From craftsman to Queen, in the Middle Ages embroidery was part of the fiber of everyday life.  Using materials from earthy wools to ethereal silk, gold, pearls, and precious stones, women as well as men devoted uncounted hours to embellishing and enriching their fabrics.  The organizers of The Academy of St. Clare of Assisi:  MORE Stitches in Time invite stitchers of all skill levels to spend the weekend of March 31-April 2 immersing themselves in the study and practice of these exquisite techniques. This unique all-you-can-embroider event offers short classes on specialized topics, long detailed “kit” classes on beloved styles, and a chance to spend time with others who love the art of the needle.  This year’s classes will feature a both a Beginners’ Track and a Scandinavian Track.

Those arriving Friday night may choose to spend the evening chatting and stitching in the large meeting room.  It’s a great chance to share favorite suppliers, talk about tools in your embroidery kit, and get to know others from far away.  (FUN FACT:  Last year’s attendees came from five Kingdoms!). A hearty breakfast will set the stage for Saturday’s activities, which begin with a Keynote Address — “Dismantling Musiaphobia: learning to approach museum collections with confidence” — by Patrikia Maria Agrissa Sgourina.  Maria, herself a life-long stitcher, is interested in embroidery styles that span the centuries, from early- to late-period.  She received her Laurel in 2004 for her research, especially in Byzantine and Sassanid clothing and culture before the year 1000 CE. A full day of learning follows, starting with these one-hour classes Saturday morning:  

  • Embroidery for beginners by Baroness Bronwyn nic Gregor (Beginners Track)
  • Research for beginners by Gillian Llywellyn (Beginners Track)
  • Intermediate Embroidery by Gillian Llywellyn
  • Some Basics on Gold and How It Relates to Embroidery by THL Jaqueline de Molieres (Goldwork Track)
  • CANCELLED – Goldwork by Lady Megryth Allisonsdottir (Goldwork Track)
  • NEW!  Viking Embroidery by Hrefna fruþikona Þorgrímsdottir (Scandinavian Track)
  • Heavy Metal Embroidery: Finnish Style! by Duchess Siobhan (Scandinavian Track)
  • 14th century embroidered purses by Lady Vika Grigina z Prahy
  • Would You Know a Saint If You Met One? by Lady Johanna Lemercer

After a break for lunch, students will spend the afternoon in their pre-selected “kit” class, where they will not only learn the skills needed to complete their hands-on project but will also spend ample time working on the project.  “Kit” class options include:

  • Bead Embroidery by Mistress Jeanmaire Ilaria Beatrice du Domrémy
  • Embroidered Book Covers by THL Cristina inghean Ghriogair
  • Late Period English Slips by Hrefna fruþikona Þorgrímsdottir
  • Elegant Embellished Cuffs by Mistress Antoinette de la Croix (Beginners)
  • Make Your Own Wood-Handled Haithabu Bag by Lady Elska á Fjárfelli

To enable instructors to provide students individual attention, “kit” classes have size limits.  Once a class is filled, no more students will be accepted in that class.  Some classes are nearly filled, so for the best selection, we encourage you to mail your event registration today.  (Please note that the “kit” classes require pre-payment;  we will email you instructions on how to register for your “kit” class upon receiving your event registration.)

In addition to the classes, the event will also offer an all-day Embroidery Display Area, where entrants can get feedback on their work and where everyone can be inspired. A Reference Library of on-loan embroidery books will be available to peruse all day.  (The library will be staffed, and books will not leave the library area.). In the afternoon, the Stitching Solar will give students an option to sit and stitch in good company while others are in class. Returning from last year by popular request, we will break for Tea after the “kit” classes end. Following the tea, the Embroidery Display Show-and-Tell will allow us the chance to chat with those whose work we admire.

To help defray our out-of-Kingdom teachers’ travel expenses, a Silent Auction will be held.  Attendees are encouraged to bring excess and unwanted embroidery supplies and books – or SCAdianly-useful items — for the auction.  (After all, your no-longer-wanted items might be just what someone is looking for!)  All proceeds from the Silent Auction will be split among the out-of-Kingdom teachers.

After Feast – once again prepared under the direction of Lady Elizabetta Tempesta, our Head Cook from last year — an Embroidered Fashions Show will let us hear about the lovely garments we’ve been admiring all day. Those who didn’t get their fill of stitching during the day will be welcome to spend what’s left of the evening stitching and schmoozing in the large meeting room.

On Sunday morning, following breakfast, Lady Shirin of Susa will offer a class on Teaching Fiber Arts.  

Does this sound like the event you’ve been dreaming of?  Then please mail your event registration TODAY!

Event registration (includes 4 meals, served family-style, plus lodging) is as follows:

  • Adult Event Registration:  $35.00
  • Adult Member Discount Event Registration: $30.00 (Include a photocopy of your current SCA membership card.)

Feast spaces are nearly full, so we urge you to mail your event registration today to avoid disappointment!  

Please make your check payable to “SCA PA Inc. — Shire of ACG” and send it, along with the requested information listed below, to THL Aibell ingen Dairmata, c/o Lea Wittie, 913 Colonial Lane, Lewisburg PA 17837.

Kindly include the following with your event registration:

  • SCA name
  • modern name
  • email address (so we can send you “kit class” payment information)
  • food allergies (if applicable)
  • mobility concerns (if applicable)
  • bunk space required for 2 nights / 1 night (specify Friday or Saturday) / 0 nights
  • Are you interested in attending an afternoon “kit class”?  YES / NO

Bunk spaces in the heated cabins are filled on a first-paid, first-served basis. Those needing access to electricity should request a bottom bunk near an outlet.

The event will be held at the same site as last year, Boy Scout Camp Karoondinha, 225 Thomas Dam Road, Millmont PA 17845-9448 (GPS Coordinates: 40.85630, -77.2547)  Please note that the site does not permit alcohol.

Questions?  Please contact the autocrat, Mistress Alicia Langland (hutchnsn@bucknell.edu)

Want more info?  Visit: 

 http://www.eg.bucknell.edu/~acg/Events/SiT.html