Dragon's Needle Embroidery Guild - Newsletter November and December 2011 & 9th Report - featuring embroidery by Hilkka Susinens

Dear honourable Lords and Ladies,
dear gentle members of the "Dragon's Needle Embroidery Guild" and "-eMail Group"!

November already started and December isn't far away - therefore I wish you all a wonderful christmas time - I hope your time will be filled with nice events, love and joy.
I am very sorry but due to a very busy mundane life I wasn't able to send out a newsletter for October - in the future I will try to send out a guild newsletter at least every 2 - 3 months.

...and again I am very happy that I may present another lovely project of a Guild member to you -
Hilkka made a lovely patch for the "We have Dragons" guild project:
http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/2011/10/featuring-another-great-project-hilkkas.html

...and because there is still enough time to finish a patch for the guild project, once again the project details:

Guild Project 2011 - "We have Dragons":
________________ ~*~ ________________

2nd Guild Project - "We have Dragons"

- Fabric: wool

- Fabric size: 20,0 x 20,0 cm (7,9 x 7,9 inch) + ca. 1,5 cm (0,6 inch)

Surplus for sewing

- Fabric color: every color allowed

- Embroidery: every technique allowed

- Important restrictions: 1) at least one dragon per patch (or more!) ; 2)

the basic fabric for the patch should be wool, you can use silk, linen,

wool, metal,... (thread or fabric) to embroider it

- End date: October 2011 (please send in your patches till 1st of October)

- The project is open to everyone - you don't need to be a Guild member to

join this project.

- Every embroidery technique and skill is welcome - please don't hesitate

to contact me if you are interested!!

If you ever had a favourite picture or story including at least one or

more dragons - this is the time to embroider it!

Dragons fighting against knights, dragons sleeping at the top of a hoard,

dragons flying above woods, lakes, fjords, mountains; dragons eating or

scaring virgins, a dragon mother surrounded by kids, dragons who just lost

their fight against the knight (or the other way round), ... just take a

journey through your memories and the old stories you read in books or

you've been told - lets bring the old legends to life again! :)

...and if your embroidery is based on an old myth - I really wouldn't mind

if you tell us the old myth by posting a picture of your embroidery and a

short text telling the legend (and if you don't like to post it by

yourself, you can still send me your photo and your text and I will do

that for you).

Thinking of all people and also the newcomers in some regions, who maybe

haven't done a lot of wool embroidery till now, I would ask the lords and

ladies who have some experience in wool embroidery to screw up their

courage and to offer one or more wool embroidery classes at the next

events they will attend or at a private embroidery & sewing evening for

your local group - it would be great to see more lovely applique,

intarsia,... and all the other possible kinds of wool embroidery in the

future!

And last but not least - because of the great support and interest into

our first guild project shown by the local guild in Aarnimetsä, the second

guild project will be assembled by the local guild in Aarnimetsä under the

gentle guidance of the local guild head Lady Fiora. Many thanks to Lady

Fiora for her great help.

...and again the artisan who makes the most patches will get a small

embroidered gift from the guild head. :)

________________ ~*~ ________________
The "We have Dragons" project is a great chance to get rid of wool
leftovers or to swap wool leftovers with friends :)

Guild Membership Roll:
We have 64 members.
( http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/search/label/Guild%20Member-List )

Guild Blog - Dragon's Embroidery Workshop:
If you would like to join the Workshop, just write me an eMail! ( http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com )
...related blogs:
- Insulae Draconis Fibre Arts Interest Group ( http://idfibreinterestgroup.blogspot.com/ )
- Aarnimetsä Embroidery Basket ( http://kirjontakori.blogspot.com/ )

Guild Fanpage at facebook:
Our guild fanpage at facebook ( http://www.facebook.com/guild.head.Racaire ) has 209 fans! :)

Every project can be an inspiration - therefore please don't hesitate to use the fanpage or the blog and to post your embroidery projects or links to your projects there if you like :)
...and if you think you have a great project which you would like to share, please don't hesitate to contact me :)

Guild Projects / Challenges:
- The 1st Guild Project 2010 - "Coat of Arms Wallhanging for Drachenwald"
http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/search/label/Coat%20of%20Arms%20Wallhanging%20for%20Drachenwald
- The 2nd Guild Project 2011 - "We have Dragons"
http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/search/label/Guild%20Project%202

Misc. Projects / Challenges:
- A&S 50 Challenge (
http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/2008/03/50-challenge.html )
- A&S 50 Challenge Drachenwald Blog (
http://drachenwald-as50.blogspot.com/ )

...and now to the 9th Guild Report:
Report of Dragon's Needle Embroidery Guild - Drachenwald
9th report by reporter / guild head: Lady Racaire

Time Period: 16. May 2011 - 15. November 2011 / 2nd report 2011

Members:
Since the last report three new members joined the guild and we have now a total of 64 members.
List based on the membership roll (http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/search/label/Guild%20Member-List)
started at 18.October 2007.

1) Racaire (Central - guild head)
2) Rakonczay Gergely (Aarnimetsä)
3) Thomas Paumer (Central)
4) Katherina Mornewegh (Central)
5) Lia de Thornegge (Scandinavia)
6) Edith of Hedingham (Crown Principality of Insulae Draconis
7) Baroness Mary Verch Thomas (Crown Principality of Insulae Draconis)
8) Hudd de Peth (Kingdom of the Outlands)
9) Johanna aff Hucka (Aarnimetsä)
10) Eva Grelsdottir (Aarnimetsä)
11) Arnulf der Zeilner (Central)
12) Lady Jane Devereux (Crown Principality of Insulae Draconis)
13) Katharina Woinovich (Central)
14) Lady Eilgri Beccan (Aarnimetsä - Aarnimetsä region guild head)
15) Viscountess Helwig Ulfsdotter (Scandinavia)
16) Katharina von Owe (Central)
17) Sileas von Biuira (Central)
18) Lady Ælfwynne of Eoforwic (Nordmark)
19) Renika Rikardsdottir (Nordmark)
20) Mistress Anya Mstyslavyaya (Central)
21) Alenn von Horn (Central)
22) Halfdan von Veneta (Central)
23) Anna de Byxe (Nordmark)
24) Hedwig von Simmaningen (Central)
25) Sahra (Aarnimetsä)
26) Sinikka (Aarnimetsä)
27) Myfanwy Methig (Aarnimetsä)
28) Rixende of Aarnimetsä (Aarnimetsä)
29) Jahanarabanu Vivana (Insulae Draconis - Insulae Draconis region guild head)
30) Ida Järvinen (Aarnimetsä)
31) Lady Melisende Fitzwalter (Insulae Draconis)
32) Lady Siubhan inghean Fhearghuis (Insulae Draconis)
33) Katarina von Danzig (Insulae Draconis)
34) Mave (Central)
35) Himiltrude fan Austrasia (Central)
36) Honor of Restormel (-)
37) Tamara Stefanova (Central)
38) Eleanora von Ratzeburg (Central)
39) Johanna von Steinwedel (Central)
40) Lady Ameline de Leeuw (South)
41) Elisande (Central)
42) Lady Gunnhild von Brunswiek (Central)
43) Sorcha Fhionn inghean ui/Ruairc (Principality of Cynagua/West Kingdom)
44) Petronilla of London (Central)
45) Astrid Thorvaldsdottir (Central)
46) Petra von Bremen (Central)
47) Lady Rose Chandler (South)
48) Jaelle of Armida (Aarnimetsä)
49) Kareina Talvi Tytär (Central)
50) Lucia Thaylur (Kingdom Atenveldt)
51) Elinor (Insulae Draconis)
52) Isabella of Vielburgen (Central)
53) Amal binti Hamid Al-Chania (Aarnimetsä)
54) Elzbeth MacGregor Goldsworthy (Kingdom of Ealdormere, Trinovantia
Nova)
55) Klara von Meersburg (Central)
56) Magdalen Yrjänäntytär (Aarnimetsä)
57) Ida Juhanantytär (Aarnimetsä)
58) Katheryn Hebenstreitz (Aarnimetsä)
59) Yosephina von Schwarzmoor (Central)
60) Felicitas Schwartzenbergin, Baroness of Gotvik (Nordmark)
61) Anastasia (Kingdom of Ealdormere)
62) Alfhild de Foxley (Nordmark)
63) Aoífe ní Aodhagáin (Insulae Draconis)
64) Hilkka Susinen (Insulae Draconis)

