Holiday Break Projects

I worked on several projects over the holiday break, but wanted to share two "test" patterns I've been trying out.  They are both Birka inspired and I wanted to practice with them before trying out brocading for future A&S competitions.  The red/black/white will likely be used as coat trim and the black/white will be used on an apron dress posted later. 

Both patterns are more challenging than I normally attempt, but I've figured on the best way for me to track each pattern line is to simply check off my turns with a pencil.  These have several forward and backwards turns of individual cards for each step.  They look really pretty though, don't they?  

Patterns for both of these (and all the other examples in this post) can be found on: https://www.pinterest.com/kiserai/viking-tablet-weaving-patterns/

I also made a speedy trim to match one I created for my boyfriend's tunic.  This trim is a simple forward and backwards pattern where all the tablets are turned at the same time.  His has a few more border cards, but other than that, they are identical. I thought it might be nice to go to events with some matching garb, so I made it a priority to crank it out and hand sew it on our garments.  I had never hand sewn trim on garb before, so it was a learning experience.  I used a simple whip stitch my mom taught me and hoped for the best.  I think it turned out alright!

Underdress neckline

Underdress cuffs

Tunic neckline

Tunic cuffs

I also sewed a small panel of accent trim onto my apron dresses.  I don't have apron panels yet, so I thought this would be a nice way of dressing up my garments until I make some.  I've seen it on a couple of peoples' outfits online - I'm not sure it is period, but I'm going with it because it is cool (that's always a good reason, right??).  I used some fancier trim I've made (see above) to do the accents.  I ended up machine sewing the panels on, but I plan on covering it up with some embroidery.  I prefer to machine sew pieces like that because I tend to wash my garments a lot and want them to hold up.  I think that's okay because I really don't have very many outfits right now!

My brother was also very kind and gifted me some silk!  These are all new colors and I can't wait to try some of them out - stay tuned.

Tri-Baronial Yule and Giftmas

I created a lot of gifts for the holiday season that I wanted to share (now that they've been gifted).  Mainly trim for garments, but still fun and exciting for me!  I got to try out a new loom that was gifted to me for long term borrowing by a friend (I made him trim as a thank you).  I also participated in my first A&S competition with the SCA at the Tri-Baronial Yule.  November-December was a very busy month!

All patterns I use are mostly found here: https://www.pinterest.com/kiserai/viking-tablet-weaving-patterns/

I wanted to do something special for some friends (who happen to be a couple) and decided to do couples matching trim for them!  I later copied this for myself and my boyfriend!  I picked a simple pattern since I was going to be making quite a bit of it and used colors of silk that they chose.  This pattern is an all tablets forward/backward pattern that can be found on pinterest.  I modified it a little to get a width I thought would look nice (mainly adding or subtracting cards from the border).  I used my medium sized modified inkle (designed for card weavers) and my new larger loom for the thinner trim.

Here's the trim I did for another trim I did for a friend who is letting me borrow the larger loom seen above.  This is a modified Greek Key trim that is woven to look a little more Asian inspired.  I'm not overly familiar with Asian-style trim, so I'm erring on the side of that's what the commissioner desired!  I'm glad he is happy with it!

This pattern is available on the pinterest page I linked and is an "all forward" pattern.  I reversed a few times because I was weaving this trim on a loom, but it looks nice in the colors he chose!



I also participated in the Tri-Baronial Yule's A&S competition.  I was a little scared, but I wanted to get my feet wet and it seemed like a very nice/friendly way to start off!  I got a lot of help from Tullia Saturnina's (Sharon) blog on how to structure/document research for submitting to A&S competitions.  I wrote my first paper and was overall very pleased with my first effort.  The item I made was a sword lanyard for my friend Anton's knighting - his excellency has received the item, so I can post about it now.

The Oseberg pattern is one I've documented in the past (my beau's favor is the same pattern - posted earlier).  It is an all forward pattern that I like to do in wool because it comes out very nicely!

I was really proud of the example I submitted to the competition, I felt that it was a really well executed example for me!  The selvages looked nice, the tension was very consistent - overall, I thought it was a really great piece for submission.

At the competition, I left a comment book for the judges (and other observers) and got some really nice, helpful feedback.  I also managed to win the beginner category (I chose some very nice wool as my prize).  Overall, the whole experience was very fun and gave me a lot of confidence to try more competitions in the future.  I have a lot of growing to do in terms of my research, and the historical accuracy of my weaving, but I think I can get there if I keep making these kinds of attempts.















I started working on largesse for my barony, too, which I hadn't done before!  I made a set of normal garters first (very basic forward/back pattern) and tried to choose colors anyone would be happy to received.  Hopefully whoever received them will enjoy them!  I also got a lot of assistance with how to label them, since I've never done that before either.  Lots of firsts!  I think it turned out very nice!