Hrim Schola

The hills may be covered in frost, but we invite you to a cozy schola dedicated to the Fiber Arts.

Hrim Schola

The Barony of Dragonship Haven and the Barony Beyond the Mountain will host Hrim Schola
March 19, 2016
Immanuel Lutheran Church
164 Hanover Street
Meriden, CT 06451

In the morning in the hallway –

Beginning Drop Spinning – Gwenlian ferch Llewellin.  2 hours.  No class limit or Materials Fee.
Drop in and out and learn the basics of spinning on a drip spindle.


In the morning in the cafeteria –

Block Printing – Sisuile Butler.  2 hours in the morning in the cafeteria.  Class size maximum 10.  $10.00 materials fee
Weaving or embroidery are not the only ways to pattern fabric.  Using carved blocks, we’ll do some exploration of block printing on fabric.  (This class will use modern materials for speed & ease, and will discuss period techniques)



In the afternoon in the hallway –

Posements – Fastriðr Hrothgarsdottir ½ hour sessions for 2 people at a time over 3 hours.  Materials fee $10.00 for the tenntråd
This will be a running course with one on one hands-on instruction on creating posaments.  There will be a sign up sheet with 2 people to join each half hour, but you do not need to leave after your half hour is over.  Feel free to stay and work and ask questions.  Posaments are a Viking age craft found only at Björkö in Sweden.  Most are found attached to cloth fragments so they are believed to have
been used to decorate clothing and dress accessories.  They are created with wire or wire spiral wound around a silk core.  Supply packets of tenntråd (a modern very close facsimile) will be available to purchase from the instructor for $10.


Perugia Weaving – Master Peregrine the Illuminator.  A drop in and out class – 3 hours in the afternoon
Perugia Linens are a diamond twill weave that allows for patterns to be woven in – think of white linen towels with blue wool patterned stripes at their ends.  Peregrine will bring his loom so that attendees can practice weaving a pattern, as well as discuss materials, warping for broken diamond twill, weaving techniques, pattern creation, and other aspects of weaving.  Those who have woven Perugia Linens or created similar projects are welcome to bring your projects so we can talk about your techniques as well.  This is a relaxed class – come and go as you please during the afternoon, and I will have a sign-up list for those who wish to weave.




10:30 – 11:25

Classroom #1
Drafting and Distaff – Morwenna.  1 hour.  Class size maximum 8 – any number welcome to observe.  Children interested in spinning welcome.  No fee, though introductory drop spindles and some fiber may be purchased.
How you treat your fiber can change what type of yarn you end up with.  Come experiment with a distaff and discover how silly modern spinners are for not using one.  Try out cards vs combs and see the different preparations they make.  Try different drafting methods and see how yarns behave differently.  Attendees should know how to spin.  Spindle and fiber will be provided, but feel free to bring any spinning implement or fiber you may already possess.


Classroom #2
Cloth and Thread Buttons – Temair inghen Muiredaich.  1 hour.  Class size maximum 20.  Materials fee $2.00.
You have the perfect dress and have learned to make buttonholes, now learn to make matching buttons for your garb!  While buttons can be made from almost anything, we will make cloth buttons and thread buttons.  Everything needed will be supplied.


Classroom #3
Eyelets and buttonholes – Sarah di Salaparuta and Aurelia di Stellari.  1 hour.  No class limit or Materials Fee.
How to handsew eyelets and buttonholes.


Classroom #4
V&A Textile Study Room:  a great collection of extant embroideries – Mariot Carllein 2 hours No class limit or Materials Fee.
We’ll look at over 100 pieces, many in extreme close up from my photos.  Starting with the 9th century through the 16th, we’ll examine a huge range of styles.  The handout lists them, with museum accession numbers so you can find them on the internet later. 


Classroom #5
Making a Thimble – Anton Leflamme d’ Saint Aubin.  2 hours.  Class size maximum 10.  Materials Fee $5.00.
Thimbles were a very important part of needle arts.  The type I would be teaching how to make would be from the period of the 12th-14th century.  Students will walk away with a usable functional period thimble.