Officers:
* Guild Head: Lady Racaire
* Aarnimetsä - region guild head: Lady Fiora
* Central - region guild head: Lady Racaire
* Insulae Draconis - region guild head: Lady Jahanarabanu Vivana
* Nordmark - region guild head: Fru Renika Rikardsdottir
* South - region guild head: - (Lady Racaire)

Planed projects / projects in progress:
* 01.2011 - 10.2011 - second Guild project for 2011 "We have Dragons"
http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/search/label/Guild%20Project%202
* 01.2010 - 10.2010 - first Guild project for 2010 "Coat of Arms
Wallhanging for Drachenwald"
http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/search/label/Coat%20of%20Arms%20Wallhanging%20for%20Drachenwald

...other interesting projects:
* support of the A&S50 challenge in Drachenwald with the blog: http://drachenwald-as50.blogspot.com/ - SCA-wide challenge - finish date: celebration of the 50th year (in 2015) of the Society for Creative Anachronism
* please support the Token Challenge:
http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/2010/07/dragons-needle-embroidery-guild.html
* please support the Pennsic Giftbasket:
http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/2011/01/faq-giftbasket-confusion.html
http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/2010/10/dragons-needle-embroidery-guild.html

Guild blog:
* Dragon's Embroidery Workshop blog: http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/ - a place for the embroiderers of Drachenwald to show their own work & projects, ask questions, get answers
and enjoy each other's company - no finish date - possibility to display finished projects or projects in progress
* facebook fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/guild.head.Racaire - for anyone who is more comfortable with posting and following the guild news and postings at facebook. I try to repost all posts from the blog also at the fanpage and even a little bit more... :) The fanpage has already 181 members - SCA members & people interested into the SCA and our Guild who aren't members yet - please participate & contribute - let us show what beautiful things we can create and let us inspire each other! :)
* homepage: no homepage by now

...other interesting blogs / homepages:
* Aarnimetsä: Aarnimetsä Embroidery Basket ( http://kirjontakori.blogspot.com/ )
* Central: - (see Dragon's Embroidery Workshop http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/)
* Insulae Draconis Fibre Arts Interest Group: http://idfibreinterestgroup.blogspot.com/

Yours in Service
Racaire
Dragon's Needle Embroidery Guild Head
http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/
http://embroidery.racaire.at/

Dragon's Needle Embroidery Guild - Members

If you do not want your SCA name and/or group to be listed here,
please contact the guild head

New members of the Dragon's Needle Embroidery Guild - October:

~ added 21.10.2011: ~
64) Hilkka Susinen (Insulae Draconis)

- Guild Member-List -

additional information:
Guild Head: Lady Racaire
Aarnimetsä - region guild head: Lady Fiora
Central - region guild head: Lady Racaire
Insulae Draconis - region guild head: Lady Jahanarabanu Vivana
Nordmark - region guild head: fru Renika Rikardsdottir
South - region guild head: - (Lady Racaire)

Yis Racaire
Dragon's Needle Embroidery Guild Head

Featuring another great project: Hilkkas patch for the "We have Dragons" guild project

Again I am very happy to be able to present another lovely project to you - this time a lovely embroidery of the very talented Lady Hilkka Susinen:

Hilkka Susinens patch for the

Dragon's Needle Embroidery Guild project "We Have Dragons"

I saw this lovely embroidery irl at Rhaglan and her stitches are very small and even - very lovely embroidery and the dragon is just too cute. *lol*

Hilkka is also a member of the "Dragon's Needle Embroidery Guild", which is a guild of the Kingdom of Drachenwald within the SCA and she is living in the beautiful lands of The Principality of Insulae Draconis (Iceland, Ireland & United Kingdom). :)

And some words for you from the artist - Hilkka was so nice to send me also her documentation for the A&S competition and also the story of 'Odo de Feu' to share it with you:

Documentation

The stitches used are:
Stem Stitch, Chain Stitch, Split Stitch, and French Knot.

Material:
Wool base fabric, cotton embroidery floss

Technique:Stem-Stich, Chain-Stitch, Split-Stitch and French Knot

Inspiration:

This piece has both an historical and an SCA inspiration. The historical inspiration is from Beowulf, in which the robbery of a chalice from the dragon's hoard causes it to fly out and wreak havoc along the Geats2. The style, as discussed below, is adapted from an early 9th-century sledge carving found in the Norwegian Oseberg queen's burial. In this version, the dragon is upright and, like the Beowulf dragon, winged. The chalice is shown disproportionately large to emphasize its importance to the story. The choice of an early 9th century model represents an early-to-moderate view of the dating of Beowulf (or at least the basic story), although dates suggested for the poem range from the latter part of the 7th century to the beginning of the eleventh and the issue of Scandinavian influence on it is equally debated3.

On the SCA side, the patch has been made for this year's wall hanging initiated by the Dragon's Needle Embroidery Guild “We have Dragons”. It is a depiction of the noble dragon Odo de Feu of the Costa del Lough Rí, an honourable member of the Shire of Eplaheimr and welcome guest at so many of our events, with a chalice that might have started out in the early mediaeval church near Odo's home...

Historical Design Reference:

The design is an adaptation of a sledge carving. It came from one of several sledges found in the Oseberg Burial Mound4 (820 A.D.), three of them were covered in carvings and most likely ceremonial. The carving-motif singled out for this project shows a dragon and possibly a cat.

As mentioned above, the basic outline of the dragon has been altered to a “rampant” pose and given wings to fit with both the Beowulf description and the noble dragon Odo de Feu. The chalice's basic shape is based on the Tassilo chalice6, a characteristic chalice of the style which was common at least through the time of Theophilus; the ornamentation is much simpler than the Tassilo chalice, which shows saints' faces that would be inappropriate for an early Northern piece, but also has bands and sections of twining and knotwork designs interspersed.

Notes on the Work:

Though the embroidery floss used to complete this project is cotton, in period it would have been wool or silk thread. I chose to used cotton thread for reasons of availability in Ireland today. Silk thread would have been used during the Viking age for embroidery and tablet weaving; full garments made from silk would not have been comon. Garments most often were made from either wool or linen7.

The base fabric is wool, which would have been done in Viking age as well.

The earliest finds for the “French Knot” stitch date to the 14th century. I did, however, include it in my work as I find it works well, giving the impression of gemstones on the chalice. The Tassiliokelch shows several rows of gemstones embedded in the gildings around the knob.

At this point the material is zig-zaged with the sewing machine.

The piece will form part of this year's wall-hanging from the Dragon's Needle Embroidery Guild “We have Dragons”. The demensions (20cm x 20cm) are indicated with modern sewing thread for assembly-purpose only.

