The war is done for another year. The finest place on Earth has vanished yet again into our imaginations.

This year’s Pennsic War was once again too short. There were the usual problems and hassles you get when ten thousand people decide to go camping together; but it is hard to find fault with the gorgeous weather we had; sunny and warm with nights just cool enough to make a fire welcome. As usual I taught two classes, with sessions both first and second week. This year it was my usual hand sewing class, and a new class: “Dressing the Brueghel Peasant Man”. Both where well attended, especially given that I goofed and missed the deadline for inclusion in the printed class schedule.

My apprentice (THL Blitha of Wolfhou) taught two class sessions showcasing her research into the history, development and construction of needle cases, both sessions had people spilling out of the tent. She was also kept busy at the Arts and Sciences Display where she had her research and examples out.

Adjusting to modern life is rougher than usual this year. Both I and my Lady are having trouble sleeping: Too dark, too quiet. Fifty weeks and counting down to next year…

The St Lukes Artisan’s Fair is looking to be the Arts and Sciences gathering of the year. Part of the event is the Laurel Challenge Tourney in which members of the Order of the Laurel may issue challenges to the artisans of the Kingdom. There are a number of excellent challenges already posted to the event website, and the number is growing.

Of course I’m issuing a challenge:

Challenge: Needful Things
Challenger: Master Richard Wymarc (rwymarc@gmail.com)

Fine clothing, strong armor, good food and beautiful art are all well and good, but often it is the little things that bring the middle ages to life. Nothing evokes the medieval life like seeing a Lady pull out a wax tablet to take notes, or a craftsman using hand-made tools, or a child playing with toys that you have seen in paintings.

Your challenge is twofold: First, to create an artifact. Something small and useful, well made but utilitarian. I’m not looking for flash: Appropriate decoration is good, but daily usefulness is the primary concern. I’m not thinking of gloves and hats, I’m thinking combs, pouches, boxes, needlecases: The small useful stuff you use without thinking about it, or the tools that you would use to make other things.

The second part of the challenge: In addition to the artifact, I require a “How-to” article with a clear, concise, step-by-step set of instructions, illustrated as needed, that will allow others to re-create what you have made. These instructions should include examples of the item in period, and documentation of materials, tools, and techniques. The instructions should focus on construction. If you are making a drop-spindle, I want to know how to make one, but you don’t have to teach me to spin as well.

See you there!

My son and spent the evening at a concert at the Birchmere courtesy of my lovely dear wife: Jonathan Coulton and Paul and Storm performing. It is now one in the morning and my ribs still hurt from laughing. Mike and I have been fans of Jonathan C. for a while now, but Paul and Storm are now on our playlist as well.

The venue is wonderful, the staff where great; the audience made up almost entirely of geeks having a very good time… and the music was excellent. Good memories…

If you are unfamiliar with Jonathan or Paul and Storm, do check out their websites:

http://jonathancoulton.com/
http://www.paulandstorm.com/

UPDATE: a very good review of the concert can be seen here.

I went shopping at Needlewoman East today and found the Japan gold I was looking for. I can now get started on the two cloak closures I committed to. The new Stierbach baronial cloaks are red and white silk, with the baronial arms worked on them in appliqué. For the two closures, I have a length of the red silk and will be working celtic bulls in couched gold. It has been years since I last used gold, but as I remember it goes fairly fast, and is not too difficult to get a good result with good advance planning. I will post pictures of the work in progress.