HANDCRAFTED HISTORY

Category Archives: Markets & Events


by Leave a comment

Min guide till Medeltidsveckan

Elin som driver Nevnarien.se gjorde en sådan himla fin guide till Medeltidsveckan i Visby, så jag blev inspirerad att skriva min egen. Elin älskar sagovärlden, schysst stämning och snygga fotomiljöer, och kanske märks det i hennes guide? Vad jag är insnöad på, det får ni veta här…

(this post is only in Swedish, and is a guide for the medieval week in Visby. Are you going? Use google translate to get some good tip about places to go!)

Varför ska du åka till medeltidsveckan?

För att det är en glad, kärleksfylld och inspirerande festival med medeltidstema. Passar både dig som gillar fantasy, sagor och medeltid; gammal som ung, turistig eller genuin. Du som är inbiten reenactare åker med inställningen att du kommer behöva dela allt magiskt med tusentals turister- men ju fler desto roligare?

Var ska du bo?

Om du har medeltida läger; I Styringheims SCAläger utanför murarna. Förutom att det är ett tryggt läger med vakter, mat, god logistik och nära till innerstan är det ett superbra sätt att hitta en medeltidsförening nära dig, träffa nya vänner och lära dig mer om medeltida hantverk, kämpalek, bågskytte och matlagning. SCAiter är kända för att strössla fritt med både kunskap och vänskap- bästa hänget, och bästa festerna händer här tycker jag.

Om du har ett modernt tält eller åker för att medeltidshänga avslappnat: Medeltidsveckans camping (som har två olika delar) har rykte om sig att vara en trevlig camping, och här behöver du inte gömma filpaket och icapåse vilket uppmuntras till i SCAlägret- där man gör sitt bästa för att hålla en illusion av den goda medeltiden under dygnets alla timmar.

Eller hyr privat- det kan bli lite av varje men definitivt mer personligt än ett hotellrum!

Var ska du äta?

Jag som är både vegetarian och allergisk blir sällan imponerad av krog eller restaurangutbud. Det brukar bli lite sallader, lite thai, en taccotallrik på Yoda (här snålas inte på tallriken) och häng på Munkkällaren, förutom de medeltida restaurangerna. Wisby glass säljer den bästa färska glassen, och Wisby ost (liten delikatessbutik) har bästa lyxsnacksen och superbra glutenfritt bröd.

Det finns alltså några guldkorn med bra mat inne i Visby stad, och några hak som lastar på smaskig mat sent på kvällen (gå dit ortsborna går!) men det bästa hänget får du genom att köpa med dig picknickmat från någon av mataffärerna utanför ringmuren. Bunkra upp en stor korg full av bröd, frukt, ost, korv och dryck och komplettera med pinfärska morötter och hallon från stora marknaden. Ta med allt till strandpromenaden, gräsytorna på marknadsplatsen eller en gratis spelning och få världen mysigaste picknick. Ni vet väl att picknick kan ätas minst tre gånger om dagen? Ps; extra choklad och jordgubbar lockar till sig nya vänner.

Eldshow och picknick. Passar ihop

Vilka aktiviteter är bäst?

Medeltidsveckan börjar redan på färjan över; ta med fika och något att sy på så kommer du passa in som en smäck bland alla glada medeltidsmänniskor som paniksyr in i det sista. Att sy på färjan över är liksom en tradition. På färjan hem syr du inte. Då sover du. Och förbannar alla barnföräldrar som släpper sina monster fria att härja som de vill.

Forum Vulgaris på marknadsplatsen har drivits av Proknekt under flera år, bästa stället att hänga på för att få se föreställningar. Spana också in programmet för att hitta små godbitar i form av öppna spelningar, dans och workshops som händer runt om i innerstaden.

Om man gillar det tyska 1500talsmodet så är 100 knektars marsch också ett måste- ja, för alla som gillar coola upplevelser! Trummor och musik ekar genom Visbys gator och vibrationerna från hundratals fötter känns i hela kroppen när över 100 knektar tågar genom staden. Gå med du också!

På Kapitelhusgården håller jag, och flera andra skickliga hantverkare kurser och föreläsningar under veckan; så kom förbi och lär dig helt nya hantverkstekniker! Många har hållit kurser i flera år, är riktiga proffs och framstående inom sina områden, så här finns möjlighet att gå på kurser du annars hade behövt resa runt halva Sverige för att få tillgång till.

Picknickhäng i samband med spelningar, köande till spelningar och som fest efter spelningar är mysigt.

Medeltidsloppisen är jätterolig och verkligen vad den låter som- men fler har upptäckt den så var beredd på att komma tidigt och köa!

Folksagosånger med David och Karro ska jag försöka pricka in; senast vi lyssnade på duon så var det både stämningsfullt, bra och underfundigt roligt.

