Due to the ongoing plague that has troubled our lands, a Regency Court was held on October 17, A.S. 55 in the Shire of Abhainn Ciach Ghlais by Their Graces Timothy of Arindale and Gabrielle van Nigenrode by the leave of Their Sylvan Majesties Maynard von dem Steine and Laidain ni Dheirdre Chaohamnaigh, Recorded by Baroness Antoinette DeLorraine.
It was a beautiful day for a small gathering following all safety guidelines set forth by Kingdom and local statutes.
Their Graces called forth THLady Rhenna de An t’Eilean Dubh, and spoke warmly about all her years of service. While the event was small in attendance, words of praise had been sent from all over the Kingdom. Her Grace Dorinda Courtenay and Maitre Gilles de Beauchamps spoke words of appreciation to name her their peer. Rhenna was then wrapped in a beautifully embroidered cloak emblazoned with a Pelican in her piety, and was inducted into the order of the Pelican (scroll by Mistress Alicia Langland and THL Vivienne of Yardley)
There being no further business the Regency court was closed.
Here begins the Chronicles of the Courts of the Fourth Reign of Timothy and Gabrielle, King and Queen of Sylvan Æthelmearc, held on the twenty-third day of November, AS 54 (2019), at Fabric, Fiber, and Fighting, in their Shire of Abhainn Ciach Ghlais. Submitted by Lord Snorri skyti Bjarnarson, Jewel Herald of Æthelmearc.
During morning court, at the fighting field.
After a bit of misdirection and subterfuge, to keep the target of their plans distracted, Their Majesties summoned before them His Lordship Bors of Rouen. King Timothy, saying that he could no longer countenance being beaten so soundly by an unbelt, presented THL Bors with a Writ to Contemplate Elevation to the Order of the Chivalry, done by Baron Caleb Reynolds with words by THL Shirin of Susa, and there was much cheering.
THLord Bors fighting as Baronial Champion of the Debatable Lands at Seven Pearls. Photo by Brienne Lochlan.
There being no further business, court was suspended until such time as Their Majesties desired.
Evening Court.
That evening, after a day of fine fellowship, considerable classes, and first-rate food, Their Majesties did again call all gentles there present to attend Their court.
After greeting the populace and bidding them seek their comfort, Their Majesties first called before them all newcomers present, and gave to them each a gift of a cup to drink from.
After that, leave was given to Her Excellency Elena de la Palma to address the populace regarding the AE Leads program of service to the kingdom.
Baroness Elena addresses the populace.
Their Majesties next summoned before the throne Lady Annika Iosafova, Their Bagatelle, who spoke to the populace concerning the day’s largesse derby, and the many wonderful donations that were given as part of it.
Lady Annika thanks the populace for gifts of largesse.
Baroness Rowena ni Dhonnchaidh then begged a moment of the crown’s time to present to Them a new day shade she had sewn for the kingdom.
Mistress Rowena delivers a new Kingdom day shade,
The unofficial business of the court being concluded, Their Majesties had called to Them Christobell of the Woods. They spoke of her work to support the shire, doing many thankless tasks, and so saw fit to Award her Arms, with a scroll by THL Sebastianne la Rousse.
Christobell is awarded Arms.
Next, Their Majesties summoned Lady Fede di Fiore, and spoke glowingly of her efforts in the making of period garb. Because of this work, they felt it right and proper to induct her into the Order of the Sycamore, with a Brobdingnagian scroll by THL Sasson de la Sancta Victoria.
Lady Fede receives a Sycamore.
After that, Their Majesties called for young Lord Draven Hastings, and spoke of his constant and unceasing service to the crown as a retainer, and so made him a member of the Order of the Keystone.
Lord Draven receives a Keystone.
That being done, Their Majesties called next for Lady Magdalena Txoperena. They spoke highly of her efforts at garb-making, and so deemed it just to add her name to the rolls of the Order of the Sycamore, with a scroll by Lady Fede di Fiore.
Lady Magdalena receives a Sycamore.
