So how did paper begin? From what I’ve read, we have the Chinese to thank for that! A website from the Saint Louis Community College has a very nice history of paper making. Dr. Neathery Batsell Fuller has posted a “Brief History of Paper”. (I gather from her biographical sketch on her webpage that she is also a member of the SCA!) Her tidy essay includes numberous links and references for anyone wanting to research the history of paper and its various components.

So what would I teach these homeschool kiddos? Well I don’t think I will force them into a full hour of cutting rings . . . maybe it would give them a true sense of how much work is involved in getting ready to “weave” mail . . . but I have a hunch that most of them would revolt long before the hour was up. Maybe five minutes at cutting rings will be sufficient. Of course, that means that I will be cutting rings for hours so that I have enough to teach the little darlings. That’s ok . . . I’m a glutton for punishment and I’ve been told that I have more patience then some saints. I probably will start them out with some nice, soft aluminum rings . . . easy to manipulate so as to avoid early frustration. We can move on to some good ol’ galvanized steel 16 guage rings . . . and I’ll have some 14 guage around just in case some of them are feeling like a challenge.

Every young lady should have a European 4-in-1 vest in her wardrobe!!!

As 14th century England is our Medieval focus, I would think European 4-in-1 would be the primary pattern for us to work on. Of course, having a few samples of European 6-in-1 and king’s mail will help to show some of the basic variations, along with a few of the “Japanese” patterns.

So . . . I don’t consider myself a sexist by any means, but I try to be aware of the sensitivities of the young ladies who might be in the class . . . and bending big rings of wire to make some silly armor pieces may not be of much interest. For them, I will offer a few chainmail-inspired jewelry projects to work on. While not Medieval in any shape or form, the projects would still teach the basics of chainmail weaving . . . and they might be alot more fun! Anyone who knows me also knows that I’ve probably produced a few hundered chainmail jewelry items over the years . . . so a few more won’t hurt! Actually, there’s a little gothic shop down the street – I’m hoping to convince them that chainmail jewelry might be something worth having in their display cases – Raven Blackwood. Once I get the first inkle loom class out of the way, I will spend a little more energy making some jewelry and cutting rings for the class. If you’re not doing anything, drop me a line . . . I’ll give you a ring-cutting assignment!!! I’m serious . . . if you’ve ever cut rings, you know what I’m facing . . . any help would be greatly appreciated!!!!!

Although I finished the “home projects” for Betty and Melissa, I never touched the archery bow – just not enough time. Maybe tomorrow afternoon I will head back out to the shop to begin tackling this new endeavor.

We had a brief team meeting – lots on the horizon for Medieval Living! Chainmail classes and more inkle loom and tablet loom weaving classes for April. James is working on archery, arrow making/fletching for June and July. If the bow making works as I am hoping it well, we might add that to the list. Melissa is working on the tile making process so that we can hold classes in May. A fundraising yard-sale probably some time in May or early June (see the Albuquerque Craigslist for more info on that). I am also hoping to get an introduction to tapestry weaving course set up in April or May. And then most of these classes will continue on monthly basis, as long as there is interest. (I’ve already been asked about the chainmail class, so I know some people are getting anxious for some of these offerings!) We are also hoping to start some dialogue with a local charter school – some of the things they are doing with their students may partner well with what we are offering. Yeah, the plate is getting full . . . and I like it that way! We met the challenge of the inkle loom homeschoolers – who else has something to challenge us with? Bring it on!

I have several projects lined up for the workshop this weekend . . . first and foremost is constructing at least 6 more “practice” inkle looms. Second are some “home” projects for mother-in-law and daughter. Third is a project that I’ve never tried before . . . making a bow for archery. I’ve put out the request for donations of archery equipment, but I really do think it is prudent that I learn how to make my own equipment. There are various websites out there that show how to make wood bows. One tutorial that I found is part of a archery forum – written by some person named “4est trekker”, the series of posts describes how to make a very nice bow from materials from the local hardware store (i.e., Lowes, Home Depot). The gentleman writing the account makes a very interesting statement about the ease/difficulty in making a bow:

“I give bowmaking seminars for the students in the traditional archery class I instruct at the high school where I teach. Now, if a bunch of inner city kids can build a bow, then you can too. ”

There you have it! Not only do I have a gauntlet thrown down for making more looms, some guy I’ve never even heard of before has thrown one down for me to make a bow! Well the looms come first, but if there is enough time in the weekend, I hope to have my first archery bow under my belt!!!

Oh . . . and thanks to Bob W. for the donation of some very nice wood boards . . . they will be very useful for a variety of projects! Donations in-kind are always welcome, as they keep our costs down and allow us to support the local homeschool families.