Vackraste platserna:

Botaniska trädgården är ett av mina favoritställen under dagarna; vacker trädgård, fina bänkar och glada människor som strosar förbi. Kapitelhusgårdens lilla marknad + ett glas dryck under eftermiddagen innan det blir trångt här. Strandpromenaden under solnedgången, Trixs eldshow under onsdagskvällen (gå dit för stämningen lika mycket som för showen) och Visby innerstad med alla trånga gränder och vackra rosor som klättrar längs husfasaderna. Magiskt!

Utanför Visby finns vacker landsbygd på väg till rauken Jungfrun och Blå Lagunen, ett kalkstensbrott som bjuder på klart och varmt badvatten. Väl värt en dagsutflykt.

Hur lång semester?

Hela veckan, minst! Medeltid är det från lördag till nästa veckas söndag, och vill du ser mer av Gotland så kanske du behöver några dagar till. Jag kan aldrig fatta att en vecka kan gå så fort, och hinner aldrig se och göra allt jag har tänkt mig. Å andra sidan är jag ju en inbiten medeltidsnörd, och jobbar dessutom halva veckan. De senaste åren har det tagit mig några dagar att ens hinna mingla ned till marknaden…

Tänk på:

Det kan bli riktigt råkallt på kvällarna- ta med en varm mantel (eller jacka/tjocktröja).

Ett paket vätskeersättning, att blanda i dricksvattnet under varma dagar när du promenerar mycket, är bra att ta med. Ta också med en stor flaska att ha vatten i, fyller på gör du vid vattenstationerna på marknaden.

Visbys gator består till stor del av kullersten eller asfalt- ta med riktigt sköna skor att gå i så knäna inte klagar efter halva veckan.

Spara


by Leave a comment

Reading tip and Kapitelhusgårdens workshops

This is the reading tips for today, a 16th century blog with lots and lots of pictures; https://vulgarcrowd.wordpress.com/ and a really useful post about short cloaks for the medieval man and woman (so practical during events!) http://windwraith.blogspot.se/2013/12/a-cloak-for-medieval-pilgrimage.html.

Also, some information (in swedish only since the workshops will be held in swedish) about my workshops at Kapitelhusgården during Medieval Week this summer:

Årets kurser blir några populära såsom toilekonstruktion och brickbandsvävning som varit fullbokade alla tidigare år, och så har jag satt ihop några nya efter önskemål. Dels “Medeltida sömnadstekniker” som är en påbyggnad på grundkursen i sömnad som jag hållit tidigare, eller till för dig som kan sy enkla plagg men vill lära dig svårare moment som smockning, fler stygntekniker, få sömnadstips för siden, sammet osv.

”Medeltida sömnadstekniker” 11/8 klockan 12.00
Sömnadstekniker, praktiska tips och materialkunskap, för dig som kan grunderna men vill bli bättre
på att sy. Vi går igenom olika sömmar för dekorationer, smockning, silke, sammet mm. Verktyg och
material för prover ingår, ta gärna med egna projekt för handledning i mån av tid.

Skillnaden på de olika brickbandsvävningskurserna är att “mönster” utgår från vikingatida mönster och där lär jag ut hur du ritar och läser mönster, medan “medeltiden” utgår från enklare mönstringar eller släta band och där lär jag istället ut snabbvarpning och du hinner väva mer.

”Brickbandsvävning med mönster” 8/8 klockan 8.30
Grundkurs för dig som vill väva men inte vet hur. Tydlig genomgång och handledning för att
påbörja vävning och förstå vävda mönster. Material, verktyg/brickor och häfte ingår.

”Brickbandsvävning under medeltiden” 10/8 klockan 12.00
Grundkurs för dig som vill väva medeltida vardagsföremål. Snabb och effektiv vävning av
strumpeband, bälten mm som blir enfärgade eller enkelt mönstrade. Historisk genomgång av fynd
och tekniker. Material, verktyg/brickor och häfte ingår.

”Medeltida mönsterkonstruktion efter dina mått” 9/8 klockan 12.00 och 7/8 klockan 12.00
Grunder i mönsterkonstruktion för medeltida kläder där du gör en toile för överkroppen. Kom
iklädd tajtare t-shirt/linne. Material och verktyg ingår.

Den här kursen är helt ny, och till för alla som vill göra ärmar till tidigare toiler eller egna mönster. Jag har fått mycket efterfrågningar om en ärmworkshop/kurs eftersom vi inte hinner göra ärmar på toilekurserna- så nu kommer en workshop endast till för ärmar! Ta med din tidigare (hopsydd eller tråcklade) toile eller ett pågående klänningsprojekt som har hopsydd överkropp men inga ärmar. Du kan också komma utan din överkroppstoile, men kommer då inte kunna gå igenom tillpassning i ärmhål och moybogärmar på samma sätt utan får istället följa med på andras toiler och ta med alla tips hem.

