Magdalena's journey in Fiber Arts

I am known as Magdalena Winter in the Society of Creative Anachronism, SCA.org. My original persona was 12th century German(father) and Scottish(mother). I was really into creating my persona and had fun with it. I met up with gypsies and my garb exploded into garb from all over.

I’d like to get back to 12th c German/Scottish and garb that I’m working on reflects that.

I’ve worked with mundane fiber arts most of my life, learning from my Mom who was an artist and scribe in East Kingdom. I inherited a mini “Michael’s” from her. It was the best thing I could have received, a treasure trove!

I found the SCA in 1999. First in the East Kingdom, then in 2018, the Kingdom of Atlantia.

While in the East, service was my top priority. That included running events, head of feasts, and on Pennsic staff for 16 years (Head of road signs, Deputy Mayor of Land, Deputy Mayor of Tech Services and volunteering in various depts). I need to put a plug in here about volunteering at Pennsic. It can be fun! Imagine working troll and greeting everyone as they stumble in, relieved that they arrived.

While in Atlantia I’ve had the time and pleasure to focus more on A&S. Getting older (I’m 70) means changing your life to adjust. lol I was fortunate to meet Mistress Helga Vilhjalmskona and at War of the Wings 2023 I was honored to became a student of hers.

This is a collection of documentation with lots of pictures to show my progress in sewing, spinning, weaving and embroidery in pre-17th century. The first part is mostly showing what I’ve tried and am interested in.

Blogging is new to me, 3/16/24, so it will take some time to add all that I’ve done. Trying to setup so others can comment. I can be reached at [email protected]

Here are some of my projects.

I won an A&S competition in the East Kingdom in 2008ish for pleated work.

I made a banner for a friend. Applique is handsewn using a lucet cord to cover edges. Mistress Keelin’s hand showing for size.

I’ve made garb for my sons and myself. Helped all 3 of my sons learn how to sew. Sir Bevan now makes his own. These were doublets I made during our days in the East.

Mundane items slip in sometimes. ATAT was a gift for one of my sons.

This is a cross stitch project that I’ve worked on for about 30 years. I will finish it!

Cross stitch on sleeves saved from a dress.

Below is a dress with Armenian needle lace on sleeves and neck. Sleeves also have quarter inch silk ribbon applique.

This below has my device. The stars, sleeves and neckline are Armenian needle lace. Stars and the stripes are appliqued on to the dress. The dress is actually grey.

Several years ago I bought a spinning wheel. I Love it! Still working on refining my spinning. To practice I bought about 8 oz of different kinds and colors of wool to spin. Then crocheted them in squares. I’m putting them together for an afghan.

I played with dying for a short period. I liked it and would like to get into it at some time in the future.

My first inkle loom was a gift and have been working on gaining some experience.

I’ve made Lucet cords with beads for friends awards.

In the past year we have held several workshops for some friends. Bevan helps with repairing armor and I help others to sew garb while Keelin produces food!

Made several trims using blackwork. Looks good on an overdress I made and on this pouch I made for a friend. The device was made on my embroidery machine.

I documented a hand sewn tunic for a display. Note: not a good picture, work on better pic

There’s been many more things but those stick out for now.

Armenian Knotted needle lace has become my favorite. I first noticed it on UTube during the pandemic. This was one of my learning pieces.

I added the lace to many handkerchiefs (can be used for basket covers or mug covers, beads help weigh down edges). Some were given for largess. Others to friends.

4/13/24 I participated in the Coronation challenge.

I made a pouch (bottom pic) with the white rose applique using couching, needle lace (center) and embroidery (leaves).

Armenian needle lace was added to a handkerchief (top pic). Center rose was done in blackwork.

4/14/24 Besides all the little projects we all seem to accumulate, going forward I’d like to focus on new garb for myself, improving my spinning, and having fun creating Armenian Knotted needle lace. I’ve been researching the lace to find documentation. Most are guessing at items on statues that is believed to be it. Yesterday I bought 3 out of print books on the subject. Thanks to Keelin at 2/3 of previously found prices.

I found a Barony in An Tir that has a web page about the lace. Links to email were not working at that time.

4/15/24 I really want to encourage anyone who wants to learn. Ask me about anything. I love showing how to do new things. If I don’t know I can point you in the right direction.

https://archive.org/account Is great! you can “borrow” and look thru old books! Keelin showed this to me. I found an old Armenian Needle Lace that I haven’t been able to purchase. I now have instructions for decorative lace sewn down seams! I’m trying it on an overdress I’m currently making. I’ll post as I go.

4/16/24 Finished this today. I’m trying different combinations of stitches but some have to have a certain foundation row to start it.

5/2/24 Adding lace to sleeves.

5/2/24 I have done lots of research on this lace. I’ve gotten the impression that families have created some of their own stitches they have passed down. Could leave the possibilities open! I’d like to find a way that NEATLY reduces one large loop to 2 small.

5/17/24 Finished the lace on my dress. Spent about a month working on it but now I know what changes I can make in designing it. Looking forward to wearing it at “Skewered” this weekend.

I also bought a new book “Priscilla – Armenian Lace”. Originally printed in 1924 it was priced at $167 but this book is a reproduction at $32, leather bound and sewn binding. I love Abe Books. I’m excited to get it.