Re-Do-Over

So...do you guys remember this mess?

This happens to be the main reason my garbing has been on hold.  I was part way in on a garbset made with chiffon when the thing frayed apart.  (I even checked the pattern and it suggests using chiffon!).  I've been itching to get back to it, but have been reconsidering fabrics.  My garbing experience is minimal, so trying again with a fabric that is easier to work with seems like a smarter and more productive idea than attempting to plow through this mess.

So...I poked around for a bit ( here, here and here among other places ) to look for suggestions for beginners on fabric selection. 

The general consensus is that the top three for beginners are:

• Cotton
• Linen
• Wool

 

Happy circumstance that these are the three most commonly used fibers during the Medieval era (along with some silk thrown in for the elite).  I guess this settles my personal debate over authentic vs. modern materials.  Sometime soon (Sat?) I will be picking up some black cotton gauze.

It has also not escaped my attention that these are three of the six craftable textiles in GW2.  My husband hopes I'm joking when I tell him I am planning to make something wearable out of jute.  :)

~Ravenna

Authenticity Check

I posted on FB a couple of days ago but forgot to post this here.

While I was looking for info on my chosen Halloween costume (based off a movie character) I stumbled onto this site.

The RFP

The site is especially a huge forum for Cosplay participants to share info.  It covers movies, TV, and video games.  I found some really great info on my costume, down to a link to the website to order the EXACT shirt worn in the film.  They have brands, mods, props, design suggestions, etc.  If I would have discovered this a few weeks back I would definitely have a much more authentic costume (except for the $400 boots.  Not happening).

Enjoy

P.S. Did I mention props??

Thorin's Sword Replica

Lady Loki

Organic Armor

That's all I got folks...though rumor has it there may be some crafty happening at House Valdyr real soon.

~Ravenna

Day Event

Head's up guys, Eryndor's next event is coming up fast! On Nov. 2, at 488 Newport Rd Frenchtown Charter Township, MI 48166, Senegal's Finest is hosting A Taste of Hope. This day event is only about an hour away.

Here is the Eryndor facebook blurb

"The Jacknife, the Shiv, and the Courtesean's Blade return the Finest who chose to aid Captains Guybrush, Redeye, and Bluegut in the final battle back to the Lady Senegal and the Mistress Haraqia. The Banshee's Wail traveled from Thaw with the ship writes based on visions of the Seers Yozo and Kalika to warn members of the Three Slash Alliance. Those who chose to head the warning met up east of the Lighthouse of Galadia with the Lady and the Mistress approximately a month and a half after the cataclysm. Death, desperation, and starvation is rampant throughout the remaining continent. Viable land is now underwater, what food survived ruin is now running low. The Finest realize nothing good came from aiding either side in the cataclysm and begin aggressive re-appropriation. The latest prey comes in the form of well-maintained caravel towing a small vessel in disrepair."

It sounds like it will be a piratey good time! And meanwhile, speaking of pirates...

 

I might not do that again...

Sometimes I am at a loss for words and occasionally Google random things looking for something to post about.

Today, after reading about a great stretch for your lower back, I wondered if there was anything out on the interwebs.

So I Googled "Medieval stretches" (yeah yeah I know)

..and this is what I got.

Yeah.  It's the Rack.

So...if you're interested in that sort of thing...go for it.  As for me...I've had enough.  I was even trying to think of some way this would be useful to have at Rag, but I got nothin'.

~Ravenna

Meet Zoe Jakes

This week I discovered a modern phenomenon called Tribal Fusion Bellydance.  It is sort of a weird industrial-gothic belly-dancing style.

Personally I think it's pretty sparkling awesome.

Oct 5th Update

Hey all,

Just a quick (last minute) update for tomorrow.  Due to the unanticipated commute time, there will be no KoA attendance at the Eryndor event tomorrow in Midland.

There will still be NO regular practice.

It's a perfect time to brainstorm your winter project activites!  :D

I am going to try to convince my husband that he wants to make me shoes like these:

 

~Ravenna

Winter is Coming

I know its hard to tell from the lovely 80 degree weather we've been having lately, but winter is in fact on its way, and with it begs the question - what are we to do while it is cold outside?

The Council of Lords is going to hold practice year round, weather & safety permitting, but with the days getting shorter and colder, we probably aren't going to want to spend five hours each Saturday at the park.

While I fully support this ambitious venture, I also recognize that the cold will drive us inside sooner than we would like which allows us some indoor time to work on other projects.

Since we have many skilled garb makers and weapon forgers in our midst, I think it would be worthwhile to plan for some group post-practice brainstorming/tutorial/project sessions after the Eryndor season closer in November.

I, for one, would like to make myself a ranger coat and a confessor's dress

Elf Coat by HeadClouds - wouldn't this make a sweet ranger coat?

And here is another great dress that would be perfect for Dagorhir with a little modification (tone down the steampunk side a touch)

 
And I know that Jack would love to have a Akronian Dragon sucoat

This in black and red with a large gold dragon on the front!

This year's season closer is on November 23. When would you like to start and what would you like to do? Dream big!