Speaking of donations . . . we are gearing up for the summer. Now I don’t mind spending some money out of pocket for things we need, but as we prepare for archery, it sure would be helpful if we could get some support. If you would be interested in helping us develop our archery program, visit the website and read through the “Supporters” page.

I’m trying to come up with some good ideas for “gifts” to give to those who donate . . . I want to be a good steward of the things we are given, but I would love to be able to send some sort of “thank you” to those who help out. Any suggestions?

Perhaps someone would be intersted in starting a contribution matching program! Now that would be really beneficial, providing much needed support but also encouraging others to participate in the development of this unique educational program!!!

Ok – just one more thing . . . I really appreciate the local libraries having rooms for us to use free of charge . . . but the day will soon come when we need our own facilities. If anyone in the Albuquerque/Rio Rancho area has some space suitable for classroom, offices and storage for free or very low cost, please consider helping us. I would also appreciate anyone having space we can use for an archery range . . . I think the librarian will get annoyed if we fire off arrows between the stacks! (We do have a location for archery this summer; however, as we progress it would sure be helpful to have a dedicated range.)

I’ve avoided the call for donations – but now that all of the official paperwork has been submitted (non-profit and tax exemption – although I’ve heard it’s taking the IRS about 9 months to get tax exempt determination letters returned to submitting non-profits!), it’s time to begin in earnest. I hope you can join us in this endeavor – even small amounts will go a long way!

One change of note: it’s our long-term goal to provide services to homeschool families free of charge. We will collect class fees from other groups who are interested in taking classes in order to fund the homeschool classes. With that stated, my previous comment about a $10 fee for this class is waived. If you have enjoyed the class and wish to make a donation, that is left to your discretion – it is neither required nor expected.

I will have several “practice” looms for students to work with – all materials are provided, and students will be able to take their completed projects with them. During the two-hour class, students will learn the basics of weaving on an “inkle” loom as well as a brief history of the loom and its Medieval predecessor. I will have a few full-sized looms available if anyone is interested in purchasing one to continue their weaving experience . . . however, the rules of the library don’t allow me to sell things there, so any loom sales would have to happen off library property – I want to be respectful of the library’s policies as they have graciously allowed me to teach my class there.

I hope that everyone who attends will enjoy themselves and have a pleasurable learning experience!

It will definitely be a busy summer if we have four our five different courses several times throughout the summer! And we have also discussed the prospects of some archery competitions as students develop their skill levels – should be fun! I need to get back out on the archery field myself, or I will probably be left behind by eager students. I’ve already had people express serious interest in sighing up their children for archery . . . I am really looking forward to the summer!

And for those who are brave and like to try doing things on there own, here are a couple of online references for making your own bow! From Pete Ward, an avid bowyer and hunter from somewhere in Alberta, Canada, are a slew of references for building bows and fletching arrows, just to name a few. What a great resource!

I found a nice series of photos and video clips from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City portraying a tapestry weaver at work on her loom. I wanted to show this particular link to clarify “hand woven” tapestries done on a proper tapestry loom as compared to those done on a Jacquard tapestry loom – a more contemporary piece of equipment (circa 1804). While the Jacquard loom certainly produces some wonderful tapestries, it is missing the personal touch found on the earlier, more “period” type of loom. When you see a “hand woven” tapestry being sold for a very low price, you can probably assume that it was the product of the Jacquard loom. However, if you commission someone to weave a tapestry on a traditional tapestry loom, expect your price to be . . . higher . . . alot higher!

“Purpurae
By Nancy M. McKenna
Silks have always been luxury items. In Ælfric’s
Colloquy1 silks appear in the same context as gold
and gems. And yet persons of means used large
numbers of silk items. In c. 686 Aldhelm commented
upon the vogue for silk sleeves used by both men and
women. And when they could be afforded, silks were
also lavished upon bishops, abbots and the churches
under their patronage. Silks were used to adorn walls,
tombs and altars.
Although silk was highly prized, there was one fabric
that held still more esteem: purpura.
Purpura was clearly associated with the distinctive
and costly. For instance, because a cope given by St
Æthelwold was of purpura it was deemed appropriate
that it should be edged with gold. Purpura was also
referenced in medieval poetry ranging from Guillaume
d’Orange to Perceval.” Issue 31 March 2002

This is just a glimpse of the types of information available in these newsletters. Recreationists, authors, museum curators . . . anyone interested in the clothing people wore in Medieval days and the fabrics used to make clothing. Their archives are available at “Medieval Textiles“. The newsletters are from 1999 through 2003. Much more is available on their site – just do some digging and see what you find!!!