Eye See You

Just a little humor for the day.  The picture of Elizabeth I has her wearing a dress with ears and eyes on it, symbolizing her ability to see and hear everything everywhere, the all knowing monarch.  The giant eyeball pincushion was inspired by this portrait.... we were given a challenge to make a pincushion inspired by something medieval.... a bit wide open, eh?  This is my response.  I really am not in a serious mood, I need some levity.

The Middle Ages, Arts and Sciences

More Pennsic! There are some VERY talented people in The Known World. The time period covered is from the fall of Rome to the death of Elizabeth I, or about AD450 to AD1603. The first photo is of a variety of period needlecases, ranging from hollow bones to wrought metal.


The chair is a simple but well executed example of an X legged chair in walnut. I wish now I had taken more pics of this gentleman's work, it was lovely. Then we have a beautiful embroidered piece, in the style of the Bayeau Tapestry (not a tapestry at all, but rather embroidered). The subject is the 19 Kingdoms in today's Society.

The cape that comes next has appliqued shapes on it in wool. Period applique is a little different than ours, using couched threads as outlines around raw edges.

These shoes are the very same pattern as the ones I am making. I have played with them for a year now, and haven't been satisfied with the fit. After speaking to the shoemaker, I have a fresh outlook. Notice the ducktape footform (last) to help fit the shoe! Genious! I have used ducktape for a manikin, why didn't I think of it for my feet?

This is a lovely linenfold carved oaken chest, the joinery is amazing.

Ah, pottery. If I needed another hobby, this would be a top contender. I now own the wonderful lamp in the center position. A little olive oil and a cotton twist or wick, and you have a very safe effective lamp.

This lady's necklace is modeled after the photograph beside it. Metalwork, lampmade beads, all beautifully executed.

This stuff is alot harder than these artists make it look! There is alot of very hard work shown here, and I have barely scratched the surface.