This is a list of the classes currently planned for Hrim-Schola IX, hosted by the Shire of Frosted Hills, East Kingdom, Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc., on 12 March 2005. Please check back periodically to keep abreast of the offerings and their descriptions as they are added. Last updated 9 March 2005.

For further class information, you can contact the instructors or the Chancellor, Þóra Sharptooth. You can consult this list for information about motels and other accommodations near the site.

This document is a work in progress. It is provided as is without any express or implied warranties. While every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained, the authors assume no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.

Classes offered at Hrim-Schola IX, 12 March 2005

© 2005, Carolyn Priest-Dorman and the instructors

This year Hrim-Schola is again fortunate to host instructors from no fewer than three kingdoms: Æthelmearc, Atlantia, and the East! We have our customary several tablet-weaving classes as well, plus a number of other fiber and needle arts classes. We are offering an entire track of classes in loop-manipulated braiding, or fingerlooping. Additionally, there will be a track of classes in skaldic arts and activities, plus a class on drawing in the Viking style. And what would Hrim-Schola be without a "fun with sharp things" class courtesy of House Truestring?

What follows are the confirmed classes. Others may be added as we get closer to the date of the event.

Loop-Manipulated Braiding ("Fingerlooping")

7-Loop Fingerloop Braids: Managing Two Loops on One Finger , Lady Ynes Garcia

Learn how to make 7-loop braids and laces by the method described in Compleat Anachronist 108. String will be provided and copies of CA 108 will be available for reference. This class is open to intermediate fingerloop braiders. Limited to 5 students. One hour. 1:30pm, Sable.

Doing it Yourself: Multiperson Fingerloop Braids for the Lone Braider, Mistress Phiala O'Ceallaigh

Tricks for managing many loops, and hints for applying them. This is an intermediate to advanced class. Limited to 10. One hour. 2:45pm, Sable.

Introduction to Fingerloop Braiding, Lady Angharad Rhos ferch Rhain

Do you have string? Got fingers? Well, put them together and make something in Introduction to Fingerloop Braiding. No experience necessary. Limited to 10 students; must be 10 or older. One hour. 12:15pm, Sable.

Loop Exchange Technique, Lady Thorkatla Ulfsdottir

This class will cover the loop (or lateral) exchange technique. If there is time, we may discuss departed bowes. We will practice the following braids: lace bend rounde of 8, lace maskel, and grene dorge of 6 bowes. Prerequisite: Introduction to Fingerloop Braiding, or at least familiarity with five bowe braids. Class limited to 10 people; extra handouts will be available. One hour. 11:00am, Sable.

Tablet Weaving

3/1 Broken Twill Tablet Weaving, Master Herveus d'Ormonde

This class will present cursory historical notes, a discussion of the structure of the weave, and how it relates to 3/1 repp. The transition between 3/1 repp (double-turn double-face) and 3/1 twill will be discussed. In addition pattern drafting will be presented, along with an opportunity to draft a simple pattern. Ideally, there will be time to do some weaving as well. There will be a few student looms available for use or purchase. If you bring your own, have a warp in two colors of about twenty cards. The precise number is not critical; you will draft a pattern to fit your warp. Limited to four hands-on, but auditors are welcome for the rest (including the pattern drafting practicum). The "student looms" will be available for $15 (loom, warp, cards, shuttle). Two hours. 1:30pm, Ermine.

Introduction to Tablet Weaving, Lady Hedewigis

A hands-on class for beginners. Students will learn the basics of tablet weaving from equipment requirements and selection, through reading a draft for threaded-in designs, warping and, finally, weaving. Limited to six active participants; some extra handouts will be available. Wear or bring a belt to make tensioning easier. Two hours. 12:15pm, Argent.

Double Face Tablet Weaving, Lord Gauen Wydefare

This class will cover doubleface/double turn tablet weaving. This simple period technique was used to create bands with complex designs and beautiful patterns. We will cover set-up, weaving, finishing, and pattern design. Suitable for beginners. 1 hour. 12:15pm, room to be announced.

Snartemo-style Tablet Weaving: Theory and Practice, Mistress Phiala O'Ceallaigh

The four-color-with-floats tablet weaving found at Snartemo, Norway, is a challenge to modern weavers, but it needn't be. Once you master a few pattern-drafting tricks, this structure is no harder to weave than 3/1 broken twill, or any other that requires following a charted pattern. For intermediate/advanced tablet weavers, limit 6. One hour. 11:00am, Ermine.