Classroom #6
Essential Knots for Campers – Captain Elias Gedney.  2 hours.  No class limit or Materials Fee.


Classroom #7
Beginning Knitting – Angharad verch Rees.  1 hour.  Class size maximum 10.  Materials Fee $7.00 includes yarn and needles you can take home.
A very basic introduction to knitting class.  It wouldn’t be period knitting per se, but it would be a first step for someone who had never touched knitting needles before.  I will also discuss period knitting while the students are working.




11:30 – 12:25

Classroom #1
Spinning Cotton – Henna Sinclair.  1 hour.  No class limit or Materials Fee.
Cotton fibers are very short:  3/8” to 1”, and spun on a driven spindle wheel, or a small support spindle.


Classroom #2
Fingerloop Braiding – Rosina von Schaffhausen.  1 hour.  Class size maximum 12.  Materials fee $1.00.
Fingerloop braids were used in period to lace up clothing and purses, edge hairnets and seams, and to attach seals to documents.  There are also a couple of period instruction manuals on how to make them.  Whether you are a beginner or an old hand at fingerloop, I can probably teach you a new braid – including multiperson ones


Classroom #3
Sprang – Emengar la Fileresse 1 hour.  No class limit or Materials Fee.
“Sprang is an ancient method of constructing fabric that has a natural elasticity.  Its appearance is similar to a knot-less net, but unlike netting sprang is constructed entirely from twisting warp threads.  Archaeological evidence indicates that sprang predates knitting.  The two textile forms bear a visible resemblance and serve similar functions but require different production techniques.
“We will practice the technique of sprang on provided warps.  The class time is not sufficient for each student to warp, twist, and complete a sprang project.  A limited number of prewarped looms will be provided for students to share so that they can gain a hands-on understanding of the thread manipulations required for this craft.  Warping and finishing a piece will be explained.”


Classroom #4
V&A Textile Study Room:  a great collection of extant embroideries 2 hours (continued)


Classroom #5
Making a Thimble 2 hours.  (continued)


Classroom #6
Essential Knots for Campers 2 hours.  (continued)


Classroom #7
Beginning Blackwork Embroidery – Sybill Teller.  1 hour.  Class size maximum 8. 



12:30 - 1:00
Break for Lunch Lunch will be served for longer than just this half hour period.



1:00 – 1:55

Classroom #1
Supported Spindle Spinning – Sunnifa Heinriksdottor.  2 hours.  Class size maximum 10.  No Materials Fee.
Learn to make and use a supported spindle.


Classroom #2
Bobbin Lace – Nest verch Tangwistel.  2 hours.  Class size maximum 8.  Materials Fee $12.00. 
Intermediate level bobbin lace.  We will work on a piece of lace with both plaited braids and a section of whole stitch.  The piece of lace uses 16 bobbins.  I will have some with me that can be purchased for $1/ bobbin in case you do not have enough.  Please bring your pillow, pins and any bobbins you own.  I will bring the thread so we are all working with the correct size for the pattern.


Classroom #3
Raised Plait Stitch from Sutton Hoo, from Cloth and Clothing in Anglo-Saxon England AD 450 – 700 – Ælfgifa of the Hazel Thicket.  1 hour.  Class size maximum – Supplies provided for 6 students.  Handouts with diagrams will be available.  Anyone who wishes to bring their own supplies is welcome to do so.  I recommend a yarn needle, some thick thread or thin to medium yarn, and a coarse fabric.  Any number of people can sit in on the class, as long as there is room.
From Penelope Walton Rogers – This stitch was used to cover a seam on a find at Sutton Hoo, and along the cuff edge of a sleeve on a find from the 10th century at Ousegate, York.  It is both structural and decorative, capable of holding two edges together and at the same time creating a raised cord or braid on the surface of the fabric.  I have used it to decorate seams and also to hem garments.