Spying Lady Ania Mhoireach in Their court, Their Majesties had her summoned to Their presence. Word had reached them of her efforts in leather work and illumination, and They saw her good works in these fields, and so named her a companion of the Order of the Sycamore, with scrolls by Mistress Lucretia di Cosimo and Master Po Silvertop.
Lady Ania receives a Sycamore.
After that, Their Majesties had called forward Lord Amano Zenjirou Nakatsune and Lady Oribe Tsukime. They noted their stellar appearance and comportment, and so saw fit to name them to the Order of the Golden Mirror.
Lord Nakatsune and Lady Oribe receive the Golden Mirror.
As these good gentles made to leave, Their majesties bade Lady Oribe Tsukime remain a moment longer. Their Noble Order of the Fleur d’Æthelmearc was called forward, and, voicing their acclaim, Lady Oribe was made The Honorable Lady Oribe Tsukime, and her name added to their rolls, with a scroll by Lady Murdia Drusilla Vettia Portia with text by Mistress Phiala O’Ceallaigh.
Lady Oribe is inducted into the Fleur.
While Their Fleurs were present, Their Majesties desired to add another to their number. Lady Sebastianne La Rousse was called forward and made the newest member of the Fleur d’Æthelmearc, with a scroll by Lady Bubba Blackhammer.
Lady Sebastianne is inducted into the Fleur.
Next, Their Majesties decided that the Kingdom needed to recognize the efforts and works of Lady Etain ingen Ruaidhri. Calling Their Most Noble Order of the Millrind to Them, they received their acclaim, and so inducted Lady Etain into their order.
Lady Etain is inducted into the Millrind.
That being done, Their Majesties demanded the presence of Her Ladyship Rhenna de An t’Eilean Dubh. They spoke of her many years of service, and then had called forward Their Most Noble Order of the Pelican. This Order expressed their desire to have Her Ladyship as one of them, and so Their Majesties issued to her a Writ to contemplate elevation to the Order of the Pelican.
THLady Rhenna receives a Writ for the Pelican.
Her Majesty then spoke of the day’s events, and had called to her Mistress Elyse la Bref, and named her Queen’s Inspiration for the day, and awarded unto her a Golden Escarbuncle, tinted red for service.
Mistress Elyse is named Queen’s Inspiration
Finally, Their Majesties called forward all scribes there present who had contributed to the award scrolls given that day, and gave unto them each a token from Their hands.
There being no further business, court was closed.
All photos by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope except the picture of THLord Bors, as noted above.
Being the Chronicle of the Courts of Timothy and Gabrielle, King and Queen of Sylvan Æthelmearc, held on the ninth day of November, AS 54 (2019), at Corn Maze, in Their small but mighty Shire of Abhainn Ciach Ghlais. Submitted by Lord Snorri skyti Bjarnarson, Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald.
The day was cold but clear, and the breeze blew brisk, and so it was Their Majesties’ pleasure to have their court called into session inside the manor adjacent to the barbecue pit, near to the goat pens and hard against the fields of corn where the day’s slaughters had taken place.
Photo by Erin Whitcomb & Sara Joy Herringshaw, 2019.
As the assembled populace sat to enjoy a hot and hearty meal of whole roast pig (and some other unimportant foods), the first unfortunate order of business was to pronounce a sanction: On November ninth, two thousand and nineteen, the Crown of Æthelmearc, Their Royal Majesties Timothy of Arindale and Gabrielle de Nijenrode and the Kingdom Seneschal has issued the Sanction of Temporary Removal of Participation in the SCA to John Proctor, known in the Society as (No Known Society Name).
That necessary business being attended to, Their Majesties called for all persons there present who were at their first event, or attending their first Royal court, to attend them. However, no such persons appeared, and so the court moved forward with other business.
It was then Her Majesty’s pleasure to call upon Baroness Elena de la Palma, who reminded all assembled about Mistress Jenna’s tokens, to be given by anyone for acts of kindness and service they witnessed.