Tips and Tricks for Tablet Weavers, Mistress Mirabel Belchere

There are many tips and tricks available to tabletweavers that can make the weaving process easier. Some of the tricks to be discussed in this hands-on class are: starting and finishing a tabletwoven band, including how to set width and what to do with the weft at the end; finishing techniques, including wraps and braids; fixing broken warp threads; adjusting warp tension; what to do if there is a knot in your warp; making a self-loop at the beginning of a band; unweaving tips and tricks (for those times when you really can't avoid it); keeping an even band width without a ruler; sewing tabletwoven trim on garb; and warp-twined selvedges (what they're all about). This class will be student-driven and is intended not only to show tips and tricks, but also to serve as an opportunity for discussion concerning problems people have experienced in their own weaving. Beginner-intermediate level; limit 6 hands-on students, unlimited auditors welcome. One hour. 2:45pm, Argent.

Warping for Tablet Weaving, Mistress Brekke Franksdottir

A quick and simple way to warp your tables all at once if all cards are threaded identically. This will be a demonstration, with handouts (but no hands-on), on a simple way to thread a pack of cards for double-weave or other simple tablet weaving. One hour. 11:00am, Argent.

Spinning and Weaving

Beginning Weave Structures, Mistress AnneLiese Wolkenhaar

This intro-level hands-on class will cover the most basic weave structures; tabby, basketweave, twills and satin. Participants will warp their own plastic canvas loom and needle- weave a sample suitable for a coaster or a small pouch. Discussion may include how various types of looms can be set up to make various weave structures, how to identify weave structure of finished cloth, and how more complex weaves relate to the basic weaves being taught. Limit 10 active participants (unlimited auditors); $1 materials fee. Children welcome with adult supervision. One hour. 11:00am, Or.

Introduction to Spinning Wool, Ællin Olafsdottir

This class will cover the basics of simple worsted spinning with a hand spindle. You will learn to get started, to draft, to keep the spindle spinning, and how to eventually do both at once! By the end of the class, you will have thread you have spun yourself, and know how to continue. I can provide spindles and wool for four people. I can take four more who can provide their own materials. One Hour. 1:30pm, Great Hall.

Introduction to the Warp-Weighted Loom, Þóra Sharptooth

Learn your way around a warp-weighted loom and try weaving on it. One hour. 12:15pm, Or.

Weaving Perugia Linens: Lessons Learned, Lord Peregrine the Illuminator

Tips and tricks the teacher learned in the designing, warping, weaving, and finishing of white linens with blue patterns. Includes useful advice for beginning weavers as well as a few challenges for experienced weavers. Discussion and show-and-tell welcome. One hour. 2:45pm, Or.

Other Fiber Arts

Bayeux "Tapestry" Embroidery Technique, Masterinna Ana Ilevna and Mesterinde Anarra Karlsdottir

The Bayeux "Tapestry" is actually an embroidery of wool yarn on a linen ground. The technique was used in Scandinavia both before and after 1066. It's a technique used to cover large areas of fabric relatively quickly and economically. It can be used for banners, wall hangings, cushions, and other decorative purposes. This class will teach the three basic stitches used in this technique. No previous embroidery experience needed. Class fee of $2 includes embroidery hoop, linen, wool thread and needle. One hour. 2:45pm, Azure.

A Look at Period Embroideries in the Victoria and Albert Museum, Lady Carllein

See a lot of photos from the V&A collection. Limited to 6. Two hours. 11:00am, Azure.

Essentials of Elizabethan Embroidery, Lady Mathilde Eschenbach

The sixteenth century saw an explosion of embroidery--new styles, new methods and the invention of lace--all of it based on just one stitch. A hands-on class to learn two methods of making detached buttonhole stitch, and its application in surface embroidery, padded and raised work, and if there's time, needlelace. One hour. 1:30pm, Azure.

How Many Stitches in a Stocking?, Lady Ynes Garcia

This class will combine an overview of the gauges of some representative extant knitted items from pre-1600 Europe with an opportunity to fondle and knit a few stitches on items in similar gauges and materials. This class contains no knitting instruction and is open to all with no limit. One hour. 1:30pm, Vert.

Kumihimo (Japanese Braiding), Lady Genevieve Cranwell

An introduction to Kumihimo, a Japanese braid-making technique in which braids of silk threads are made using bobbins and a wooden frame called a maru dai. Flat braids and bobbin-winding will be discussed. Cotton thread, bobbins and frames will be available for use at no cost; silk will be available for a fee of $2. Limit 10. One hour. 11:00am, Vert.