Classroom #4
Elizabethan Braid Work/Gold Work – Elaine Howys of Morningthrope.  1 hour.  Class size maximum:  10 kits for hands on.  Unlimited quiet observers.  No fees for kits.  Will accept donation.
Exploring the twist and turns of Gold tread to create braids.  A look at the various threads available for use and what they may or may not produce.  Onto the braids themselves, how they are made and used in period.  This class will finish with members doing hands on braiding.


Classroom #5
Smocked Apron – Johanna de Glastingburi.  1 hour.  Class size 6 plus auditors.  $5 – No fee if you bring your own piece of linen 30x30 inches in size.
Learn to make a smocked apron


Classroom #6
Dungiven Doublet:  so easy, a fencer can build it – Sisuile Butler.  1 hour.  No class limit or Materials Fee. 
A look at the Dungiven jacket, a very late 16th c Irish doublet, discussion of archeological report, deconstruction, construction, and patterning.

Classroom #7
Middle-Class Elizabethan Women’s Garb:  Show and Tell – Worshipful Company of Their Majesty’s Underwear.  1 hour.  No class limit or fee
Elizabethan garb can be fabulous, extravagant, and shiny-for the upper classes.  But the rest of the populace needed something to wear too.  The Worshipful Company recently completed two middle-class ladies’ outfits, and invite you to come learn about their design and construction.  This will be a combination of lecture and Q&A that will be tailored (ha!) to the class attendance, with the opportunity to take a close, hands-on look at all the layers of the outfits.



2:00 – 2:55

Classroom #1
Supported Spindle Spinning 2 hours.  (continued)


Classroom #2
Bobbin Lace – 2 hours.  (continued)


Classroom #3
Pre-1300 Weave Structures – Lady Albreda Aylese 1 hour.  No class limit or fee
Class includes samples of weaves being discussed.


Classroom #4
Inserting gores/gussets/godets – Sarah di Salaparuta and Aurelia di Stellari.  1 ½ hours.  Class size maximum 10 for hands on.  No Materials Fee.
Discussion of machine and handsewing insertion of gussets and gores.  Tips to achieve proper placement without puckering.


Classroom #5
The Use of Natural Dyes – Elizabeth of Rivenstar.  1 ½ hours.  $10.00 for handouts and dyed samples of wool.  Can email other handouts out for free.  Any number may audit.
In this lecture we will discuss the use of natural dyes and mordants; what materials (fabric, yarn and fiber) they work with, and some historical context.  This is a general lecture rather than a lecture to a specific time and place.  Samples and recipes will be used in class but no actual dying will take place. 


Classroom #6
Limp Book Binding – Heather Rose de Gordoun.  1 hour.  Class size maximum 15.  $5.00 donations to cover materials requested but not required.
Learn how to make this simple but vastly creative book style.  Incorporate your sewing and embroidery skills to embellish this book style.  No previous bookbinding experience is needed.  All supplies will be provided for the binding itself, you are welcome to bring your own embroidery threads if you want to take your book to the next level once you have finished it.  This is a hands-on class.


Classroom #7
Period Bowstrings – Omelan the Left.  1 hour.  No class limit or Materials Fee.
A discussion on period bowstrings with examples of working linen strings, plus a homemade reduced size modified rope walk string twister.





3:00 – 3:25

Classroom #4
Inserting gores/gussets/godets 1 ½ hours (continued)


Classroom #5
The Use of Natural Dyes 1 ½ hours.  (continued)




3:00 – 3:55

Classroom #1
Spinning Flax – Dressing the Distaff and Wheel Spinning – Henna Sinclair.  2 hours.  Class size maximum 4 plus auditors.
The class will be partly demo-and-conversation, for dressing the distaff and wheel spinning.  Those intrepid souls who wish to make the plunge can give it a try.  Spinning flax is different from any other fiber typically spun, and requires a while to get the feel of it.  PLEASE emphasize that it is not for beginning spinners.  One must already be comfortable spinning on a wheel.  I cannot teach people to spin in this class. 


