About me:
This isn't the place to meet me. Here are some facts, though. I am:
My values:
Everything else is subject to change.
"Prima Alba!" To my family, fellow schemers, plotters and the 'evidence dispersal crew' in Villa Luna. Family are the ones who help you hide the bodies and they are not the ones you call for a bail-out because they are sitting there right next to you laughing about what a good ride it was.
"A Gryphon!" to my family in Gryphons Gard. Fight Hard, Play Harder.
Inspired and Catalyzed
This website is about my creative drive and passion for learning. My historical projects are inspired by art and period pieces that move me. I sew because I can't not sew. I love fiber arts; tailoring, embroidery, weaving, etc.
First Contact by my Muse
Lucreztia by Lorenzo Lotto, c. 1525
My first inspired clothing piece was made in 1991 and based on the painting "Lucretzia" by Lorenzo Lotto (1525). I look back at that as the first time my Muse tapped me on the shoulder and it's been a journey of exploring fiber arts since then.
My Muse continues to ride my shoulder and motivate me. I am moved by the artists of Italy and the Low Countries, spanning 1460 to 1600. In each case, I find a picture or interesting cultural piece of information and I become inspired to learn more about the people and make something to wear.
Modeling recreation of Lucretzia, made 1990
Success is Measured in how I Inspire Others
Each costume adventure begins with inspiration, which is closely followed by research, a theory of construction and some hardy crash-test dummies (i.e. trusting friends) who let me make stuff for them. Once I'm confident that I can do a hat trick, I use my notes to create a class and either teach through the SCA or private workshops. I passionately believe that having knowledge without passing it is fruitless and barren. Sharing my knowledge and experience is my reward for working diligently on research and construction development. Being able to motivate others is how I measure my success.
"Just tell them if they need to rip out a seam. Don't be nice, they won't thank you for it later."
Since I made my version of "Lucretzia" in 1991 I have taught several workshops on bodice construction, dress construction, fashionable silhouettes, etc. My first real effort at leading a workshop was in 1994 when I organized a regular sewing night with a few other ladies. Our focus was making early 16th century Italian Renaissance outfits inspired both by Lorenzo Lotto and Titian. We worked from September through January and the participants made outfits for themselves and their spouses. That first workshop also helped me cement my teaching style due to the honest, active feedback from another good friend who rode shot-gun, C. Aragon. She frequently told me, "Just tell them if they need to rip out a seam. Don't be nice, they won't thank you for it later." It was the best advice I got and I continue to heed it.
I love developing workshops and although I've been on hiatus in the last few years, look forward to getting back into it. The most recent "big" workshops that I organized were:
-February, 2003, "Between the Layers: The Kirtle from 1435 to 1490 in the Low Countries" which had a 100-page handout with pictures and detailed how-to instructions.
-April, 2003, The Overrobe in the Low Countries, 1435-1490.
-November 2005, The 4-panel bodice in the 15th century: (featuring construction and style comparison between Florence, Spain, Flanders, and England)
-June, 2006, Girls in Drag: 15th Florentine century male clothing modified to fit women. I co-organized this with L. Henry and there was no hand-out. This was focused on getting stuff made, not discussing theories of construction.
A Hive of Catalysts
I have made some of my best friends while working on projects. We joke that we have a "hive mind" or communal conscience. One of us will get an idea for a costume and suddenly we'll pull together a workshop that gets all of us jazzed about making something or achieving a certain look. I'm not the only one that concocts workshops or inspires those around me to sew and create. Quite often we inspire each other to try new things or think up new solutions to the same old construction challenges. It's a very exciting, nurturing and fun-loving environment to be a part of. I wish I could paste all their names up here, but some of them have said that they are too shy. So I will refrain from making a long "I love you, Man!" list that leaves off key individuals. Besides, if they are reading this, they know who they are and that's all that really matters.
Those who Catalyze My Friends and I
As much as I love to teach, I love to learn as well. I've co-conspired several learning workshops with local embroidery and costume artisans as a sort of "co-op" where we took turns teaching each other. In this manner I've learned various embroidery techniques and costuming skills from local experts
Fortunately, there's always more to learn and always more people who want to share in the adventure.