Patchwork Clothing of the Renaissance, Lady Sarah Davies

Some of the most unusual garments of the Renaissance were pieced of two or more types of clothing. Learn the history of this rare type of clothing through Italian and German and paintings, hear a description of a patchwork wedding dress from 1512, and find out how to stretch your clothing budget through piecing. Materials charge $3. One hour. 2:45pm, Vert.

Skaldic Arts

How to Spin a Viking Yarn: Humor in Saga Literature, Lord Barak Raz

The sagas have a particular sense of humor. Hear it made clear with excerpts from Njal Saga, the Jomsviking Saga, Thorstein the Staffstruck, and Gisli Saga, with side trips to the Havamal (advice for the practical Viking) and Hagar the Horrible ("There are three things a Viking needs: cold steel, hard cash, and dry socks"). One hour. 12:15pm, Purpure.

Issues of Word Choice in Period-Style Poetry, Mistress Dorigen of Grey Gate

A discussion of the choice and use of words which will contribute to an authentic-sounding poem or song, and the avoidance of words and phrases which are anachronistic, jarring, or detract from such a tone. What makes one word fall "trippingly on the tongue" and another have the effect of stubbing your toe in a dark room? We will discuss appropriateness of subject and imagery, out-of-period references, anachronisms, and avoiding intrusive modernisms and slang. One hour. 12:15pm, Vert.

Queen's Whim Bardic Circle

People are welcome to bring prewritten material or to improvise with the Queen's Bardic Champion, Lady Alayne Nyvern Nightwatcher. 2:45pm, Great Hall.

Skaldic Poetry Workshop, Lord Toki Redbeard

Uses the verse-forms and language discussed in "Write Like a Skald without Knowing Icelandic" (see below) to compose poetry in a workshop format. Students should have taken the basic course, or be familiar with the poetics of skaldic poetry. One hour. 2:45pm, Purpure.

Skaldic Round Table

Discussion of issues pertinent to the skaldic arts, organized by the King's Bard, Lord Toki Redbeard. 4:00pm, Purpure.

Telling Stories to an Audience, Lord Toki Redbeard.

Storytelling techniques that keep the audience in mind, and methods for keeping them involved. Limit 10. One hour. 11:00am, Purpure.

Write Like a Skald without Knowing Icelandic, Lord Toki Redbeard

The basics of composing authentic skaldic poetry. Verse-forms and language of Icelandic skaldic poetry will be discussed. One hour. 1:30pm, Purpure.

Woodworking (Fun with Sharp Things)

Making a Viking Age Saw, Master Macsen Felinfoel and Lord Haraldr Bassi

"Crude hacking at wood and metal to fabricate crude tools used to crudely hack at wood and metal." All day. Gules (eeuw!).

Stuff You Can Make And Use: The Warp-Weighted Loom, Master Dofinn-Hallr Morrisson

Want to weave twill on a medieval warp-weighted loom? (Or know someone who does?) I can't teach you how, but I can show you how to make the loom! With basic woodworking skills and a few simple tools even an apartment dweller can create a beautiful, functional researched reproduction of a warp-weighted loom designed for weaving twill. While we will not be constructing looms in class, participants will leave with a set of plans and exposure to all the skills necessary to accomplish the task. One hour. 1:30pm, Or.

Other Fun Stuff

Drawing from Viking Sources, Lady Alayne Alexandra Nyvern Nightwatcher

An hour and a half class for anyone old enough to sit still and draw for the length of the class. We will translate Viking art from its original sources, such as the Jelling Stone, to paper. We will also explore the Hiberno-Viking confluence in art. 12:15pm, The Library.

Round Tables and Affinity Group Meetings

Athena's Thimble

Stitch 'n, well, you know, with the East Kingdom's embroidery guild. Paneling will be possible at this meeting. One hour. 4:00pm, Azure.

Worshipful Company of Narrow Workers

Meeting of people interested in the incipient East Kingdom guild for narrow wares, which includes tablet weaving, fingerlooping, netmaking, and similar techniques. One hour. 4:00pm, Gules.

Skaldic Round Table

Discussion of issues pertinent to the skaldic arts, organized by the King's Bard, Lord Toki Redbeard. 4:00pm, Purpure.

Spin-In

An opportunity for spinners to get together and just do their thing. All day, The Great Hall.

Weaving Round Table

Meet, greet, catch up on, and chat with other weavers here. Bring your samples, photos, or anything else you'd like to share. One hour. 4:00pm, Vert.

This page was created on 16 January 2005 and last updated on 9 March 2005.

Back to event listing