That business completed, Their Majesties had summoned before them Vihjalmr Jorgennson. They spoke to him of his fine work as a fighter and thrower of weapons, and therefore saw fit to name him a member of the Noble Order of the Golden Alce, and to Award him Arms, with a scroll by Sir Murdoch Bayne.
His Lordship Aiden MacMichael was then called forth, and it was noted by Their Majesties that an award had been read into court for him by their predecessors, but that they felt it right and proper to also recognize him in court, and so presented him with a medallion to mark him as a member of the Noble Order of the Keystone.
Their Majesties then sought the presence of Lady Isolda De Leycestre, who was conveniently found directly behind the throne, wearing the livery of a royal retainer. The Queen spoke at length of this fine lady’s accomplishments in fiber arts, specifically the making of complex late-period garb for others, and saw fit to induct her into the Noble Order of the Sycamore, with a scroll by Mistress Elyse le Bref.
At the completion of that business, after a brief consultation with Their Jewel Herald, Their Majesties demanded the attendance of Don Jehan le Blanc. He attended Them, appearing moderately confused, and so King Timothy bade His herald summon Master Po Silvertop. A lively discussion between the King, Don Po, and the Jewel Herald then commenced, concerning the apportioning of blame for what was about to happen. Finally, a group to be culpable was settled upon, and the Most Noble Order of the Millrind was called forward, then… singing happened, to the tune of “The Muppet
Show”, and the words shall be recorded here for posterity, to wit:
It’s time to join the Millrinds,
All this time you’ve served the Throne,
You’ve roved across the Kingdom, All to help our Sylvan Home!
Chatelained throughout our borders,
Autocrat and marshalled too,
Kitchen staff and scribal wordsmith,
Are just some of what you do!
We’re glad to have you come here,
Before the Crown you kneel,
The Order’s now behind you,
To celebrate your zeal!
Queen Gabrielle is smiling,
King Timothy laughs aloud,
The Herald’s getting started, (I think we’re long past started) On the most sensational, inspirational,
Celebrational, Millrind-ational,
Don Jehan LeBlanc’s a Millrind now!
After completion of the singing, Don Jehan was made the newest member of the Most Noble Order of the Millrind, with a scroll by Lady Ania Mhoireach.
While Their Majesties had Their Most Noble Order of the Millrind before them, another worthy was called forward: Lady Dierdre Kildare. Their Majesties spoke glowingly of her many years of service to her shire, and commanded her name be added to the rolls of the Millrinds as well, with a scroll from Master Jonathan Blakstyne.
Queen Gabrielle then rose, and spoke with great admiration of the helpfulness of Lord Andrew of Thescorre, and called him Her Inspiration that day, and awarded unto him a Golden Escarbuncle, tinted red for service.
Finally, Their Majesties called up all scribes there present who had contributed a scroll to the day’s courts, and each was given a token of appreciation from Their hands.
There being no further business, court was closed.
Respectfully,
Lord Snorri skyti Bjarnarson
Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald
In a little more than a month, Æthelmearc scribes from across the Kingdom will gather for a weekend of – in the words of Owen Tegg — “community, camaraderie, support, and scribal family.”
When asked, “What did [last year’s] retreat mean to you?” many responses echoed that of Eilionora inghean an Bhaird; scribes enjoyed the “time to relax, put faces to names, and meet people.”
Eleanore Godwin explained, “The fun of socializing was important for me, as I was able to put names and faces together! Talking with other scribes and sharing information is something we don’t usually get a chance to do. Most of us create scrolls at home alone, and this retreat gave many an opportunity to sit and work on projects together with other fellow scribes. When we go to events, we may be busy taking classes, or teaching them, and little time is left to sit and talk with other scribes about what we are doing, or what struggles with creating we might be having.”
For Alaric MaConnal, it meant, “A chance to hang out with some of the coolest people.”
Rhys Penbras ap Dafydd appreciated “connecting with like-minded people and learning new things.” For Eleanore Godwin, “ ‘try-it’ stations gave us an opportunity to learn a new skill, or learn about materials ‘hands-on style.’ I taught ‘Papers and paint’ with Lady Shirin and got as much out of teaching as scribes did learning!”