Lord Odo de Feu and the Chalice

Once upon a time there lived a dragon on the western marshes of Lough Devnaree1, a dragon so fierce, no-one dares to speak his name nor tell his story. So here is the story of his cousin instead:

In a time long gone, in the heartlands of Lough Devnaree, there lived a dragon, known as Lord Odo de Feu of the Costa del Lough Rí2, but everyone just called him “Odo”. Unlike his cousin, he was was the most gentle of all dragons, though his humour could be on the rough side.

As it happened, not far from his dwelling a new church was to be build. An army of tradesmen descended onto the lands around a holy well and over the next few summers it grew into a monastary complex with the bee-hive-church – as it was the coustom at the time – forming its centre of spirituality and power3.

One day, his fierce cousin from the western marshes won a gruesome victoty over his longtime enemy who hailed from the southern bogs4.

Customs now dictated, that he would have his relations over to celebrate his recent success. Neither in the mood to put up with any of them nor to share his loot, but having to comply with ancient customs, he limited the amount of liquid plunder shared to one glass for each of his guest; may be hoping, none would take upon him a jurney as arduous for such limited reward.

It has to be said that Odo was particularly fond of a sip once in a while and may be even a bit too fond of it at others.

Seeing that even with the finest horses breed these days it hardly worthes the trip for only a short stay, Odo said to himself, “there must be a way to make this journey worth while.” and see, there was; Lord Odo de Feu remembered folks telling of chalices the humans of the holy dwelling used; mocking him off his small frame, saying they'd be too large for him event to lift and drink from it, nevermind “borrowing” one.

As night fell, Odo rose to the skys and silently made his way to the church, circling over the religious compund until the last lights went dim, he descended. Silently creaping into the building housing the artefacts, he got hold of a small chalice, a child's one really, but of perfect size for him to seize.

The day of the dreaded celebrations grew closer and the fierce dragon's spirits rose with every day and every hour that passed without a single one of his relatives showing his face – or wine glass for this matter – until, almost at the last minute, our beloved Lord Odo de Feu, struggling under the weight of the chalice, arived at the western marches of Lough Devnaree.

The fierce dragon was furious, not only was he obliged to make good on his promis and fulfill old customs, but he realised he had been tricked. Worst of all, there was nothing he could do about it but to give Odo his share of the loot.

Many thanks to Hilkka for the possibility to feature your project - I love it! :)

Featured Artisans of the last months:
June, July August: Racaires "Weiberlisten" Wallhanging
May: Jahanaras "woven fabric for the Pennsic Gift Bags"
April: Renikas "embroidered 14th century buttoned dress" in progress
March: Rakonczays "Mars and Silvia" tapestry in progress
February: Honors "Bayeux style tapestry"

Newsletter September 2011 - featuring Siubhans embroidered cloak

Dear honourable Lords and Ladies,
dear gentle members of the "Dragon's Needle Embroidery Guild" and "-eMail Group"!

I hope you all had a great summer and are already prepared for autumn and winter.

...and speaking about the cold time of the year I am again very pleased that I may present another lovely project of a Guild member to you - Siubhans lovely embroidered cloak: http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/2011/08/embroidered-cloak.html
...please take some time and take a look at her posting - this is really a very awesome embroidery project.

The Guild Project 2011 - "We have Dragons" - will reach its end soon therefore I once again included the project details for you.
...but please don't fear, Fiora and I already spoke about enlarging the end date to make it to a real anual project and to give everyone some more time for more to embroider some additional patches.

________________ ~*~ ________________

2nd Guild Project - "We have Dragons"

- Fabric: wool

- Fabric size: 20,0 x 20,0 cm (7,9 x 7,9 inch) + ca. 1,5 cm (0,6 inch)

Surplus for sewing

- Fabric color: every color allowed

- Embroidery: every technique allowed

- Important restrictions: 1) at least one dragon per patch (or more!) ; 2)

the basic fabric for the patch should be wool, you can use silk, linen,

wool, metal,... (thread or fabric) to embroider it

- End date: October 2011 (please send in your patches till 1st of October)

- The project is open to everyone - you don't need to be a Guild member to

join this project.

- Every embroidery technique and skill is welcome - please don't hesitate

to contact me if you are interested!!

If you ever had a favourite picture or story including at least one or

more dragons - this is the time to embroider it!

Dragons fighting against knights, dragons sleeping at the top of a hoard,

dragons flying above woods, lakes, fjords, mountains; dragons eating or

scaring virgins, a dragon mother surrounded by kids, dragons who just lost

their fight against the knight (or the other way round), ... just take a

journey through your memories and the old stories you read in books or

you've been told - lets bring the old legends to life again! :)

...and if your embroidery is based on an old myth - I really wouldn't mind

if you tell us the old myth by posting a picture of your embroidery and a

short text telling the legend (and if you don't like to post it by

yourself, you can still send me your photo and your text and I will do

that for you).

Thinking of all people and also the newcomers in some regions, who maybe

haven't done a lot of wool embroidery till now, I would ask the lords and

ladies who have some experience in wool embroidery to screw up their

courage and to offer one or more wool embroidery classes at the next

events they will attend or at a private embroidery & sewing evening for

your local group - it would be great to see more lovely applique,

intarsia,... and all the other possible kinds of wool embroidery in the

future!

And last but not least - because of the great support and interest into

our first guild project shown by the local guild in Aarnimetsä, the second

guild project will be assembled by the local guild in Aarnimetsä under the

gentle guidance of the local guild head Lady Fiora. Many thanks to Lady

Fiora for her great help.

...and again the artisan who makes the most patches will get a small

embroidered gift from the guild head. :)

________________ ~*~ ________________

The "We have Dragons" project is a great chance to get rid of wool
leftovers or to swap wool leftovers with friends :)
Guild Project 2010 - "Coat of Arms Wallhanging for Drachenwald":

If you want to send one (or more) finished patch(es) to Fiora and
need her address, just contact me and I'll send you her snail mail address
asap.

...and now back to the normal Guild business:

Guild Membership Roll:
We have still 62 members - I heartily welcome Alfhild de Foxley from Nordmark as a new guild member.
( http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/search/label/Guild%20Member-List )


Guild Blog - Dragon's Embroidery Workshop:
http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com
...related blogs:
- Insulae Draconis Fibre Arts Interest Group (
http://idfibreinterestgroup.blogspot.com/ )
- Aarnimetsä Embroidery Basket ( http://kirjontakori.blogspot.com/ )

Guild Fanpage at facebook:
Our guild fanpage at facebook ( http://www.facebook.com/guild.head.Racaire
) has 201 fans! :)

Every project can be an inspiration - therefore please don't hesitate to use the fanpage or the blog and to post your embroidery projects or links to your projects there if you like :)
...and if you think you have a great project which you would like to share, please don't hesitate to contact me :)

Guild Projects / Challenges:
- The 1st Guild Project 2010 - "Coat of Arms Wallhanging for Drachenwald"
http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/search/label/Coat%20of%20Arms%20Wallhanging%20for%20Drachenwald

- The 2nd Guild Project 2011 - "We have Dragons"
http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/search/label/Guild%20Project%202

Misc. Projects / Challenges:
- A&S 50 Challenge (
http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/2008/03/50-challenge.html )
- A&S 50 Challenge Drachenwald Blog (
http://drachenwald-as50.blogspot.com/ )

Yours in Service
Racaire
Dragon's Needle Embroidery Guild Head
http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/
http://embroidery.racaire.at/

Turnier des Herzwalds II Badges...

It's been quite a while since I posted anything. But I made up two Badges for Turnier des Herzwaldes II. One for the Tourney Champion and one for the Nobleman of the Tourney. Granted, Sir Gerhardt von Wuestenburg won both, but they were fun to make.The swords and II were split stitch, the trees surface couched, the heart made with Klosterstitch and the black background was made with another type of couching.

