Mostly Fibers Too: Class Schedule and Registration

xperience the fun of fiber arts first hand! Please come and enjoy the company of like minded An Tir artisans in a relaxed, no-pressure learning atmosphere.

Here is how the classes work: you send an e-mail class reservation request to Leticia at isatia@blarg.net, pay the instructor at the event (exact change is appreciated) and bring a chair. Classes have been tailored to be low cost with the minimum of required materials for you to bring.

Please note: Pre-registration closes 7/19 and Leticia will not be reading email after 10am 7/22.

Class List as of July 18 (see here for a simple class chart)
11th c. Armenian Woman's Dress Sat 1:00-2:15; (cost $2); max 10	This class covers the basic design and pattern used in Armenian costume of the eleventh century. It will discuss the common elements such as textiles, patterns etc, found in other cultures; as well as elements distinctly Armenian. Students should bring note-taking materials, instructor will provide handout. If students have questions on suitability of fabrics, let them feel free to bring to class for discussion. Instructor: Gorandookht Mamigonian is an 11th c. Armenian from the Middle East. Aline Kevorkian is a 21st c. Armenian from the Middle East. Both like to play with textiles, sing, dance, and teach. One of Aline's main reasons for being in the SCA is to focus on researching Armenian culture (especially textile and bardic arts); the other reason is educate people about the Middle East. One last reason for being in the SCA are the amazing friends.
14th-15th Century German Brickstitch (counted embroidery) Sat 11:30-12:45; cost $6; max 12	Students will look at pictures of extant examples of brickstitch, learn the stitch, and begin a small pouch. Students will receive a handout and all materials necessary (linen, cotton floss, needle) for completing the pouch. Instructor: Maitresse Elisabeth de Besancon (Elisa) has been playing in the SCA for 20 years and has been embroidering with counted stitches for about the same amount of time. Her other main areas of interest are early 15th century clothing and headdresses. She is currently Mistress of Arts and Sciences for the Barony of Glymm Mere. In modern life, Kristen Dahle teaches elementary school. Bring: scissors.
Basic Chain Maille Sat 1:00-2:15; cost $3; max 8 FULL	We will explore what chain maille is and is not. This class is for anyone who wants to learn one of the most basic chain maille weave, the European chain maille weave. You also learn why chain maille is a fabric and it can be thought of as "knitting steel". Instructor will supply the pliers and rings, you bring a willing pair of hands and we will have fun. Instructor: Tobias can remember the moon landing and has been interested in chain maille just as long.
Beginning Bobbin Lace New time: Sun 10:00-12:45; cost $1.00; max 5	Learning the Basics of Bobbin Lace. We will address the primary weaves that are the basis of all Bobbin Lace patterns. Instructor: Katiana is a fiber Artist, and have many various crafts under her belt, including spinning, weaving, sewing, tatting, and embroidery, to name a few. She has been doing Bobbin Lace on and off for about 2 years. Bring: a chair
Beginning Continental Knitting Sat 2:30-5; cost: $4.00, max: 4 FULL	Learn European (Continental) Knitting: cast on, knit and purl stitches, how to hold the yarn, knitting on 2 and 4 needles. Yarn and needles provided. Instructor: Nieka of Leiden
Beyond Documentation - How to Research Sat 11:30-12:45; cost $1.00; class size not limited.	This is a lecture covering the basic materials of a researcher, where to find the and how to use them, including cross-referencing and verification. Instructor: Asha is a weaver, dyer, and spinner, who worked as a professional cutter/draper and tailor for the Portland Opera Association and as a free-lance textile conservator. In addition, she researches pre-Industrial textiles, costumes, and technology in North America, Europe and Asia, is a teacher/lecturer in textile and costume history for schools, historical research groups and other organizations throughout the Pacific Northwest. She is currently researching and writing a book on Rectangular Construction Clothing. Bring: note-taking materials.