One brand-new scribe, Ihtizāz al-Ganī, wrote, “I’m new, and this event allowed me to meet scribes from all over the kingdom who gave me great advice and became contacts for further exploration. I was able to try new techniques and was encouraged to retry things I was convinced I couldn’t do well.”
Zofia Kowalewska, called Zosia, described the weekend as, “a chance for me to recharge.” Adds Eleanore Godwin, “it also has inspired and invigorated our scribal community to teach more, learn more, and support scribes who want to create more but need more supplies than they are capable of affording.”
The second Æthelmearc Scribal Retreat (aka Æthelmearc Scribal Sleepover!) will be held May 31 to June 2. Although it will take place in the Shire of Abhainn Ciach Ghlais, this year’s Retreat will be held at a different site from last year’s. The new site offers MORE space for even more scribal fun!
Pre-registration is required to attend; pre-registration must be postmarked on or before May 11 or may be given to the autocrat, Mistress Alicia Langland, at Crown Tourney.
The Baron and Baroness of Ramshaven, Penn and Lucia de Moranza, at The Academy of St. Clare.
By Lady Margareta le Sayre
It was a quiet weekend at a small needlework event in the Shire of Abhainn Ciach Ghlais, until someone fed the Canadians sugar…
What follows is a completely truthful account of the events leading up to a devastating War That Wasn’t.
The Baron and Baroness of Ramshaven, Ealdormere, Penn and Lucia de Moranza, opened court…. Food Court… with the test-tasting of Oreos and Peeps, as well as chips and snack foods that could only be found at exclusive merchants in the distant lands of Æthelmearc.
Her Dredd Excellency Lucia was delighted at the Oreo offerings of Strawberry Shortcake, Carrot Cake, Lemon, and Dark Chocolate.
She was, in fact, rather dismayed that the Oreos from her own shores were no match for the decadent colorful filling she discovered abroad. To add insult to injury, both of Their Baronial palates were thoroughly appalled by the flavor of Holiday Sugar Cookie Cracker Jacks.
“This is an abomination!” said Her Dredd Excellency, Baroness Lucia.
“This is truly awful!” agreed His Delicious Excellency, Baron Penn. “Here! Try some!”
“Let me make sure” quoth the two of them, as they sampled the dreadful flavor once more.
After a speedy conference, it was decided that the existence of this flavor of Cracker Jacks and the betrayal of Æthelmearc for having better Oreos most surely meant war between the kingdoms!
AEthelmearc beat Ealdormere in the Great Snack War at the Academy of St. Clare
The Ealdormerean contingent gathered their War Peeps and Attack Rams, and vowed to return. They shall pepper us with Dill Pickle Jalapeno chips and attack our taste buds as we have surely battered theirs!
Politely, of course, they promise the Rams will be on their best behavior.
It is with a heavy heart that I share with you these sad tidings: Our shire’s Lord Conrad Keinast passed away unexpectedly this weekend.
Lord Conrad was named by Timothy and Gabrielle near the end of their first reign as the 36th Jewel of Æthelmearc for his long term service locally as Exchequer, to the Kingdom, and in bettering the Society through his many good works, and for unfailing and tremendous contribution with demos, teaching, entertaining and promoting all good things in the Society.
One of Abhainn Ciach Ghlais shire’s most dependable workers, Conrad could always be counted on to help where needed, whether at Troll, in the kitchen, or in the hall.
For several years, Conrad led his shire’s Storytellers’ Guild. At demos, he entertained visiting children with his tales; his telling of “Beowulf” kept a roomful of Cub Scouts enthralled more than once.
Conrad was an avid reader, brewer, and gardener. He often presented shire members with gifts from his garden and kitchen. His delicious pickled eggs were a favorite at Abhainn Ciach Ghlais’s sideboard lunches.
Lord Conrad with his wife, THLady Bryghitta
Conrad also enjoyed history and traveling. In recent years, he and his wife, the Honorable Lady Bryghitta Ksiazska, traveled twice to Poland to explore her cultural heritage.
