Texture! Color! String and Fiber! S.W.A.T. stands for Spun, Warped and Twisted. We're a fiber group with the goal of spreading and sharing knowledge of the textile arts of the Middle Ages and the Current Middle Ages. We're not an official group of the Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc.; however, most of our members are SCAdians who enjoy researching and recreating the ideals of the Middle Ages. Basically we like to play with string & take great pleasure in learning about/creating new fiber works. Welcome and Enjoy!
Want more information on S.W.A.T.? Contact Lady Tangwystl ferch Dafydd (tawnykat@aol.com).
Classes
|
University of Atlantia
#54 The Shire of Crannog Mor (Boone, NC) October 6 | |
| 10:00 AM |
Spinning on a Drop Spindle
Siobhan Nic Dhuinnshleibhe This class will teach the basics of spinning on a drop spindle, featuring wool roving as the fiber is spun, and cover some history on the evolution of spinning. Students will learn about the history and evolution of the craft, get to try their hands at different types of spinning apparatus and spinning on different types of spindles, and learn how to finish off their handspun woolen yarn. $9 materials cost includes drop spindle, niddy-noddy, handouts and wool, or bring your own spindles and roving. Limit: 10. (2 hours) |
| 10:00 AM |
Hand-Knotted Hair Nets
Alys Montgomerie Learn how to make hairnets using a period method. Handouts and materials needed in class will be provided. Additional materials may be purchased to take home. Limit 6. (2 hours) |
| 10:00 AM |
Kumihimo: The Art of Japanese Braiding
Caitriona inghean Ghiolla Phadraig This will be a beginner's class in Japanese plaiting. Students will learn the history of braiding in Japan, an introduction to the materials and how they were used, and a demonstration of a simple 4-strand braid for hands on experience. All materials will be provided including a kumihimo stand. Fee $5.00. Limit: 7. (2 hours) |
| 10:00 AM |
Use It or Lucet, An Introduction
Violante de San Sebastian This class is a VERY BASIC hands-on introduction to the lucet: how to use it, and especially, what to do with the braid it produces. Limit 6. Bring your own lucet and cord, or you may purcase a kit containing lucet and cord for $15. |
| 10:00 AM |
Natural Dyeing with Period Home and Trade Dyes
Cecily de Stafford This is a hands-on class in natural dyeing using home and trade dyes common during the middle ages. Wear an apron, bring an all-natural fiber you like -- roving, hand-spun wool or silk (no cotton; it needs strong mordants) or 100% wool. Please tie a strip of muslin or white cotton around your item(s) with your name marked on it. Pleae do not bring piece goods or yarn made with anything synthetic. These are more difficult to dye. I will provide gloves. You will learn to dye with natural materials, insect, plant, and mineral. If you have an extra mortar and pestle bring that too. You will see me set up outside in the morning. Please bring me your products before the first hour of the class so we may begin mordanting your items. (This is a process that bonds the dye to your fiber.) You will learn history as you work at preparing the dye matter and then simmering your items. If you do not have fiber, I will provide it. $3.00 fee handbook only. $5.00 fee handbook and fiber. Limit: 10. (2 hours) |
| 1:30 PM |
"To make a stringe with the cheuerne" - Fingerloop Braiding for Two Workers
Azza al-Shirazi Learn an advanced fingerloop braiding technique. Beginners welcome. Bring a partner or find one in class. Threads will be provided but you may also bring your own. This is braid #20 in The Compleat Anachronist #108. If you have a copy, please bring it! Limit 20. |
| 1:30 PM |
Introduction to Naalbinding
Caoimhe of Hawkwood There will be a summary on the history of naalbinding, and students will learn about the 3-5 most common stitches. A handout will be provided that will help students complete a pouch to be started and worked on in class. Materials Fee: $4.00. Limit: 10. |