Dragon's Needle Embroidery Guild - Members

If you do not want your SCA name and/or group to be listed here,
please contact the guild head

New members of the Dragon's Needle Embroidery Guild - August:

~ added 27.08.2011: ~
63) Aoífe ní Aodhagáin (Insulae Draconis)

-> Guild Member-List <-

additional information:
Guild Head: Lady Racaire
Aarnimetsä - region guild head: Lady Fiora
Central - region guild head: Lady Racaire
Insulae Draconis - region guild head: Lady Jahanarabanu Vivana
Nordmark - region guild head: fru Renika Rikardsdottir
South - region guild head: - (Lady Racaire)

Yis Racaire
Dragon's Needle Embroidery Guild Head

Embroidered cloak

I've finished the embroidery on Lutr's cloak. I think I started this 3.5 years ago, but it has had times where I haven't worked on it, like when it was in our shipment of stuff from the UK and more recently when I was waiting for the green silk to arrive. I do need to line it now and who knows how long it will take me to get around to that right now. It's a bit daunting as I'm sure the linen isn't wide enough to line the cloak without piecing it. It has been long enough since cutting out the cloak that I'll have to re-figure out how to fold the fabric to cut half circles.
Here are some pictures.
For those who care about details, I used a relatively heavy wool bought in London. The embroidery was done with 2/12 Gemstone Silk from Halcyon yarn. I had help projecting the image onto the wool and drawing it on with chalk (Thanks J!) Since the chalk didn't seem like it would hold up long, I basically basted along the lines with red sewing thread so I could go back and embroider without worrying about the lines. I used yellow to do the outlines and then all I had to do was fill in. I filled in by starting along the outline and working my way toward the center in a circle. This led to some interesting patterns when the light hits just right. That might not be visible in the pictures. I liked the effect. We decided to give the dragons blue eyes and a green nose...just to spice it up a bit.

I've gotten lots of comments over the years on this cloak, usually along the lines of "you must really love your husband".

The project started when Lutr asked me to make him a new cloak and to put embroidery on it. I was thinking something relatively small on the front so I said "sure!". Then he explained what he wanted. I sighed and said, not as enthusiastically, "OK".

Even though I have been tempted to add a small X on one of the pieces with small text that says "you are here", because of how it kind of looks like a crazy road map, I haven't done it...yet.
The current plan is to line the cloak in blue linen. Because it is linen and not silk, the color isn't a jewel tone like the silk of the embroidery. I hope it will look OK. I plan on hemming the two layers separately along the bottom of the cloak so that if one or the other stretches, it won't hang funny. The wool layer has already been worn many times...often with the needle still in it wherever I was currently working.

Dragon's Needle Embroidery Guild - Members

If you do not want your SCA name and/or group to be listed here,
please contact the guild head

New members of the Dragon's Needle Embroidery Guild - June:

~ added 13.06.2011: ~
62) Alfhild de Foxley (Nordmark)

-> Guild Member-List <-

additional information:
Guild Head: Lady Racaire
Aarnimetsä - region guild head: Lady Fiora
Central - region guild head: Lady Racaire
Insulae Draconis - region guild head: Lady Jahanarabanu Vivana
Nordmark - region guild head: fru Renika Rikardsdottir
South - region guild head: - (Lady Racaire)

Yis Racaire
Dragon's Needle Embroidery Guild Head

Dragon's Needle Embroidery Guild - Summer Newsletter for June, July and August 2011

Dear honourable Lords and Ladies,
dear gentle members of the "Dragon's Needle Embroidery Guild" and "-eMail Group"!

It's again time for the summer newsletter for the months June, July and August - I wish all of you who are travelling to Summer Coronation, Pennsic or to one of the other great summer events a wonderful time.
...and maybe, when you are travelling through Nordmark, you'll get to see the very first Guild project - the "Coat of Arms Wallhanging for Drachenwald" irl at an event. (http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/search/label/Coat%20of%20Arms%20Wallhanging%20for%20Drachenwald)

I am very looking forward to seeing some of you at Raglan - please don't forget the "Duarte's Raglan challenge!" concerning colorful banners or contact Mistress Katheryn and join the "Token Challenge" or provide something for the "Pennsic Giftbasket" and don't forget our "We have Dragons" guild project... there are so many nice possibilities to make something and to support your kingdom if you like. :)

Concerning this months featured artisan and project - unfortunatelly I run out of projects which I may feature, therefore I decided to feature one of my old projects, my Weiberlisten wallhanging - I hope you'll enjoy it :)
http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/2011/06/featuring-another-great-project.html

...and before I continue with our Guild Project details for "We have Dragons", I would like to remind you about the Dragon Scribes (http://dragonscribes.blogspot.com/) and inform you that a fanpage at facebook was started for the Dragon Scribes: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dragon-Scribes/209769245728261

Guild Project 2011 - "We have Dragons":

...once again the project details:

________________ ~*~ ________________

2nd Guild Project - "We have Dragons"

- Fabric: wool
- Fabric size: 20,0 x 20,0 cm (7,9 x 7,9 inch) + ca. 1,5 cm (0,6 inch) Surplus for sewing
- Fabric color: every color allowed
- Embroidery: every technique allowed
- Important restrictions: 1) at least one dragon per patch (or more!) ; 2) the basic fabric for the patch should be wool, you can use silk, linen, wool, metal,... (thread or fabric) to embroider it
- End date: October 2011 (please send in your patches till 1st of October)
- The project is open to everyone - you don't need to be a Guild member to join this project.
- Every embroidery technique and skill is welcome - please don't hesitate to contact me if you are interested!!
If you ever had a favourite picture or story including at least one or more dragons - this is the time to embroider it!
Dragons fighting against knights, dragons sleeping at the top of a hoard, dragons flying above woods, lakes, fjords, mountains; dragons eating or scaring virgins, a dragon mother surrounded by kids, dragons who just lost their fight against the knight (or the other way round), ... just take a journey through your memories and the old stories you read in books or you've been told - lets bring the old legends to life again! :)

...and if your embroidery is based on an old myth - I really wouldn't mind if you tell us the old myth by posting a picture of your embroidery and a short text telling the legend (and if you don't like to post it by yourself, you can still send me your photo and your text and I will do that for you).

Thinking of all people and also the newcomers in some regions, who maybe haven't done a lot of wool embroidery till now, I would ask the lords and ladies who have some experience in wool embroidery to screw up their courage and to offer one or more wool embroidery classes at the next events they will attend or at a private embroidery & sewing evening for your local group - it would be great to see more lovely applique, intarsia,... and all the other possible kinds of wool embroidery in the future!

And last but not least - because of the great support and interest into our first guild project shown by the local guild in Aarnimetsä, the second guild project will be assembled by the local guild in Aarnimetsä under the gentle guidance of the local guild head Lady Fiora. Many thanks to Lady Fiora for her great help.

...and again the artisan who makes the most patches will get a small embroidered gift from the guild head. :)

________________ ~*~ ________________

The "We have Dragons" project is a great chance to get rid of wool leftovers or to swap wool leftovers with friends :)

"Token Challenge" and the "Pennsic Giftbasket"

...and also a reminder for the "Token Challenge" and the "Pennsic Giftbasket"!
More info here: FAQ - Giftbasket confusion: http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/2011/01/faq-giftbasket-confusion.html
And I would also like to remind you once again on the eMail Mistress Katheryn sent out concerning specific items needed for the Pennsic Giftbasket some time ago:

------*------

Greetings!