For those wishing to pay their respects, the memorial service for Lord Conrad (Robert English) will be Thursday, December 13, from 6-8 pm, at Jerre Wert Blank funeral home at 395 State Street, Sunbury, PA.
Condolences may be sent to Lord Conrad’s family at 124 North Second Street, PA 17801.
Learn how to make inexpensive cording of various thickness and lengths to match your project. Gold twist cording is used in all kinds of embroidery as early as the 15 century. 1 hour. No limit.
Russian Gold Work Embroidery
THL Cristina inghean Ghriogair
We will be learning the basics of how to apply pearls, beads, padding and waste of time (cording) to Russian style embroidery. Kits will contain materials to finish a bag. Kits include: handout, waste of time (cording), pearls, seed beads, padding, cotton cording, needles, 6” hoop, brocade, linen or cotton for backing, lining, bees wax, threads and draw cords. 3 hours. Limit TBA. $20 for kits.
How to Train Your Slate Frame
Lady Cele OM
How to set up a slate frame for embroidery. Knowing which end of a needle is pointy would be useful. Limited number of kits to go from pile of sticks to set up frame available. Unlimited observers. Students will start with the unassembled frame, sew up the embroidery ground cloth, and sew to frame. See why this method was the way to embroider until the 20th Century: the tension is even and holds like the Hoover Dam. Email if you have a frame that you want to get set up. 1 hour. $20 for kits, 5 available. Free to audit. Contact me if you want to use your own frame for special set up kit. (Contact Phiala for email info.)
Couching: The Medieval-est Embroidery Stitch of All!
Mistress Jaqueline de Molieres
An overview of six variations on couching, when and where they were used, pictures, examples, demos. No actual stitching by students, so no supplies required. Students will go away with an understanding of different types of couching and how it might apply to them and their embroidery projects. I will have examples and photos of each stitch and will demo how they are done. Please bring paper and pencil. 1 hour.
Spinning
Support Spindling
Lady Glenna Cholmondeley
This class will explore the history and techniques used to create yarn using a supported spindle. Supported spindles are ideal to use for fine yarns or more delicate fibers that might not stand the weight of a drop spindle (such as cotton or cashmere). Supported spindles and fibers will be provided in the materials, but students are encouraged to bring their own fibers or spindles they would like help with. 1 to 2 hours. $5 for materials.
Fiber Prep for Handspinners
Lady Glenna Cholmondeley
This class will explore different fibers and fiber preparations and strategies for spinning or felting fibers that may be new to the students as well as recognizing which fiber preparations may be best suited for the skill level and desired outcome by the student. Wools, silks, cottons, and other natural fibers will be explored. This class is suitable for all skill levels. Fibers will be provided in the class materials, but students are encouraged to bring their own fiber samples and fiber prep tools to have questions answered and/or suggestions for dealing with problematic fiber preparations and tools. 1 to 2 hours. $2 for materials
Braiding
Skjoldehamn Belt Deconstructed
Mistress Elska á Fjárfelli
Learn to make the 24-yarn, 12-strand braided Skjoldehamn belt, with demos on the braid and plausible ways of wrapping the cord and making the tassels. Includes detailed DIY handout. This is a show and tell class, but if you want to start a braided belt and work on it the weekend, bring 12 bobbins, each of two yarns, of twice the length needed (either kumihimo bobbins or pieces of cardboard – check my blog for more info) and I can get you started: http://bookeofsecretes.blogspot.com/2017/10/how-to-make-12-strand-skjoldehamn-belt.html Class length, limits, materials, and special needs (if any). 1 hour. Limit 5 active braiders, auditors welcome.
Weaving
The Rules of Brocaded Tablet Weaving
Silvester Burchardt
TBA
Tablet-Woven Structures
Silvester Burchardt
TBA
Hair of the Naga: How to Weave Fake Fur.
