Sunday was filled with studio serenity - both Matt and I
were busy creating - me, washing, ironing, and cutting material for shirts for
him, he, attaching my tooled leather to the wooden base of his targe ready for
the Medieval festival at The Abbey next month.
Although it is my first attempt at tooling leather in a
structured design, and is far from
perfect, I am still very happy with the outcome, especially after Matt has turned
it into the actual targe. It has been glued to a plywood base, backed with
leather, handles and pockets riveted on, and the entire diameter fastened with
studs. The spike has been made from steel rod, hammered into shape blacksmith style, and sits in a base created from an aluminium washing machine drive pulley which Matt has machined into this authentic looking piece!
The beautiful silver plaid pin is on loan from his brother, and his 'bastard sword' tucks in behind the targe, ready to stab the enemy!
His shoes are done,
his plaid fabric is hemmed, his sword scabbard is under construction, and, oh
yeah, my sack dress and apron is nearly done - just awaiting the arrival of my
Scandinavian braid to complete my outfit. Yes, this Bird of Paradise will be
going undercover in a linen/cotton blend of beige dullness, with even the hair
under wraps. Beige dress, grey apron, grey woolly wrap and headcover, blue
suede tool belt, and brown leather shoes, this colourful chick is covering up
to become a Norse woman of the Medieval Age. I am a descendant of the
Gyllenspetz family, recognised in the Swedish House of Nobles. I also have
Scottish heritage, like Matt - mine is MacKenzie - but as "I don't do
tartan', I thought I'd go with the other half.... Swedes have style....We are being hosted at the event by Matt's talented brother John, also known as Jean the Hornmaster.
Other projects are also on the go, including embroidered yokes for kaftan shirts - bling and colourful flowing textile goodness - what's not to love?!!