This year at Double Wars we will jointly work on some parts of the Pennsiv giftbasket. Lady Jahanara is currently weaving the fabric to make two shoulder bags – one each for the King and Queen who will recieve our gift. Theese bags will contain things that might be useful for a King and Queen to have with them.
So, here is a list of specific items that I would like them to contain. If you wish to make a certain item - let me know and I will make sure that we won't end up with to many of one item and to few of another. If you think of something else that could be useful that is NOT on this list - let me know!
This is just a part of the gift so we will still need more items! This is just for a Kings and Queens kit that could be useful for them to have close by at any time!

2 x a small book to take notes in
2 x a small sewing kit for emerency mending, a needle book, one or two sewing needles and small wooden thread spools (I will provide small thread snippers, and all the other parts could ofcourse be made by different people.)
2 x embroidered handkerchief
2 x small bags to either hold duct tape or possibly make up
2 x coifs as emergency head wear
fingerlooped or woven ribbons for lacing for both bags

Any former kings or queens how could add to the list??? What do you think could be a good thing for theese bags?
At DW we will put the bags together and decorate them. The Queens bag will get an apliqued rose and what we will do on the kings bag I don't know at the moment, but we will come up with something!
And as soon as we know what kingdom we're swaping gifts with we could make a few tokens that the king and queen could have in their bags if they unexpectedly want to thank someone who helps out. Even tokens suitable for children would be good!

Let me know if you want to help!

Katheryn
Pennsic giftbasket coordinator

------*------
...and last but not least - please also don't forget "Duarte's Raglan challenge!"
Especially if making a banner for your local group, barony, principality, guild, kingdom, your own coat of arms,... is already on your list, please join this challenge to add more banners and therefore also more colors to the next events :) - http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/2011/01/for-your-information-duartes-raglan.html

Now back to the normal Guild business: 

Guild Membership Roll:
We have still 61 members..
( http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/search/label/Guild%20Member-List )

Guild Blog - Dragon's Embroidery Workshop:
If you would like to join the Workshop, just write me an eMail! ( http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com )
...related blogs:
- Insulae Draconis Fibre Arts Interest Group ( http://idfibreinterestgroup.blogspot.com/ )
- Aarnimetsä Embroidery Basket ( http://kirjontakori.blogspot.com/ )

Guild Fanpage at facebook:
Our guild fanpage at facebook ( http://www.facebook.com/guild.head.Racaire ) has 188 (+7) fans! :)
Every project can be an inspiration - therefore please don't hesitate to use the fanpage or the blog and to post your embroidery projects or links to your projects there if you like :)
...and if you think you have a great project which you would like to share, please don't hesitate to contact me :)

Guild Projects / Challenges:
- The 1st Guild Project 2010 - "Coat of Arms Wallhanging for Drachenwald" http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/search/label/Coat%20of%20Arms%20Wallhanging%20for%20Drachenwald
- The 2nd Guild Project 2011 - "We have Dragons" http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/search/label/Guild%20Project%202

Misc. Projects / Challenges:
- A&S 50 Challenge ( http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/2008/03/50-challenge.html )
- A&S 50 Challenge Drachenwald Blog ( http://drachenwald-as50.blogspot.com/ )

I wish you all a wonderful summer!!

Yours in Service
Racaire
Dragon's Needle Embroidery Guild Head
http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/
http://embroidery.racaire.at/

Featuring another great project: Racaires "Weiberlisten" Wallhanging

Unfortunatelly for the newsletter for this summer months I run out of artisans and projects which I could feature - I hope after the summer time I will have again enough projects which I may feature - and therefore I decided to feature an "old" project of mine and I admit it's one of my favourite projects:

Racaires Weiberlisten Wallhanging

You can find more photos of this project, including my fight against the moths here: "Wallhanging Project"

I am also a member of the "Dragon's Needle Embroidery Guild", which is a guild of the Kingdom of Drachenwald within the SCA and I am the Guild Head of the Dragon's Needle Embroidery Guild and also the local Guild Head for the Frankmark region. I am living in the beautiful lands of Knights Crossing. :)

And some words for you about the project:

My inspiration for this project is the Weiberlisten Teppich/ Maltererteppich - a beautiful medieval wallhanging done in Klosterstich - the only picture which is not inspired/based on this wallhanging ist the last one on the right in the bottom row - this one is inspired by the „Manessische Liederhandschrift“.

It took me about 3 years to complete this Wallhanging and I took pictures of the several steps, which can be found at my blog - Wallhanging Project - including my long fight against the moths and pictures of the Klosterstich repair work.

I also used Klosterstich for this embroidery and the fine wool threads from http://www.renaissancedyeing.com/ - btw. you can find my Klosterstich handout here.

Featured Artisans of the last months:
May: Jahanaras "woven fabric for the Pennsic Gift Bags"
April: Renikas "embroidered 14th century buttoned dress" in progress
March: Rakonczays "Mars and Silvia" tapestry in progress
February: Honors "Bayeux style tapestry"

Dragon's Needle Embroidery Guild - Newsletter May 2011 & 8th Report - featuring Jahanaras woven fabric for the Pennsic Gift Bags

 

Dear honourable Lords and Ladies,
dear gentle members of the "Dragon's Needle Embroidery Guild" and "-eMail Group"!

Again I may feature another lovely project of a Guild member to you - Jahanara is so kind to share some lovely photos and some of her thoughts about her latest project - lovely woven fabric for the Pennsic Gift Bags.
http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/2011/05/featuring-another-great-project.html

Guild Project 2011 - "We have Dragons":
...once again the project details:

________________ ~*~ ________________ 

2nd Guild Project - "We have Dragons"

- Fabric: wool

- Fabric size: 20,0 x 20,0 cm (7,9 x 7,9 inch) + ca. 1,5 cm (0,6 inch) Surplus for sewing

- Fabric color: every color allowed

- Embroidery: every technique allowed

- Important restrictions: 1) at least one dragon per patch (or more!) ; 2) the basic fabric for the patch should be wool, you can use silk, linen, wool, metal,... (thread or fabric) to embroider it

- End date: October 2011 (please send in your patches till 1st of October)

- The project is open to everyone - you don't need to be a Guild member to join this project.

- Every embroidery technique and skill is welcome - please don't hesitate to contact me if you are interested!! 

If you ever had a favourite picture or story including at least one or more dragons - this is the time to embroider it!

Dragons fighting against knights, dragons sleeping at the top of a hoard, dragons flying above woods, lakes, fjords, mountains; dragons eating or scaring virgins, a dragon mother surrounded by kids, dragons who just lost their fight against the knight (or the other way round), ... just take a journey through your memories and the old stories you read in books or you've been told - lets bring the old legends to life again! :)

...and if your embroidery is based on an old myth - I really wouldn't mind if you tell us the old myth by posting a picture of your embroidery and a short text telling the legend (and if you don't like to post it by yourself, you can still send me your photo and your text and I will do that for you).

Thinking of all people and also the newcomers in some regions, who maybe haven't done a lot of wool embroidery till now, I would ask the lords and ladies who have some experience in wool embroidery to screw up their courage and to offer one or more wool embroidery classes at the next events they will attend or at a private embroidery & sewing evening for your local group - it would be great to see more lovely applique, intarsia,... and all the other possible kinds of wool embroidery in the future!

And last but not least - because of the great support and interest into our first guild project shown by the local guild in Aarnimetsä, the second guild project will be assembled by the local guild in Aarnimetsä under the gentle guidance of the local guild head Lady Fiora. Many thanks to Lady Fiora for her great help.