Lady Cele OM
Early Period fake fur was a way to make a shaggy cloth AND still have a sheep for milking, making more sheep and wool. Knowing what a loom is would be very useful. Students will have a small 2 harness loom to work on during the day. They will go home with a woven sample of cloth and other samples. Samples of cloaks and cloth will be available to examine. Students will have a warped (with hand spun) loom to work with, soft spun yarn for weft and separated locks to insert for the fringe. Another method of making a shaggy cloth will be presented as research in process. 1 hour; can be finished during the day. Limit TBA. Fee for kits TBA.
Inventorying the Inventories: A Quantitative Analysis of Garments and Materials in the Inventories of Isabel of Portugal, Empress of Spain
Baroness Elena de la Palma
Recent publication of the full, unabridged inventories of Isabel of Portugal have allowed unprecedented access to information about what she wore, what it was made from, and what adornments it bore. This class will present the instructor’s work to quantify the garments in the inventories: how many of each garment was owned, how often various materials are used for each, etc. Through this class, the student will gain an understanding of what conclusions can be drawn from these inventories to assist in the construction of clothing from Spain, what this information might mean in the context of broader European clothing context, and the limitations and drawbacks of inventories as source material. Access to a sortable, searchable digital spreadsheet will be provided at the end of class and available to students in perpetuity. 1 hour. No limit. Donation for handout welcome.
Luxury Velvets of the Late Fifteenth Century
Marguerite d’Honfleur
TBA
Hat Foundations
Baroness Therasa du Domrémy
Students will learn about different types of hat construction and specific techniques of the flat pattern method. You will practice the different basic stitches used in millinery work. Then you will use those stitches to sew millinery wire on buckram three ways and sew on trim. You will learn and practice how to sew on pearls so they stay tight and in place for the next 30 years. Students need to bring: A Thimble that fits well, Embroidery Shears. If you have, please also bring: Sewing Wax, Small needle nose pliers, and 4” or 6” embroidery hoop. The Instructor will provide all other items needed. 2 hours. Limit 7. $2 for supplies.
Intro to Knitting: Make a Monmouth Cap
Mistress Irene von Schmetterling
You will learn to cast on, knit, purl, and other essential knitting tasks. Students should bring a skein of worsted or bulky yarn, preferably wool and Double point or 16 inch circular needle in size 10, 11 or 13. Some needles will be available for use during the class. 1.5 hours. Limit 12.
Miscellaneous
A Mary Rose ruler for your period sewing kit
Master Bedwyr Danwyn
This is a make & take class where each student can make a 6 inch ruler for their period sewing kit based on Mary Rose recoveries. Great for public demos as well as actual use. 1 hour. No limit. No fee.
Getting Knotty with Posament, the other other form of Viking Era wire work
Lady Mar’itsa Sumnikova
In this class you will learn the origins of tenntrad, the core spun material whose origins potentially lie with the Saami peoples, explore how it got into Viking hands, and learn the knotting techniques used to create one of the pieces found in Grave 944 at Birka. Open discussion is encouraged during this class, as are questions! Experience with macramé or knotting is helpful but not necessary to attend. Handout, materials provided. 1.5 hours. Limit 12. No fee, but donations welcome if you enjoyed the class.
Herein is the report of the Court of King Sven of Æthelmearc, held on June 16, AS 53 (2018) at Æthelmearc Æcademy and War College in the Shire of Shire of Abhainn Ciach Ghlais as reported by Baroness Ekaterina Volkova, Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald.
His Majesty thanked the Shire for hosting a day of wonderful classes and expressed his hope that all who attended were able to find as much enjoyment in the event as he did.
THL Amalie Reinhart was called before His Majesty. It was remarked that Their Majesties had looked for her the previous weekend but were saddened to miss her as they had business with her. His Majesty spoke of how her skills and service on the Thrown Weapons Ranges had not gone unnoticed and announced that she was to be inducted into the Order of the Golden Alce. Scroll is the collected works of Khiba al-Jabaliyya, Rachel Dalicieux and Ceindrech verch Elidir.
Golden Alce scroll for THLady Amalie. Photo by THL Amalie Reinhardt.