Chain Maille Coif date and time Sat 4-5:15; cost $3; max. 10	Must have a working knowledge of how European chain maille is made, or have taken a basic chain maille class and feel you are a fast learner. Since making a full coif would take a couple of days to make, we will be working on sizing, style, and those important little extras. Instructor: Tobias will supply the pliers and rings.
Chain Maille Jewelry 2:30-3:45, cost $3; max 8 FULL	Learn at least 3 weaves used to make chain maille jewelry. Instructor: Tobias will supply the pliers and rings.
Drop Spindles Fri 4:30 (whorls), Sat 2:30-5:15 (spinning), cost TBD; max 7 FULL	Make your own drop spindle whorl out of clay, let it dry add a stick and start spinning! We will make the whorls on Friday then learn to spin Saturday. Instructor: Hildegard is an amazing spinner. Although new to the craft, it's like she is channeling Arachne herself! Bring: an apron as the clay part is messy.
Grooming Marley Sat 11:00; demo, no cost	Marley is a docile, male Angora goat. Fleece from goats is called mohair, a wonderful, all purpose fiber. Marley's humans will show us how to shear the fleece with electric and hand shears. We will also learn how to prepare a fleece for spinning. Please DO NOT feed the goat!
Historical Paternosters and Rosaries Sat 1:00-2:15; handout $1; instructor will have beads and threads for purchase or bring your own; max 15. FULL	Instructor asks that students be aged 12 and older. What's a paternoster? How were medieval rosaries made? Come find out and get a chance to make one appropriate for your persona. We'll primarily look at the creation side of this dress accessory, focusing on the development of "beads on a string" as a devotional tool, fashion accessory, and souvenir item of the middle ages/renaissance. Instructor: Mestra Rafaella d'Allemtejo is a 13th c. Portuguese lady whose interests include needlework, cooking, ceramics, heraldry, and scribal arts. Bring: Clean hands, small scissors, note taking materials, beads and ornaments to make your own paternoster/rosary if desired.
History of Knitting Sat 10:00-11:15; cost $1.50 max 15	Lecture on the origins and development of knitting; what was knitted and when it was knitted as it pertains to the SCA time period. Instructor: Nieka has been knitting for 36 years and continues to learn new things about this great pastime. Bring: note taking materials.
Indigo Dyeing Sat 4:00-5:15; cost $1.50; max 10	Hands-on dyeing with an indigo vat. Lady Aeschine Gearranach, 14th century Scot (alter ego is a 6th century Pict). Justine Wright is a passionate textile artist and equestrian in all eras. Bring: a small amount of fiber or yarn to dye, (not more than 1oz.); any fiber type including man-made fibers can be dyed with indigo.
Introduction to Sewing Sat 2:30-3:45; cost $1.00; class size not limited	This is NOT a how-to-sew class, but a discussion of materials and equipment required/suggested to make your work easier and more fun. Instructor: Koressa (aka Foggy) has long experience in sewing and tailoring, in 4H, Extension Service, professional Theatre, and Historical Re-creation Costuming. She has worked for the Oregon Shakespearean Festival, Portland Opera Association, Oregon Contemporary Theatre, Eugene Opera, Orion Pictures, and various historical groups throughout the Pacific Northwest. She is currently a freelance costumer and dressmaker, specializing in non-standard figure types, and for the last ten years, has been working with a hand-weaver in developing custom patterns. Bring: note taking materials.
Japanese Shibori Tie Stitch Resist Dyeing Sat 11:30, cost $3.50; max 12	An introduction to Shibori Stitch Resist dyeing, including the history, techniques, and dyes used. Students will have the opportunity to practice the stitches on a piece silk, and dye their work in an instant set silk dye. Instructor: HL As Farida al Hadiati has been in the SCA since 1977. A developing interest in Japanese culture and history created a secondary persona, Miyamoto no Akikonomu. Her study includes Japanese classical dance, costume, and the fiber arts Shibori and tsujigahana (combinations of Shibori, and embroidery, sumi painting, and/or metal leafing). Bring: Apron or something to protect garb, latex gloves, and sewing needles optional.