...and again the artisan who makes the most patches will get a small embroidered gift from the guild head. :)

________________ ~*~ ________________

The "We have Dragons" project is a great chance to get rid of wool leftovers or to swap wool leftovers with friends :)

Guild Project 2010 - "Coat of Arms Wallhanging for Drachenwald":
The very LAST CALL for the first Guild Project and also the last possibility to participate in our very first guild project because the enlarged deadline for the second part of the "Coat of Arms Wallhanging for Drachenwald" is the end of May - therefore one last reminder from the local guild head Renika (Nordmark) to you:

------*------

"Greetings!

For those of you that started or planned a patch (or more) for the Coat of Arms challenge - You now have the chance to contribute to part two! I have three patches so far, but know for sure that many more exists in the kingdom. Please send them to me before the end of May or bring them to Double Wars, where I hope to start assembling them.

YIS Renika

------*------

If you want to send one (or more) finished patch(es) to Fru Renika and need her address, just contact me and I'll send you her snail mail address asap.
You can find the project details here: http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/2011/01/1st-guild-project-2010-coat-of-arms.html

...and a picture of the first "Coat of Arms Wallhanging for Drachenwald" here: http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/2011/01/coat-of-arms-wallhanging-for_16.html

"Token Challenge" and the "Pennsic Giftbasket"
...and also a reminder for the "Token Challenge" and the "Pennsic Giftbasket"!
More info here: FAQ - Giftbasket confusion: http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/2011/01/faq-giftbasket-confusion.html
And I would also like to remind you once again on the eMail Mistress Katheryn sent out concerning specific items needed for the Pennsic Giftbasket some time ago:

------*------

Greetings!

This year at Double Wars we will jointly work on some parts of the Pennsiv giftbasket. Lady Jahanara is currently weaving the fabric to make two shoulder bags – one each for the King and Queen who will recieve our gift. Theese bags will contain things that might be useful for a King and Queen to have with them.

So, here is a list of specific items that I would like them to contain. If you wish to make a certain item - let me know and I will make sure that we won't end up with to many of one item and to few of another. If you think of something else that could be useful that is NOT on this list - let me know!

This is just a part of the gift so we will still need more items! This is just for a Kings and Queens kit that could be useful for them to have close by at any time!

2 x a small book to take notes in

2 x a small sewing kit for emerency mending, a needle book, one or two sewing needles and small wooden thread spools (I will provide small thread snippers, and all the other parts could ofcourse be made by different people.)

2 x embroidered handkerchief

2 x small bags to either hold duct tape or possibly make up

2 x coifs as emergency head wear

fingerlooped or woven ribbons for lacing for both bags

Any former kings or queens how could add to the list??? What do you think could be a good thing for theese bags?

At DW we will put the bags together and decorate them. The Queens bag will get an apliqued rose and what we will do on the kings bag I don't know at the moment, but we will come up with something!

And as soon as we know what kingdom we're swaping gifts with we could make a few tokens that the king and queen could have in their bags if they unexpectedly want to thank someone who helps out. Even tokens suitable for children would be good!

Let me know if you want to help!

Katheryn

Pennsic giftbasket coordinator

amadejska@gmail.com

------*------

...and last but not least - please also don't forget "Duarte's Raglan challenge!"
Especially if making a banner for your local group, barony, principality, guild, kingdom, your own coat of arms,... is already on your list, please join this challenge to add more banners and therefore also more colors to the next events :) - http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/2011/01/for-your-information-duartes-raglan.html

Now back to the normal Guild business: 

Guild Membership Roll:
We have still 61 members..
( http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/search/label/Guild%20Member-List )

Guild Blog - Dragon's Embroidery Workshop:
If you would like to join the Workshop, just write me an eMail! ( http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com )
...related blogs:
- Insulae Draconis Fibre Arts Interest Group ( http://idfibreinterestgroup.blogspot.com/ )
- Aarnimetsä Embroidery Basket ( http://kirjontakori.blogspot.com/ )

Guild Fanpage at facebook:
Our guild fanpage at facebook ( http://www.facebook.com/guild.head.Racaire ) has 181 fans! :)
Every project can be an inspiration - therefore please don't hesitate to use the fanpage or the blog and to post your embroidery projects or links to your projects there if you like :)
...and if you think you have a great project which you would like to share, please don't hesitate to contact me :)

Guild Projects / Challenges:
- The 1st Guild Project 2010 - "Coat of Arms Wallhanging for Drachenwald" http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/search/label/Coat%20of%20Arms%20Wallhanging%20for%20Drachenwald
- The 2nd Guild Project 2011 - "We have Dragons" http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/search/label/Guild%20Project%202

Misc. Projects / Challenges:
- A&S 50 Challenge ( http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/2008/03/50-challenge.html )
- A&S 50 Challenge Drachenwald Blog ( http://drachenwald-as50.blogspot.com/ )

...and now to the 8th Guild Report:

Report of Dragon's Needle Embroidery Guild - Drachenwald
8th report by reporter / guild head: Lady Racaire

Time Period: 16. November 2010 - 15. May 2011 / 1st report 2011

Members:
Since the last report three new members joined the guild and we have now a total of 61 members.
List based on the membership roll (http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/search/label/Guild%20Member-List) started at 18.October 2007.

1) Racaire (Central - guild head)
2) Rakonczay Gergely (Aarnimetsä)
3) Thomas Paumer (Central)
4) Katherina Mornewegh (Central)
5) Lia de Thornegge (Scandinavia)
6) Edith of Hedingham (Crown Principality of Insulae Draconis
7) Baroness Mary Verch Thomas (Crown Principality of Insulae Draconis)
8) Hudd de Peth (Kingdom of the Outlands)
9) Johanna aff Hucka (Aarnimetsä)
10) Eva Grelsdottir (Aarnimetsä)
11) Arnulf der Zeilner (Central)
12) Lady Jane Devereux (Crown Principality of Insulae Draconis)
13) Katharina Woinovich (Central)
14) Lady Eilgri Beccan (Aarnimetsä - Aarnimetsä region guild head)
15) Viscountess Helwig Ulfsdotter (Scandinavia)
16) Katharina von Owe (Central)
17) Sileas von Biuira (Central)
18) Lady Ælfwynne of Eoforwic (Nordmark)
19) Renika Rikardsdottir (Nordmark)
20) Mistress Anya Mstyslavyaya (Central)
21) Alenn von Horn (Central)
22) Halfdan von Veneta (Central)
23) Anna de Byxe (Nordmark)
24) Hedwig von Simmaningen (Central)
25) Sahra (Aarnimetsä)
26) Sinikka (Aarnimetsä)
27) Myfanwy Methig (Aarnimetsä)
28) Rixende of Aarnimetsä (Aarnimetsä)
29) Jahanarabanu Vivana (Insulae Draconis - Insulae Draconis region guild head)
30) Ida Järvinen (Aarnimetsä)
31) Lady Melisende Fitzwalter (Insulae Draconis)
32) Lady Siubhan inghean Fhearghuis (Insulae Draconis)
33) Katarina von Danzig (Insulae Draconis)
34) Mave (Central)
35) Himiltrude fan Austrasia (Central)
36) Honor of Restormel (-)
37) Tamara Stefanova (Central)
38) Eleanora von Ratzeburg (Central)
39) Johanna von Steinwedel (Central)
40) Lady Ameline de Leeuw (South)
41) Elisande (Central)
42) Lady Gunnhild von Brunswiek (Central)
43) Sorcha Fhionn inghean ui/Ruairc (Principality of Cynagua/West Kingdom)
44) Petronilla of London (Central)
45) Astrid Thorvaldsdottir (Central)
46) Petra von Bremen (Central)
47) Lady Rose Chandler (South)
48) Jaelle of Armida (Aarnimetsä)
49) Kareina Talvi Tytär (Central)
50) Lucia Thaylur (Kingdom Atenveldt)
51) Elinor (Insulae Draconis)
52) Isabella of Vielburgen (Central)
53) Amal binti Hamid Al-Chania (Aarnimetsä)
54) Elzbeth MacGregor Goldsworthy (Kingdom of Ealdormere, Trinovantia Nova)
55) Klara von Meersburg (Central)
56) Magdalen Yrjänäntytär (Aarnimetsä)
57) Ida Juhanantytär (Aarnimetsä)
58) Katheryn Hebenstreitz (Aarnimetsä)
59) Yosephina von Schwarzmoor (Central)
60) Felicitas Schwartzenbergin, Baroness of Gotvik (Nordmark)
61) Anastasia (Kingdom of Ealdormere)