”Mönsterkonstruktion av ärmar” 12/8 klockan 12.00
För dig som gått toilekurser/har en toile för överkroppen sedan tidigare och vill göra ärmar. Gör en
ärmtoile till dig själv, få en massa sömnadstips och teori. Genomgång av svängd ärm, ärmkulle, Särm,
Moybog mm.

(tiderna hämtade från Kapitels kurssida, om avvikelser finns gäller deras schema)

På alla mina kurser så ingår allt material, alla verktyg mm som du kan tänkas behöva för att gå kursen (kom ihåg din överkroppstoile till ärmkursen bara!) men ta gärna med en frukt så du håller blodsockret uppe- det blir tre timmars intensiva kurser! Vi håller som vanligt till i Kapitelhusgårdens fina lokaler, och där äter man inte nötter, men kan ofta köpa en kopp kaffe/te att dricka under dagen. All kursbokning sker också via dem, men du kan förstås gärna maila mig om du har frågor! Tänk på att många kurser ofta är slutsålda innan veckan börjar- så boka en i förtid!

 

Spara


by 2 Comments

A summer update (medieval wedding)

Since I’m still waiting for the photos from our Midsummer wedding, more posts about that will have to wait to. But we had a really great time, we got married all safe and good and had an awesome party, with all of our friends and family attending in medieval/viking clothing and helping us creating the most wonderful weekend. I did receive one photo of us from our photographer Minna, so I want to share that with you;

Our wedding outfits are inspired by Italian 15th century fashion. My hair is a modern take, but with the elaborate hairstyles of Italian early renaissance women in mind. The clothing really took some time to finish, and oh my, there was quite some problems involved…. But more of that later (when I can lay my hands on more pictures of details and such)

Now, it’s the beginning of July, and most of my friends post updates from their vacation. For me, July is a fully booked working month with lots of events, markets, workshops- lots of fun! Next week, I’m of to Skellefteå’s medieval days to hold a lecture, and some workshops. Me and B also will have a market stall to sell some goods. The week after that, I’m working on Hägnan’s medieval days in Luleå (my hometown) as a coordinator for the handcrafters (and selling my wares to) and after that, home a couple of days to rest and do laundry, and then Saltvik’s viking market is next.

Then, it’s time for The medieval week in Visby, and since love didn’t have any vacation to spend on Visby this year, I’ll be going with some dear friends, and we have booked an apartment to stay the week. So, for the first time ever, I’ll be sleeping indoors- which will be very good for getting good rest I think. Previous years, I have always got sick during the week, and it’s really a bother to hold workshops when you have the flu or a food poisoning…

Anyway, I’m holding workshops on Kapitelhusgården this year to- and now they have the workshops and lectures up for you to reserve a place on! Just follow the above link to se all their interesting workshops and such. Many of my workshops tend to get full before the week even start when pre-booking is available, so be sure to get a place beforehand! If you would like to attend one of my workshops, I can offer:

Gör en toile- medeltida mönsterkonstruktion (the drafting of a personal pattern on your body)

Mönsterkonstruktion av ärmar (patternmaking for sleeves)

Brickbandsvävning med mönster (tablet weaving with patterndrafting)

Medeltida brickbandsvävning (tablet weaving with fast warping and simple patterns)

Medeltida sömnadstekniker -fortsättningskurs (medieval seams and handcrafts for non beginners)

All this courses will be held in swedish, but on the workshop about seams and handcrafts I will have time for fast translation for those who would like to attend and are english speakers. During the weaving and pattern workshop, I will not have time to translate and many of the participants won’t be able to follow english instructions only- so that is the reason the workshops are in swedish.

So, that was some of my summer. More updates will follow, and of course I will keep you updated from the different events. Check out my instagram #handcraftedhistory to follow my everyday work, and my facebookpage Handcraftedhistory for updates, offers and pictures.

Spara


by Leave a comment

Medieval wedding outfits

Working on my wedding outfit and thinking about all the accessories. Belt, purse, hose or socks, shoes, jewelry, hair-do. There really is a lot of choises, we have decided to not go all historical on this wedding, but I still want to keep the outfits based on historical paintings and finds. The most modern things will be my hair and makeup, since I wont be shaving my forehead and eyebrows…

A couple of days ago I finished weaving my silk belt, started half past nine in the evening… One should not calculate new projects during the evenings when one is tired. Lenght of belt; perfect. Threads left to weave; about 0,5 cm. I could tell you that this was all intentional because I’m such a bad-ass at weaving. But the truth is that I miscalculated and should have added an additional 10% of shrinkage to the varp threads. But, everything went well.

I have also finished of the belt with freshwater pearls and a strip of silk on the back, to make the belt more durable and stiffer. Bronze clasps is going on the ends, and then it’s all finished! I also made som pearl hangings to finish of the cords at my dress.

