut for wibbly navel gazing )

Please do NOT get dropped off at an SCA event by your uncle with NO GARB, NO TENT and NO BEDDING, when the weather service has announced nights and days that are COLD AND WET.....When you have had a diagnosis of epilepsy for many years now (and should know better).

Yes, I know you brought your service dog (who is really very sweet) so that she can alert you if your about to have a seizure (which was evidently your excuse for bringing a dog to an event on a working farm where it was asked no animals be brought), but for heavens sake, you know that cold, wet weather has caused your seizures in the past. And the fact that you were supposed to meet up with friends who were supposed to provide your clothing and shelter does not excuse your recklessness. Especially considering they didnt show up and you didnt check that they were here before your uncle drove off.

Also, asking me to abandon my campfire (WHEN I AM FREEZING MY BUNS OFF!!! and quite wet from the leak in my tent that woke me up) so that you can have a private consultation with a Chirurgeon about the seizure you just had at 3am is so not cool. Especially when I am the one with your RATHER LARGE service dog in my lap, trying to keep her warm.

Oh and did you bring your meds? Evidently not.......

Mallery's livery is done and pressed. Yay! I washed some herringbone wool for a hangerroc. The wool fulled up more than I would have liked, but it's still gorgeous. Hubbyfink asked what I was going to make for him from that wool. He was kidding; he gets to live.

Tonight I shall cut out braies and machine sew those before my conference call. Then, I'll hem the two veils left on my to-do list while on the call. Mango margarita is totally optional.

I'm trying to decide if I really want to color my hair before this weekend. Eh. I'll be wearing a ball cap most of the weekend so it doesn't matter. I'll color my hair Monday.

I forced Hubbyfink to watch "South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut" last night. He retaliated with "The Bourne Identity". He wanted to show me "The Bourne Ultimatim", but I asked him to start with the beginning of the trilogy so I wouldn't be quite so lost. (We caught "The Bourne Supremacy" on cable at Mom's house.)

With Thursday's late night calls, I've decided that Fridays are my work-from-home days. And since I'll be home, I want to make sskipstress' Sage Sekanjabin in between staff calls tomorrow.

- Home sick today, barely got out of bed, made it to work for an hour to retrieve my laptop and help some folks, Dr. appt, pharmacy for drugs, soon heading back to bed. Plz be gone tomorrow, haz packing and land grabbing to do.

-Theoretically packing the trailer tonight. Must dig common stuff out of basement prior to heading over to puzzle the trailer out.

-Banner pole did not survive storm in our area last night. Fell over in the wind/rain, but is unharmed. Short stakes and newly rain-swollen ropes to blame. To be fair, it was quite a storm, though no loss of power. Alan and I probably could have set-it back up last night, but we weren't communicating well (I blame my addled brain) so dropped it safely (ie: off the fence, not into the house, flat on the ground) and went to bed.

-Not much progress on hemming the standard yet. :( Did laundry and a bit of pink fingerloop braiding instead last night, after nap.

-Unprecedented fourth lotus bud blooming today. Is very pretty. Smells lovely, if you stick your nose right in it. teh pink makes me happiez.

Hi All
I participated in this research study and encourage all you US folks to do the same (theyre now offering $compensation$ for your blood draw- this DOES NOT involve going off the gluten free diet)
UNIVERSITY RESEARCHERS SEEK ADULTS WITH CELIAC DISEASE

Adults that have been diagnosed with Celiac Disease are being sought for a study to identify factors associated with the development of Celiac Disease. The goal of the study is to find genes that may predispose individuals to develop this condition. The study has been funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health.

Adults eligible to participate in this study must have been diagnosed with Celiac Disease through a small intestinal biopsy. Spouses may also be eligible to participate.

Participants will be asked to provide a blood sample, complete a questionnaire, and provide medical records regarding their celiac diagnosis. There is no cost to participate. Necessary materials to have the blood drawn by the individual’s doctor, clinic, or lab will be sent. The study will pay for the cost of the blood draw, as well as overnight shipping to the lab. Participants will receive free antibody testing and be compensated $25 for their time to complete the questionnaire and provide a blood sample.

For further information, please contact Maryam Mousavi, Study Manager, University of California, Irvine at (949) 824-5603 or toll-free at (866) 356-9962, or e-mail mmousavi@uci.edu


Please note this study will end August 31, 2008.

I have no affiliation with this study or university other than I was a participant, and hope you will be too!

The cats like to jump on my desk because I have the computer monitor pushed to the back, leaving lots of lounging room. Ignatius is currently sacked out in front of me on the desk. Aelfgifu also likes to get on the desk. Today I was typing and looked to my right to pet Aelf, who was standing there. Gnawing on the router antenna! No wonder our reception keep dropping out. I chastised her. She just looked at me. I popped her lightly on the nose. She raised her paw at me. I pointed to the antenna, said no, and popped her lightly again. She swatted me lightly. She's *so* cute! Sigh...

Apparently I am working today after all. Whatevs.

Oh .  My.  God.  You guys are so amazing - the offers for help with my pattern selling are just leaving me speechless with joy.

I just like making patterns - I've never been totally happy with the idea of running my own shop - tax, business, and other issues (quite aside from vulnerabilities with the design) have been stressing me out.  I'm a bad salesperson, and I just want to spend my time designing.  The opportunities you have offered me are overwhelming in their wonderfulness.

That meme about people online who have changed my life?  It can't express how much I have received from everyone who has offered help, advice, and solutions to the things that scare and bother me.

I am humbled and thankful from the bottom of my heart at having such wonderful friends.

Big wet sloppy virtual kisses to all of you.

Canada is planning to change its food labelling laws to include gluten!!

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/nr-cp/_2008/2008_117-eng.php

They are also funding several studies about celiac disease. Yay!

Just thought I'd let y'all know that there's a virus email out there claiming to be from UPS (I know some of the people on my f-list are small business owners, and wanted to warn them.

Also, how cool is it that the people at my job check Snopes before fwding a virus warning?