Classroom #2
Lucet Beyond the Square Cord – Eadgyth oet Stoeningum.  2 hours.  Class size maximum 15 plus any number of auditors.  Bring your own lucet if you have one.  Materials Fee $1.00.
You’re comfortable making square cord; what’s next? Flat cords, multi-strand cords, and variations


Classroom #3
Bayeux “Tapestry” Embroidery Technique – Anarra Karlsdottir.  2 hours.  Class size maximum 5 for hands on, plus auditors.  Materials fee $2.00.
The Bayeux “Tapestry” is actually an embroidery using three stitches:  Stem Stitch, Laid Work and Couching.  You will learn how to perform the technique and also listen to a lecture on the events of 1066 leading up to the Battle of Hastings.  History and crafting all in one!  Kit includes handout, linen, wool thread and needle plus loan of a hoop.  Hoops are $2 if you want to buy.

Classroom #4
Inserting gores/gussets/godets 1 ½ hours (continued for half an hour)


Classroom #5
The Use of Natural Dyes 1 ½ hours.  (continued for half an hour)


Classroom #6
Lacis or filet lace – Barbeta Kyrkeland.  1 hour.  No fee.  Class size maximum 8.  Hoops available, more if you bring your own 8” hoop.
Lacis or Filet Lace – learn the 3 common stitches, linen stitch, darning stitch, and loop stitch.  I will provide some netting, needles, and thread.  I will have some embroidery hoops to borrow.  Bring an 8-inch hoop if you have one.  I will bring my library, handouts, optional tools, and finished examples.


Classroom #7
Tablet Weaving – Sisuile Butler.  2 hours.  Materials Fee $7.  Class size maximum 7.  3 looms may be borrowed, but everyone bring shuttles if possible.  Cards available for purchase.





3:30 – 4:00

Classroom #4
Italian Headgear 15th and 16th centuries – Damiana Illaria d'Onde.  1 ½ hours.  No class limit or Materials Fee.
Structures and Stiffening:  Keeping things up and flat.  Construction of an Italian Balzo (15-16th century headgear) with willow reed, corsetry materials and parchment for moderate stiffening.


Classroom #5
Textile Reproductions Based Upon the Account Books of Elizabeth de Burgh, Lady of Clare in England, 1350 & 1351 – Elizabeth of Rivenstar.  1 ½ hours.  No class limit or Materials Fee.
This lecture, with woven samples, will discuss my research into the fabric found in the account books of Elizabeth de Burgh.  Reproductions are based upon the archeological record and the account books.  We will discuss the use of cloth to show both rank and position within the medieval English household.  We will also discuss how to apply this to your own shopping experience and SCA household.


4:00 – 4:55

Classroom #1
Spinning Flax – Dressing the Distaff and Wheel Spinning 2 hours (continued)


Classroom #2
Lucet Beyond the Square Cord – 2 hours.  (continued)


Classroom #3
Bayeux “Tapestry” Embroidery Technique 2 hours.  (continued)


Classroom #4
Italian Headgear 15th and 16th centuries 1 ½ hours.  (continued)


Classroom #5
Textile Reproductions Based Upon the Account Books of Elizabeth de Burgh, Lady of Clare in England, 1350 & 1351 1 ½ hours.  (continued)


Classroom #6
Nalbinding – Emengar la Fileresse.  1 hour.  No class limit or Materials Fee.
Nalbinding is an ancient textile technique that is often associated with the Viking period in Scandinavia.  It is actually a prehistoric technique.  The oldest find is circa 6500 BCE.  The so-called Copper Gate sock from York, England and the Mammen find from Denmark are both late 10th century CE.  More textiles from later centuries gave also been found and the technique is still practiced in some parts of the world.  We will examine and work with two nalbinding stitches in this class, Oslo and Mammen.  If you have needles and worsted or bulky (Lopi-like) yarn, bring them.  Some modern needles will be available for use during class and there will be practice yarn.

Classroom #7
Tablet Weaving – Sisuile Butler.  2 hours.  (continued)



We will offer a dayboard for lunch.

Site Opens: 10:00
Site Closes: 6:00