I had a very busy 2022 and early 2023 that prevented me from doing regular updates to my blog! I had several duties as An Tir's Kingdom Arts & Sciences Champion, but I also worked on a variety of projects and events! Since I have more time now (in March 2023) to share them with you, I wanted to take the opportunity to do so!
During my tenure as Champion, I was thrilled to be able to present the Sword of State to His Royal Majesty upon request! This duty normally falls to the Kingdom Armored Champion, but I quickly became a back up at certain events! I enjoyed it immensely and hope that all Champions can experience similar roles/duties in court ceremony.
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| Me holding the Sword of State |
I had an outstanding time at Collegium even though my Arts & Sciences Championship panel had to be canceled due to a conflict with the Bardic Championship finale!
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| Me at Collegium |
I had the marvelous opportunity to create a hlad for Juahara's elevation to the Order of the Laurel. It is the first piece I've woven with reeled, unplied silk thread! I think it turned out quite well (tablet woven brocade):
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| Juahara wearing the hlad I made |
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| The hlad by itself |
I also created a Baronial Coronet for my friend Dagmar Yolotli who received a court barony! She is one of my favorite people, so it was my pleasure to make it! This was awarded at Yule 2022. This was wool tablet woven brocade affixed to a cotton back with added fresh water pearls.
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| Baronial Coronet in Dagmar Yolotli's persona style (Mexica/Aztec) |
Stromgard also participated in the OMSI demo again in early 2023 - I dressed in late period (which was fun).
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| Me in late period garb at the OMSI demo |
I was fortunate to get to present a lecture during the Costumers of Color - Silk Routes Symposium! My presentation discussed Birka's roll in 9th-10th century silk trade as the silk road of the north! This lecture can be viewed here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-t9DUkaRXA
Dagmar and I also did a dye day in preparation for her single entry into Kingdom Arts & Science! We had such a great time, I ended up dyeing some silk, too (marigold and cochineal).
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| Freshly dyed fabric drying (freezing) |
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| Final silk dye results (cochineal and marigold) |
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| Dagmar presenting her Kingdom Arts & Science entry (dyed pre-Columbian Aztec Quechequemitl) |
Speaking of Kingdom Arts & Science, that event rounded out my Champion term! I had a very busy time judging different entries!
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| Me gearing up to judge multiple entries |
I was so excited to witness my husband, Brandr, being placed on vigil for the Order of Chivalry!
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| Me escorting Brandr to receive his offer |
Prior to Athelyna being selected as the new Champion, I was thanked for my term of service and was awarded the Lion's Heart!
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| Incredible Lion's Heart Medallion (made by Torfin, I believe!) |
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| Beautiful scroll-like-object created for me by Duchess Livia |
