Buttons, buttons who's got the buttons...

So...I was making buttons for coronation garb over the weekend and here are pictures of them.

The gold buttons are two layers of fabric: one linen and one unknown to me but feels metallic.

All are self stuffed buttons and about the size of a pea.

I love making buttons..they are quick, adorable and make for a nice touch and show of handwork on a piece of garb.

So at Wrightstown Renn Faire today...

So a wonderful woman named Cassandra was teaching a chainmail class. I looked over to my friend Edmund, who was wearing a necklace made of this fashion (Byzantine??). I asked if i could borrow it for a short and walked over to the class. Asking Sandra if she knew how to make it, she said..."I can figure it out" and we sat down together and did just that (well mostly her). But...Now i have this lovely chain and the knowledge of how to make it again. Thanks Cassandra!!

Whipped this up yesterday

I know this isnt a historical embroidery, but I wanted to share anyway.

It was my Mother in laws birthday yesterday and being an avid book reader (and adamant about no presents) I whipped up this cross stitched book mark for her.

I thought it was cute! :D

Recent Project: Embroidered Rus Tunic

This tunic was part of a barter deal. My friend below did some woodworking for me and I returned the favor in kind by making a tunic.

Being 12th century Rus', a little research into the style (most of which he had done already) I made this tunic out of 100% black linen (also gotten from fabrics-store.com).

The embroidery was done in DMC cotton thread (as it is what i had on hand and due to financial constraints was unable to get silk or wool, at present time).

All the seams were tacked down with split stitch in contrasting colors.

His households colors are black and red. His personal device is blue and white/silver. I decided to incorporate these colors into the embroidery to make it just a bit more personalized for him.

It all pulled together nicely and he was quite pleased with it, as am I.

Recent project: Embroidered Bliaut

So, my good friend says in passing "Ive always wanted an orange gown..."

Well, guess what I did? :D

Fabrics-store.com has a great selection of linen. So, after some searching of their site, i found this gorgeous linen called "spiced pumpkin". The color, online looked more muted than when it arrived. I washed and dried the linen, which lightened the color only ever so slightly. In line with my friends persona, I made her a non gathered bliaut and embroidered the neckline. I am really quite proud of how it came out and she loved it. She says its going to be called the "cozy cone" gown! :D

Delivered at Pennsic, she decided not to wear it till this weekend at The Feast of John Barleycorn in NY.

The gown is made from 100% linen.

The embroidery pattern was actually taken from a stencil created by DMC specific for embroidery. Upon inspection it is actually very close to a period reference i have. (let me find the book and Ill post an image from it) The embroidery was done with cotton thread (for stability and with funds being snug I have DMC cotton thread on hand) and worked in split stitch. Since the fabric and thread were prewashed and dried, it makes it a very easy gown to care for. Im very happy with how this came out and so was Mathilde.

My Studies

So I am researching embroidered book covers. I have decided to post each book and the information I find out about it here so that I can keep track of it and share, for others interested in book bindings. I by no means know everything so if anyone has more information on any cover I post or if I post any information that may be incorrect, please let me know and give me the source as well.

Felbrigge Psalter early 14th Century (linen thread embroidery on canvas, surface couched gold ground, also called Opus Anglicanum)

size: 7 3/4" by 5 3/4"

This is the oldest surviving book from England to have an embroidered binding. It takes its name from Anne de Felbrigge who was a nun at Minoresses at Bruisyard in Suffolk. It is also believed that she was its embroiderer as it was said she had an artistic background.

Though I havent found an image of the back embroidery, this description of it by Cyril Davenport (taken from English Embroidered Book Bindings) :

On the lower side, on a groundwork of gold similar to that on the upper cover, is a design of the Crucifixion. Our Saviour wears a red garment round the loins, and round his head is a red and yellow nimbus, his feet being crossed in a manner often seen in illuminations in ancient manuscripts.

The cross is yellow with a green edge, the foot widening out into a triple arch, within which is a small angel kneeling in the attitude of prayer. On the right of the cross is a figure of the Virgin Mary, in robes of pale blue and yellow, with a white head-dress and green and yellow nimbus. On the left is another figure, probably representing St. John, dressed in robes of red and blue, and having a nimbus round his head of concentric rings of red and yellow. This figure is unfortunately in very bad condition.

It is currently in the British Library under the reference of MS Sloane 2400

I know its a bit late but...

Here is the pics of my yurt door. I wanted to include my mom in this project since she was wonderful in always watching the boys for me when I had to go to the yurt building weekends, which were many and all in a row.

Here is the blank door. Freshly made and put together. I painted it a primer white then a pale sky blue. (oddly those two pics seem to have disapppeared. )

I absolutely love how it came out! Just wanted to share.