His Majesty then invited all children in attendance into Court. He then asked them to calmly walk to the back of the hall and help themselves to a toy from the chest.
His Majesty then requested the presence of Serena Milani. He said that her interest in the seamstress skills and her new interest in the scribal arts has come to the Crown’s notice. For all this, she was inducted into the Order of the Sycamore and Awarded Arms. Scroll by THL Aine ingen Ui Briain and Mistress Graidhne ni Ruaidh.
The Order of the Fleur d’Æthelmearc was then summoned before His Majesty. He explained that on a day of learning and sharing of the arts, it was only proper for this Order to be added to. Lady Mairin O’Cadhla was then invited to present herself. Lady Mairin has achieved a reputation for creating exquisite dolls with highly detailed costumes and sharing her knowledge far and wide. For this she was inducted into the Order. Scroll Illuminated by THL Edana the Red and Calligraphed by Mistress Antoinette de la Croix.
Lady Marin is made a Fleur. Photo courtesy of Duchess Ilish O’Donovan.
Before dismissing the Order, His Majesty indicated that is was not yet complete. He then called for THL Elyse le Bref. Her skills with ink and pen and paint and brush has become known and the Order happily welcomed her to join them. Scroll Illuminated by Hatun Gulsah al-Zakiya, Calligraphed by Mistress Alicia Langland upon words by Lord Leonard Capriolo.
His Majesty spoke to the assembled populace and spoke of how the scribes of the kingdom spend long hours making scrolls to commemorate the awards given at each event. He then asked that all scribes, who have made a scroll in the last year to please stand and receive the admiration of those present.
Mistress Alicia Langland, event autocrat and Provost of the Æcademy was the given leave to speak of the day. She thanked all those that came to take classes and all those that came to teach classes. It was announced that the Fall session of the Æcademy would be held in the Dominion of Myrkfaelinn. She announced that the recipient of the Countess Aidin memorial stipend was Lord Robert of Ferness, who thanked the Academy for selecting him and announced that he would be teaching his turnsole shoes class at the next Æcademy as well.
Lord Robert of Ferness received a stipend from the Chancellor of the AEcademy. Photo by Arianna of Wynthrope.
There being no further business, the Court of His Majesty was closed.
For those who have been anxiously awaiting information about the meals for the Scribal Retreat, here it is!
Facilities: The site has two ranges with ovens plus a cooktop as well as a small microwave oven and a toaster. There is also a standard-size refrigerator/freezer. Because refrigerator space is limited, please bring your own cooler with ice.
The kitchen has a limited assortment of cookware and cooking utensils along with plates and bowls. Those using the kitchen are expected to clean up after themselves; this includes any surfaces used as well as washing, drying, and putting away anything belonging to the site.
Hot mitts and dishtowels will be provided by the host shire.
Hospitality Table: Thanks to THL Elyse, hot beverages will be available throughout the weekend. Her Hospitality Table typically includes coffee, tea, and hot chocolate, along with “go-withs” (cream, sugar, etc.).
Friday night:
Stop for dinner on your way to the site; numerous chain restaurants plus a number of local eateries are within 10 miles of the site. Bring your favorite beverage and maybe a snack or two to share.
Saturday breakfast: On your own. Bring your own food or go off-site. Numerous chain restaurants plus a number of local eateries are within 10 miles of the site. A list will be available at the event.
**OPTIONAL MEAL PLAN**
$15 cost includes Saturday lunch and supper, as well as breakfast Sunday morning.
Advance registration is required; your payment must be received by March 15
Checks for the meal plan should be made out to: SCA-PA, Inc. Abhainn Ciach Ghlais. (On the “memo” line, please note: Scribal Retreat)
Please send meal plan payment to:Elyse la Bref Debi Dreese-Hoch 4061 Old Berwick Road Bloomsburg, PA 17815
Saturday lunch:
gluten-free, vegetarian-friendly lentil soup/stew
deluxe veggie tray with lots of assorted stuff (veggie dip, served on the side, will also be GF)
Saturday supper:
Those with dietary concerns may request a list of ingredients by emailing Alicia.
