Notes and Motes - from the road (part 3)
Jan. 26th, 2011 07:53 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
jjmaccrimmonSCA
I’ve now taught at another event (Winter Collegium). I presented my melee philosophy class (KWAR 2006) to a very small audience. Most of the veterans that attended the event hung out and sparred rather than attended. I’m concerned about that. Melee wise, this Kingdom has some remarkably experienced fencers. The problem is most of that fighting experience equates to being in skirmish units versus line infantry. In simplest terms, they fight really well in small contingents but don’t appear to have the patience or experience (can’t tell which) to fight as large cohesive unit or army group. No insult intended. Some of these same veterans can’t understand why they keep getting run over by larger but less experienced forces. I wish I knew what to do to help, but motivation is a delicate thing. I finally find myself in a place where I’m appreciated and can make a difference. The question is how to do so with pushing too hard.
Oh while still on the topic of SCA, I’ve been sewing costume and garb again. One project I need to finish soon is near and dear to my heart, er head.. My cavalier hat. Folks, many in the Society know me for the fading, frayed, burned and worn cavalier hat I’ve worn of nearly 18 years. I got it from an incredible seamstress; though now, I can’t recall whether it was at the first KWAR in Tre Girt Sea (Chicago) or at my first An Tir 12th Night (‘94). It saw multiple events demos and more over those years. When I moved to Meridies, I wore it to several events but it was falling apart. This past fall, I bought fabric, stiffener and other supplies to make a replacement. To do this right, it meant taking apart the old hat to see how it was built. With a tear in one eye, I removed tattered feathers, cut away tokens and jewelry, then started ripping seams, pulling out bracings and carefully laying out the deeply worn or faded cloth which made me so recognizable. I now know what conservationists go through with historic costumes. Some pieces were very fragile.
I measured, cut and started piecing together a new version that would be true to the look, feel and character of my old one. Tammy added to my creation when found some Duponi silk that was nearly the same color as the old ‘red’ hat band. Slowly and patiently, I’ve built the new version. Another thing Tammy suggested was to take one piece of the old hat and include it in the new one to link the past and present. The top lining piece is the only one that had the physical integrity to be reused, so it was carefully washed, pressed and sewn in. The only thing that remains is to hand stitch the silk band and the hardware/jewelry that had been on the predecessor.
I’ve now taught at another event (Winter Collegium). I presented my melee philosophy class (KWAR 2006) to a very small audience. Most of the veterans that attended the event hung out and sparred rather than attended. I’m concerned about that. Melee wise, this Kingdom has some remarkably experienced fencers. The problem is most of that fighting experience equates to being in skirmish units versus line infantry. In simplest terms, they fight really well in small contingents but don’t appear to have the patience or experience (can’t tell which) to fight as large cohesive unit or army group. No insult intended. Some of these same veterans can’t understand why they keep getting run over by larger but less experienced forces. I wish I knew what to do to help, but motivation is a delicate thing. I finally find myself in a place where I’m appreciated and can make a difference. The question is how to do so with pushing too hard.
Oh while still on the topic of SCA, I’ve been sewing costume and garb again. One project I need to finish soon is near and dear to my heart, er head.. My cavalier hat. Folks, many in the Society know me for the fading, frayed, burned and worn cavalier hat I’ve worn of nearly 18 years. I got it from an incredible seamstress; though now, I can’t recall whether it was at the first KWAR in Tre Girt Sea (Chicago) or at my first An Tir 12th Night (‘94). It saw multiple events demos and more over those years. When I moved to Meridies, I wore it to several events but it was falling apart. This past fall, I bought fabric, stiffener and other supplies to make a replacement. To do this right, it meant taking apart the old hat to see how it was built. With a tear in one eye, I removed tattered feathers, cut away tokens and jewelry, then started ripping seams, pulling out bracings and carefully laying out the deeply worn or faded cloth which made me so recognizable. I now know what conservationists go through with historic costumes. Some pieces were very fragile.
I measured, cut and started piecing together a new version that would be true to the look, feel and character of my old one. Tammy added to my creation when found some Duponi silk that was nearly the same color as the old ‘red’ hat band. Slowly and patiently, I’ve built the new version. Another thing Tammy suggested was to take one piece of the old hat and include it in the new one to link the past and present. The top lining piece is the only one that had the physical integrity to be reused, so it was carefully washed, pressed and sewn in. The only thing that remains is to hand stitch the silk band and the hardware/jewelry that had been on the predecessor.
