Medieval makings

This fabulous weekend past began with a 'Squeeeee' with Janet de Boer on Friday (AKA a bubbles filled lunch of hilarity, textiles, and way too personal gossip - a much treasured event - of which I am yet to get a photographic record). Saturday saw a revamp of my Dressing Room, starting with an epic extraction from Matt's ute of my new storage unit courtesy of Facebook Marketplace and $20. Several bruises and a dance around domestic disharmony later, it was installed, and after several hours, filled tidily with garments - with an important spare cube for a light, a tissue box, and a wine glass/ stubbie resting stop!!

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?!!