Officers:
* Guild Head: Lady Racaire
* Aarnimetsä - region guild head: Lady Fiora
* Central - region guild head: Lady Racaire
* Insulae Draconis - region guild head: Lady Jahanarabanu Vivana
* Nordmark - region guild head: Fru Renika Rikardsdottir
* South - region guild head: - (Lady Racaire)


Planed projects / projects in progress:
* 01.2011 - 10.2011 - second Guild project for 2011 "We have Dragons"
http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/search/label/Guild%20Project%202
* 01.2010 - 10.2010 - first Guild project for 2010 "Coat of Arms Wallhanging for Drachenwald"
http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/search/label/Coat%20of%20Arms%20Wallhanging%20for%20Drachenwald

...other interesting projects:
* support of the A&S50 challenge in Drachenwald with the blog: http://drachenwald-as50.blogspot.com/ -  SCA-wide challenge - finish date: celebration of the 50th year (in 2015) of the Society for Creative Anachronism
* please support the Token Challenge: http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/2010/07/dragons-needle-embroidery-guild.html
* please support the Pennsic Giftbasket: http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/2011/01/faq-giftbasket-confusion.html
http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/2010/10/dragons-needle-embroidery-guild.html

Guild blog / homepage:
* Dragon's Embroidery Workshop blog: http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/ - a place for the embroiderers of Drachenwald to show their own work & projects, ask questions, get answers and enjoy each other's company - no finish date - possibility to display finished projects or projects in progress
* facebook fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/guild.head.Racaire - for anyone who is more comfortable with posting and following the guild news and postings at facebook. I try to repost all posts from the blog also at the fanpage and even a little bit more... :) The fanpage has already 181 members - SCA members & people interested into the SCA and our Guild who aren't members yet - please participate &; contribute - let us show what beautiful things we can create and let us inspire each other! :)
* homepage: no homepage by now

...other interesting blogs / homepages:
* Aarnimetsä: Aarnimetsä Embroidery Basket ( http://kirjontakori.blogspot.com/ )
* Central: - (see Dragon's Embroidery Workshop http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/)
* Insulae Draconis Fibre Arts Interest Group: http://idfibreinterestgroup.blogspot.com/

Yours in Service
Racaire
Dragon's Needle Embroidery Guild Head
http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/
http://embroidery.racaire.at/

Featuring another great project: Jahanaras woven fabric for the Pennsic Gift Bags

Again I am very happy to be able to present another lovely project to you - this time of the very talented Lady Jahanarabanu Vivana:

Jahanaras woven fabric

You can find more photos of her lovely project in her Picasa photo album: "Pennsic Gift Bag"

Jahanara is also a member of the "Dragon's Needle Embroidery Guild", which is a guild of the Kingdom of Drachenwald within the SCA and she is the regional Guild Head for Insulae Draconis.
Furthermore she is also a member of the ID Fibre Interest Group, living in the beautiful lands of The Principality of Insulae Draconis (Iceland, Ireland & United Kingdom). :)

And some words for you from the artist:

Jahanarabanu Vivana is a 7th C Persian women.

Jahanara has been in the SCA for 15 years. In that time she has always enjoyed the Arts and Sciences. Over the years, she has learned costuming, embroidery, spinning, embroidery and weaving.

Jahanara's most recent project was weaving 4.5 yards of fabric for the Pennsic Gift Exchange. Lady Katherine was kind enough to leave the design completely up to me. I chose to weave a striped fabric. Based on my research a variety of stripes were used during the Middle Ages. In order to choose the colors, I referred to a colour sampler, I had recently woven. The next decision was the weave structure. I have been focusing on twills this year and Lady Genvieve suggested a diamond weave.

As I didn't want the weave and fabric to distract too much from the embroidery that will be appliqued on, I chose a single diamond with a dark weft. Diamond weaves are common throughout the Middle Ages and date back to the 3rd/4th C AD (Cambridge History of Western Textiles). This weave was one of the most common amoung Viking, Anglo-Saxon and a variety of other cultures.

My upcoming projects includes weaving more fabric for bags, updating my website (www.thepurplelotus.org), and organising the Textile Symposium at Fair Raglan. I hope that all ID members of the Guild will also join the ID Fibre Interest Group. So far we have hosted several competitions and last year's Textile Day at Raglan. Anyone who is interested in teaching a Textile Class at Raglan this year or joining the ID Fibre Interest Group may contact me at jahanara@thepurplelotus.org.

Many thanks to Jahanara for the possibility to feature your project - lovely! :)

Featured Artisans of the last months:
April: Renikas "embroidered 14th century buttoned dress" in progress
March: Rakonczays "Mars and Silvia" tapestry in progress
February: Honors "Bayeux style tapestry"

padded metal thread embroidery :)

Recently I finished an embroidery for Margaret - I took photos of the several progress stages and posted them all at my blog:

Margarets Commission

The letters are from the book "Calligraphy & Illumination" by Patricia Lovett - "Majuscules which can be used with Gothic Script" (page 73) and the ring is a based on the "Jewish wedding ring from the Erfurt Treasure".

Dragon's Needle Embroidery Guild - Newsletter April 2011 - Renikas embroidered 14th century buttoned dress

Dear honourable Lords and Ladies,
dear gentle members of the "Dragon's Needle Embroidery Guild" and "-eMail Group"!

Another month passed by and again I am very glad that I can feature another lovely project of a Guild member to you - Renikas lovely embroidered 14th century buttoned dress. This project is still in progress and I am especially looking forward to the one or more squirrels she will maybe add in the future :)
http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/2011/04/featuring-another-great-project-renikas.html

Guild Project 2011 - "We have Dragons":
More great news!!! A glimpse at Magdalens lovely patches for this project :)
http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/2011/04/magdalens-lovely-embroidery-more.html
...and once again the project details:

________________ ~*~ ________________ 

2nd Guild Project - "We have Dragons"

- Fabric: wool

- Fabric size: 20,0 x 20,0 cm (7,9 x 7,9 inch) + ca. 1,5 cm (0,6 inch) Surplus for sewing

- Fabric color: every color allowed

- Embroidery: every technique allowed

- Important restrictions: 1) at least one dragon per patch (or more!) ; 2) the basic fabric for the patch should be wool, you can use silk, linen, wool, metal,... (thread or fabric) to embroider it

- End date: October 2011 (please send in your patches till 1st of October)

- The project is open to everyone - you don't need to be a Guild member to join this project.

- Every embroidery technique and skill is welcome - please don't hesitate to contact me if you are interested!! 

If you ever had a favourite picture or story including at least one or more dragons - this is the time to embroider it!

