Ramblings on Direction

[countessmouse]

I've been having a great deal of trouble lately focusing on a single A&S craft -- something that is slightly unique, where I have a chance to learn, research and excel at something I really enjoy. The problem with being in the SCA, at least for me, is the exposure to all of the different arts and my immediate response of "Oh! I really want to do that!". There is no real problem with this in general, but it does make it difficult for me to actually finish a project (which is why my project room is littered with half-finished items). While I have no intention of giving up a select few of some of the new things I've learned, I really need to try to direct more of my efforts into a single area.

I am not a costumer and have no plans to be one. I'm an indifferent seamstress and the more complex intricacies of costume construction are beyond my current capabilities. Simple garb is my speed. What I really find of interest to me is the embellishment -- trim, beading, buttons, lace, cross-stitch, and, more specifically, embroidery. And I'm not talking just blackwork, which really isn't my period anyway, although I'm pretty proficient at it. Both my Mom and Grandma taught me embroidery a very long time ago but, while I enjoyed it I gave it up for the more instant gratification of cross-stitch. It was faster, I picked it up pretty quickly, and most of my family has some rather nice pieces from me given to them over the years.

Of late, I've been collecting books on embroidery techniques, medieval embroidery, and goldwork. I find the techniques for goldwork absolutely fascinating and can't wait to try a piece of my own. I want to try my hand at embroidering people, which I've never done. And I've been looking very closely at types of aumonieres, or alms purses, which often combines embroidery with goldwork in many cases. The examplies I've oohed and ahhed over are exquisite and very inspirational.

Direction? Oh, I think I may have one now...

Comments

Gloves

[chiarafrancesca.livejournal.com]

I am going to try to finish out the patterns we all started at gulf for gloves and have them for you all at Populace if your going to be here at my home in June. :)

That will be one less A&S project on you list at least.

Chiara

Re: Gloves

[lady-eliz.livejournal.com]

You know, I was just thinking about those patterns the other day! :) I got half-way through mine and then had to stop and get dinner started for the camp. I figured either you or Katheryn had my pattern.

Gunthar and I plan to be at Populace in June.

[fieryredhead.livejournal.com]

I have a goldwork project in the works myself; Ive never done goldwork so it should be interesting!

I totally understand what you are talkign about; I've named it 'A&S ADD"

:p

[lady-eliz.livejournal.com]

A&S ADD -- I like that. It's good to know that someone else has the attention span of a gnat when it comes to distracting "pretties".

Cool!

[lady-katheryn.livejournal.com]

Glad you found a direction, dear!