A Google Form will allow you to select your choice of 1 entree and 2 sides for supper.
choice of 1 entree:
spinach lasagna
pulledpork BBQ sandwich (Kaiser roll and BBQ sauce will be served on the side)
If you find your zen while embroidering, you won’t want to miss The Academy of St. Clare of Assisi: EVEN MORE Stitches in Time, hosted by the Shire of Abhainn Ciach Ghlais (central PA).
From the moment the site opens at 5 pm on May 4th until it closes at 11 am on Sunday, May 6th, it’ll be all embroidery, all the time!
Friday evening will feature a Show-and-Tell of finished projects from one of last year’s classes. Afterward, spend the evening making new friends while you stitch. (The first two events had attendees from five kingdoms!)
Saturday morning begins with a Keynote Address by Viscountess Leyla al-Manadiliyya, a Laurel from the Kingdom of Northshield whose specialty is Middle Eastern research, arts, and culture. Her presentation, “Holbein goes to Egypt,” will take you on a journey through time, across cultures, and between continents.
Two hours of short classes, on a wide variety of topics for all levels, will follow the Keynote Address. Topics include:
An Introduction to Celtic Embroidery
Blackwork, Beyond The Basics
Felted Knitted Bags and Pouches
Finding Inspiration
Medieval Gold Work
Spanish Drawnwork and Other Unique Spanish Needlework
Thread Play
After a delicious lunch, stitchers will spend the afternoon attending their pre-selected “kit class.” This year’s “kit classes” include:
Assisi Work: leap into the void! (Students will create an end-bordered linen towel in red, green or blue.)
German Ornate Sleeve (Students will learn hand applique, pearling, beading to create a one-of-a-kind sleeve with a unique design based upon their own heraldry, interests and preferences.)
Pattern Darning (Students will embroider a 10” x 10” kerchief based on Egyptian finds.)
Russian Gold Work Embroidery (Students will decorate a small cloth bag with Russian-style embroidery using pearls, beads, padding and waste-of-time cording.)
These three-hour classes provide students, under the tutelage of skilled instructors, the time needed to learn and practice the skills needed to complete the “kit” project. To allow ample time to work one-on-one with students, instructors set a limit of students — from six to 15, depending on the topic. The kits range in price from $15 to $30 and include all of the materials for the project.
(NOTE: The only way to guarantee a space in a “kit class” is to pre-pay for the class you wish to take. To allow instructors sufficient time to order supplies and then prepare the kits, payment for “kit classes” must be received on or before March 31.)
Our celebrated afternoon tea provides the perfect opportunity to rest tired fingers and eyes and chat with friends and colleagues, while the interlude between tea and supper allows time to check out the work in the Embroidery Display, peruse the Reference Library, or bid on items in the Silent Auction.
An Embroidered Fashions Show on Saturday evening offers an opportunity to hear about and admire each other’s beautiful handiwork.
For those who haven’t had their fill of stitching yet, after breakfast on Sunday morning, the class “Bayeaux Basics” will cover the history and stitches Bayeaux tapestry. Students will receive a handout, preprinted linen, hoop, and enough wool to complete a figure from the Bayeaux tapestry.
For this weekend-long event, the Adult Event Registration is $40. (Adult Member Discount Event Registration is $35.) This includes lodging in a heated cabin as well as breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and supper on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday. (NOTE: Bunk spaces will be filled on a first-paid, first-served basis; please reserve early if you need special sleeping accommodations, such as a bottom bunk or access to electricity.)
Much more information – including detailed descriptions of each class and photographs of the instructor’s work in that style – can be found on the event website.
Those wishing additional information are welcome to contact the autocrat, Mistress Alicia Langland.
Our celebrated afternoon tea provides the perfect opportunity to rest tired fingers and eyes and chat with friends and colleagues, while the interlude between tea and supper allows time to check out the work in the Embroidery Display, peruse the Reference Library, or bid on items in the Silent Auction.