| 1:30 PM |
Lacis - Construction and Ornamentation of Netting
Beatrice La Grave Learn the basics of netting, and how such nets were filled with needle and thread to produce the beautiful lacis. Limit 6, materials fee $8 for cost of netting needle and gauges -- free for those that bring their own materials. (2 hours) |
| 2:30 PM |
"For to make a lace endented" - A Difficult Fingerloop Braid for One Worker
Azza al-Shirazi If you have learned the basics of fingerloop braiding, you're ready for a challenge. This is the most difficult one worker braid, so PLEASE NO BEGINNERS! Limit: 20. |
| 2:30 PM |
Weaving on Warp-Weighted Loom
Mairghread in Eyverska The warp-weighted loom was the standard loom used throughout Europe during the Early Middle Ages. This will be a combination lecture/hands on class focusing on building and using this loom. Participants will have the chance to weave on a reproductoin loom and will also receive samples of early period weaves, so participation will be limited to 10. Unlimited observers welcome. |
| 3:30 PM |
Beginning Knitting
Deidre Ni Aodhfionn Learn the basics of knitting by learning to cast on, doing the knit and purl stitch, and casting off. A brief history of knitting and projects for students to take home will also be covered. Please bring your own needles; some will be available for use in class. Fee: $1.00. Limit: 6. |
| 3:30 PM |
Beginning Tablet Weaving
Brighid ni Siridean Hands-on class to learn the techniques for creating relatively simple narrow woven bands suitable for belts and trims. A brief historical background for the method will also be discussed. Limit 6. Fee: $5 for supplies and handouts ($1 if bring own loom and cards). |
| 3:30 PM |
Inkle Weaving for the Beginner
Sine ni Dheaghaidh This class is for the person who would like to learn to inkle weave, but is hesitant to buy a loom. I will explain the process of warping and weaving and will have looms warped to allow students to weave. Limit 5, more if you bring your own inkle looms. There is a handout. |
| 4:30 PM |
Beginning Crochet
Seraphina Netka While crochet is not documented in our period, it can be used to make period-looking things, especially to camouflage modern things. Bring size H hook and cotton/wool yarn or borrow/buy from instructor. Fee: $4.00 for kit and handouts. $1.00 for handouts only. Limit: 7. |
| 4:30 PM |
Introduction to Sprang
Mairghread in Eyverska Sprang is a technique of plaiting yarn stretched ona frame to create a stretch fabric useful for making hairnets, caps, bags, etc. Although in the SCA it is associated mainly with Vikings, it was actually used throughout the Middle Ages. In this class, you will learn the basics by making a small sprang pouch. Fee: $1.00. Limit 10. Please bring a small crochet hook if possible. |
| 4:30 PM |
Felt-making 101
Susanna von Schweissguth Using washed, carded wool roving, we will learn basic methods of creating felt. Students will have an opportunity to make felt balls and felt fabric. We will discuss decorating methods for use during the creation process using yarn, wool cut outs, or colored fiber, and ways of embroidering or appliqueing on the completed felt after it is dry. Fee: $3.00 for wool (or bring 4-5 oz. clean, carded wool in 2 or 3 colors). Limit: 10. |
Workshops
- Bright Hills: The Bright Hills Textile Arts Guild meets on the fourth Sunday of the month in Jarrettsville, MD. Contact Ingvild Josefsdatter (SNSpies@aol.com).
- Isenfir: The Isenfir Fiber Arts Group is now meeting on the first and third
Tuesdays of each month at 7:30 p.m. in Charlottesville, VA. The Fiber Arts meetings are a workgroup for those interested in period fiber arts, including (but not limited to) embroidery, needlework, lace making, nale binding, costuming, sewing, textiles and weaving. Contact Anne of Isenfir (aw2p@virginia.edu).
- Windmasters' Hill: String Thing, monthly. Contact Francesca la Curiosa (muirdean@mindspring.com) or Manus MacDhai (scott_dean@mindspring.com)
 | Return to Atlantian A&S Homepage |