Just Spin! Sat 8:30-2:00; no cost	Join other spinners for a non-structured day of spinning. Bring your drop spindle, wheel, fleece, etc. and just spin!
Knit-in Sunday morning; no cost	Need more help with your Continental Knitting? Want to show off what you finished on Saturday? Just want to knit with like minded folks? Bring your knitting and join in!
Let's Talk Wool! Fri 7-9; no cost	Wool fiber arts roundtable. This open forum will focus on everything wool. Bring your current project to show off. Last year we ended up spinning until midnight!
Linen 101 Sat 1:00-2:15; no cost; max 20	Find out how flax turns into linen! Lecture on the process of turning flax into linen with a demo on how to dress a distaff and spin linen. Instructor: Lady Aeschine Gearranach, 14th century Scot (alter ego is a 6th century Pict). Justine Wright is a passionate textile artist and equestrian in all eras. Bring: note taking materials.
Making Lacing: Period, Basic Fingerloop Braiding Sun 8:30-9:45; cost $2; max 7 FULL	This class will focus on how to make fingerloop braids, which can be used as lacing cords for clothing, purse strings, hat strings, and other occasions in which a cord is required. This method of making "laces," as they were commonly known, is documentable at least as far back to the twelfth century. Participants will make two sample braids using two different braiding techniques; the teacher will additionally demonstrate how minor variations of those techniques can produce several different patterns. will even receive four "bonus tracks": a correction to the Compleat Anachronist on Fingerloop Braiding (approved by one of the authors), as well as directions for three laces that are NOT in the CA but are translated directly from a period manual. Instructor: Esclarmonde Bring: a chair
Making Paper demo	Instructor: Master Gordon Redthorn will be making paper all day. Drop by and discover how paper is made.
Medieval Culinary Herbs & Spices Sat 2:30-4:45, handout $1, spices extra FULL	Class description: A "scratch and sniff" overview of historical herbs and spices used in medieval cooking. We'll look at where plants grew, trade routes & availability, recipes, and humoral theory as it applies to food prep (this is not a look at the medicinal properties of herbs). Those with allergies are forewarned — we will be smelling, tasting, and handling both whole and powdered ingredients. A handout with bibliography and shopping list will be provided. Instructor will have spice blends available for purchase or you can mix your own at near cost. Instructor: Mestra Rafaella d'Allemtejo Bring: note taking materials, handkerchief, and small baggies for samples.
Natural Dyeing with Local Plants Sat 2:30-3:45, cost $3.50; max 12	An introduction to natural dyeing with herbs, weeds, and other locally available dye plants. Course will cover the plants, locations and characteristics; mordants, and an opportunity to do some hands-on dying with one or two dye baths made from local plants. Instructor: HL As Farida al Hadiati Bring: Apron or something to protect garb, latex gloves.
Netting Sat 2:30-5:45, cost $5; max 7 FULL	This class is strictly an introduction to netting techniques. We will cover setting up loops, the netting knot, diamond mesh, square mesh, increases and decreases. The student will go home with a net and the equipment to make more. Instructor: Inés de Santangel has been in the SCA since AS XIX (that's 1985). She is interested in a variety of Textile arts through her study of period costume. A few years ago, Inés discovered one of the least explored areas of SCA textile study, netting! It is her goal to teach as many folks as possible to do this very period craft, so that we can have a variety of nets for everyday SCA use and maybe banish crochet back to the 18th and 19th century re-enactors, where it belongs!
Norse Wireweaving Sat 10am-11:15, 4:00-5:15 (separate sessions), Cost $1.50 max 8 Both classes FULL	This is a type of naalbinding only instead of wool those clever Norse used silver wire. Each person will make a bracelet length of wire chain. Students will also learn how they can add pendants or large beads to their piece. Instructor: Robin of Wyndspur discovered wire weaving in a book about 4 years ago and then researched it online to see what the Norse used this for — clothing trim, necklaces, arm bands and horse tacking. He has been interested in period metal working and enjoys working with simple tools and methods to produce attractive jewelry.