Dragons fighting against knights, dragons sleeping at the top of a hoard, dragons flying above woods, lakes, fjords, mountains; dragons eating or scaring virgins, a dragon mother surrounded by kids, dragons who just lost their fight against the knight (or the other way round), ... just take a journey through your memories and the old stories you read in books or you've been told - lets bring the old legends to life again! :)

...and if your embroidery is based on an old myth - I really wouldn't mind if you tell us the old myth by posting a picture of your embroidery and a short text telling the legend (and if you don't like to post it by yourself, you can still send me your photo and your text and I will do that for you).

Thinking of all people and also the newcomers in some regions, who maybe haven't done a lot of wool embroidery till now, I would ask the lords and ladies who have some experience in wool embroidery to screw up their courage and to offer one or more wool embroidery classes at the next events they will attend or at a private embroidery & sewing evening for your local group - it would be great to see more lovely applique, intarsia,... and all the other possible kinds of wool embroidery in the future!

And last but not least - because of the great support and interest into our first guild project shown by the local guild in Aarnimetsä, the second guild project will be assembled by the local guild in Aarnimetsä under the gentle guidance of the local guild head Lady Fiora. Many thanks to Lady Fiora for her great help.

...and again the artisan who makes the most patches will get a small embroidered gift from the guild head. :)

________________ ~*~ ________________

The "We have Dragons" project is a great chance to get rid of wool leftovers or to swap wool leftovers with friends :)

Guild Project 2010 - "Coat of Arms Wallhanging for Drachenwald":
...and because we enlarged the new deadline for the second part of the "Coat of Arms Wallhanging for Drachenwald" to the end of May, I would like to remind you that there is still a possiblitiy to join the fun and I once again forward some words from the local guild head Renika (Nordmark) to you:
------*------

"Greetings!
For those of you that started or planned a patch (or more) for the Coat of Arms challenge - You now have the chance to contribute to part two! I have three patches so far, but know for sure that many more exists in the kingdom. Please send them to me before the end of May or bring them to Double Wars, where I hope to start assembling them.

YIS Renika

------*------If you want to send one (or more) finished patch(es) to Fru Renika and need her address, just contact me and I'll send you her snail mail address asap.
You can find the project details here: http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/2011/01/1st-guild-project-2010-coat-of-arms.html
...and a picture of the first "Coat of Arms Wallhanging for Drachenwald" here: http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/2011/01/coat-of-arms-wallhanging-for_16.html

"Token Challenge" and the "Pennsic Giftbasket"
...btw. please also don't forget the very important "Token Challenge" and the "Pennsic Giftbasket"!
You can find more information about the giftbaskets here: FAQ - Giftbasket confusion: http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/2011/01/faq-giftbasket-confusion.html
And I would also like to remind you on the eMail Mistress Katheryn recently sent out concerning specific items needed for the Pennsic Giftbasket:

------*------

Greetings!

This year at Double Wars we will jointly work on some parts of the Pennsiv giftbasket. Lady Jahanara is currently weaving the fabric to make two shoulder bags – one each for the King and Queen who will recieve our gift. Theese bags will contain things that might be useful for a King and Queen to have with them.

So, here is a list of specific items that I would like them to contain. If you wish to make a certain item - let me know and I will make sure that we won't end up with to many of one item and to few of another. If you think of something else that could be useful that is NOT on this list - let me know!

This is just a part of the gift so we will still need more items! This is just for a Kings and Queens kit that could be useful for them to have close by at any time!

2 x a small book to take notes in

2 x a small sewing kit for emerency mending, a needle book, one or two sewing needles and small wooden thread spools (I will provide small thread snippers, and all the other parts could ofcourse be made by different people.)

2 x embroidered handkerchief

2 x small bags to either hold duct tape or possibly make up

2 x coifs as emergency head wear

fingerlooped or woven ribbons for lacing for both bags

Any former kings or queens how could add to the list??? What do you think could be a good thing for theese bags?

At DW we will put the bags together and decorate them. The Queens bag will get an apliqued rose and what we will do on the kings bag I don't know at the moment, but we will come up with something!

And as soon as we know what kingdom we're swaping gifts with we could make a few tokens that the king and queen could have in their bags if they unexpectedly want to thank someone who helps out. Even tokens suitable for children would be good!

Let me know if you want to help!

Katheryn

Pennsic giftbasket coordinator

------*------

...and please also don't forget "Duarte's Raglan challenge!"
Especially if making a banner for your local group, barony, principality, guild, kingdom, your own coat of arms,... is already on your list, please join this challenge to add more banners and therefore also more colors to the next events :) - http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/2011/01/for-your-information-duartes-raglan.html
...btw. my flight is booked and I volunteered to hold my Refilsaum and Klosterstich (hands on) class - hopefully I will see some of you at Ffair Rhaglen (August / Insulae Draconis) and I think I will make at least one Guild banner for Rhaglen :)

Now back to the normal Guild business:
Guild Membership Roll:
I am very happy to tell that Anastasia from the Kingdom of Ealdormere joined the Guild - we have 61 members now.
Anastasia is also a new member to the SCA and she is also already working at patches for the new Guild project "We have Dragons" - I hope she will enjoy our Guild project and will find many SCA friends soon. :)
( http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/search/label/Guild%20Member-List )

Guild Blog - Dragon's Embroidery Workshop:
If you would like to join the Workshop, just write me an eMail! ( http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com )
...related blogs:
- Insulae Draconis Fibre Arts Interest Group ( http://idfibreinterestgroup.blogspot.com/ )
- Aarnimetsä Embroidery Basket ( http://kirjontakori.blogspot.com/ )

Guild Fanpage at facebook:
Our guild fanpage at facebook ( http://www.facebook.com/guild.head.Racaire ) has 173 fans! :)
Every project can be an inspiration - therefore please don't hesitate to use the fanpage or the blog and to post your embroidery projects or links to your projects there if you like :)
...and if you think you have a great project which you would like to share, please don't hesitate to contact me :)

Guild Projects / Challenges:
- The 1st Guild Project 2010 - "Coat of Arms Wallhanging for Drachenwald" http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/search/label/Coat%20of%20Arms%20Wallhanging%20for%20Drachenwald
- The 2nd Guild Project 2011 - "We have Dragons" http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/search/label/Guild%20Project%202
Misc. Projects / Challenges:
- A&S 50 Challenge ( http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/2008/03/50-challenge.html )
- A&S 50 Challenge Drachenwald Blog ( http://drachenwald-as50.blogspot.com/ )

Yours in Service
Racaire
Dragon's Needle Embroidery Guild Head
http://dragonsembroiderers.blogspot.com/
http://embroidery.racaire.at/

Featuring another great project: Renikas lovely embroidered 14th century buttoned dress in progress

This month I am again very happy to present another lovely project to you and to feature a project in progress of the very talented Fru Renika Rikardsdottir:

Renikas embroidered 14th century buttoned dress in progress

Renika is also a member of the "Dragon's Needle Embroidery Guild", which is a guild of the Kingdom of Drachenwald within the SCA and she is a member of Nordmark (Sweden). :)

And some words of Renika about this project:

A fourteenth century buttoned dress supposed to be covered in embroidery, at least the waist and arms... Acorns, oakleaves and when I get around to it, maybe a squirrel or two... The dress is sewn in a rather heavy dark green wool, lined with a finer yellow wool and embroidered in wool of many colours.

Renika, thank you very much for the possibility to feature your project - such a lovely project :)

Featured Artisans of the last months:
March: Rakonczays "Mars and Silvia" tapestry in progress
February: Honors "Bayeux style tapestry"