Practical Hand Sewing, the Basics Sat 11:30-12:25, Cost $3.00, max 5	This hands-on class covers the very basics of sewing with a needle and thread. Students will leave having practiced a handful of period stitches and with a handout that will explain possible applications for each. Stitches include: running stitch, back stitch, buttonhole stitch, and overcast stitch. Needles, thread, and fabric swatches will be provided. No previous experience is required. Instructors: Cainder nic Sheanlaoich and Ysoria de Brai. Bring: a chair, a pair of small scissors, and a thimble if you have one.
Recreating Medieval Furs Sat 10:00-11:15; cost $1; max 8 FULL	This class is an introduction to fur uses and types in period, how to sew with fur (new and used) and fake fur, cleaning of fur, how to cut fur, how to make ermine and vair. Students will get to feel samples of period furs - ermine, Russian squirrel (vair), rabbit, sable, beaver, fox, and samples of high and low quality fake furs. Instructor: Sayna of Lincoln (Shana Cooke) has been a member of the SCA for one year, and a member of Markland for eight years. Bring: clean hands, please!
Rectangular Construction for the Novice Costumer Sat 4:00-5:15; cost $5; max 6 FULL	Want to make historically accurate garb that is designed to fit just you? New to the SCA and want something fast, easy, and authentic? Rectangular-constructed tunics use the minimum amount of fabric, have straight seams, can be made in an evening, and fit any figure beautifully! This class shows you how! We'll measure you for your own simple pattern, and if you want to cut out your garb in this class, bring 4 yards of washed, not too wrinkly fabric so you can get started. (If you are large you may want to bring 5 yards to be safe. Smaller people can make these garments with 3 yards.) Instructor: Wenyeva atte grene operates the Medieval/Renaissance Costuming Community at http://slumberland.org/medcos/. Bring: Tape measure. Scissors and about 4 yards of washed, unwrinkled fabric are optional, but recommended.
Rose Beads, from Petal to Paste Sat 10:00-11:15 and 11:30-12:45; Cost $4; max 7 each session both sessions FULL	This class is a hands-on let's make a mess and learn something sort of thing. Using two pastes, one made from rose petals and the other from Camellia, we will use various oils and spices to make scented beads. The process of creating a proper paste and a short history of scented beads will be discussed while we work. Instructor: Vilda is a costumer and crafter of many years, mostly in the areas of SF/F and later period Historical. Having joined the SCA three years ago, she found a whole new world of costume and embellishment to learn and share. Her interests range from early 13th century French to 1940's swing, with a wide gamut in between. Vilda learned how to make rose beads some years ago, and has since researched and worked with them, in the hope that she may present this enjoyable knowledge to as many folk as wish to learn. Bring: protective gloves, apron, container for beads
Simple Woven Pouches Sun 10:00-11:15; no cost; max 10 FULL	Learn to weave a pouch in the round (no seams!) on a cardboard loom. Acrylic yarn will be provided. Instructor: Lady Aeschine Gearranach, 14th century Scot (alter ego is a 6th century Pict). Justine Wright is a passionate textile artist and equestrian in all eras. Bring: a tapestry needle, awl (or small nail to punch holes), scissors, ruler
Socks from the Toes Up Sat 10:00-12:45; cost $?; max 5	There are SCA time period examples of knitted socks. Learn the sock knitting basics from an experienced knitter. Instructor: Joya Bring: 4 double pointed knitting needles and sock yarn if you have them
Spinning Seminar Sat 4-5:15; cost $3.00; max 6	This is a one-on-one trouble-shooting workshop for spinners who want to improve their spinning. NOT for people who want to learn to spin. Instructor: Asha Bring: a wheel or spindle, clean fiber, and combs or cards for processing.
Tatting - the basics Sat 8:30-9:45; cost $3.00; max 5 FULL	A hands-on class to teach the basics of this form of lacemaking. Although it is not a SCA period technique, it is accepted by Arachne's Web. Instructor: Koressa Bring: a tatting shuttle or one will be available from the instructor for $2.80. Instructor will provide handout and thread.

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