I have actually finished most of my outfit by now, with over a week left to the wedding. Of course I wont show you the whole outfit before midsummer’s day- that would be cheating. But undershift with extra skirt is all ready, as silk dress, overdress and most of the acessories. The shoes are already ordered from one of my favourite shoemakers; Stefan Eriksson and will be based on 15th century finds.

For hose, I have asked my grandmother to knit me some. It’s not historically accurate, but she really makes the best socks and I wanted to wear something she made since she is something of an idol on the handcraft area.

Also, I have found the perfect (ok, it’s a bit early in the history for pearl necklaces but it’s a wedding…) necklace to wear with the dress. Bought it at Double Wars SCA event. It is the one at the bottom on the picture.

Now, I´m up before 6 in the morning to have some internet time with a morning coffee, and then I will continue with love’s silk doublet, which he teared apart when trying it on. (“I hardly stretched my arms at all” he claimed when the arm seams at the back stretched apart and I got several hours of extra work trying to mend the extreme flimsy silk fabric. I don’t believe him…)

 


by Leave a comment

The SCA event “Double Wars”

This week has been going real fast, maybe too fast forward. We are packing and preparing for the big SCA event Double Wars, which takes place in southernmost Sweden. In our case, that includes a 10 hour long drive over half of Sweden. I really like roadtrips, sweatheart isn’t that thrilled, but I promised we could buy a bag of candy to come along in the car…(yes, that worked)

The event is a really big one, and also over a week long, with outdoor medieval encampments and lots and lots of activities such as archery, handcrafting, cooking, fighting and such. And parties, of course. The event is also commonly referred to as “Knäcke” which basically means the hard, swedish crispbread. To make the war a bit more interesting, somewere in the beginning people wanted to find som real (but not political or religious) issue to battle about. The choise fell on what side of the crispbread you should put your butter on (a very noble issue indead) so now, every year in Sweden, hundreds of fighters gathers to battle over what side of the bread is the right one… Brilliant! Sometime it is the details that is the most important.

We have been building some simple furniture for our camp, sewing som new garments (mostly underwear) and preparing meals and a comfy camp. Lots of extra job, and my business have been somewhat put on the side for some days. But I’m sure looking forward to the event, were I will have workshops and a market place during the market days.

Our friend R visited us earlier this week, and got the nice task of helping with our tent… (he’s way taller than I am, perfect for reaching to the top of the tent). As you can see, there isn’t much grass and greens yet- the spring has been rather late and cold so I’m packing som warm woolen dresses, a hood and some woolen socks for sleeping in (wool really is the best for keeping warm).

Yesterday I realised that there was going to be a mask bal at the event. I’m last on the cake, I know, but I suddenly wanted to make some masks… Now, of to do some more laundry, packing, cooking and other shores…

I wont be posting here during the week, but you can follow our adventure on Instagram at #handcraftedhistory. And if you’re going to the event- you can find me at Lady Branna’s camp and I would love it if you came by and talked to me!

Spara


by Leave a comment

My calendar this summer

This summer’s calendar is getting fuller and fuller. But after the middle of August, things seems to calm down. Where are you going this summer? Do you have any particular events or markets that is “too good to miss”?

This is the events that I have planned so far:

6-7 May My workshop in Uppsala (still some spaces left, come and sew with me!)

20-28 May Doublewars in Nordmark (come and join my workshops and check out my inproved shop!)

30 June- 2 July VÄV-gillet in our group Gyllengran

13-15 July Skellefteå medeltidsdagar (I will hold a workshop, an open lecture and also a sewing workshop- come and join!)

18-23 July Hägnans medeltidsdagar (my hometown with it’s magical event. I will work in the handcraft camp and bring my shop)

27-30 July Saltvik (which is kind of a maybe yet but I’m sure planning for it!)

6-13 August Medeltidsveckan i Visby (come and visit me at Kapitelhusgården and join one of my workshops!)

That’s it, so far! There sure will be more events, and most of June is booked on a good thing that I will tell you more about next week =)

(from Hägnan last year)


by Leave a comment

The Spring Crown Tournament p 2

Yeah, I know I’m a bit late. But I totally blame the sunny spring weather, meaning that I’m spending my free time outside in the garden or at the stable with my horse. But here’s some more photos from Spring Crown as promised!

 

To get a picture of the autocrats (the main organizers) I had to sneek around and take them by surprise. Above L in her 16th century trossfrau outfit. Below G and Å during a break, while they were actually sitting down on the sofa.

They do seem a little sneeky looking- what are they up to?

L and S working with table decorations in the form of eatable fairy tale houses.

Hanging out by the shop (E & T)

K from Medeltidsmode selling her fabrics…

…and S in her fabulous party outfit thinking about bying some.

And some more nice outfits and happy people hanging out before the banquet during Saturday:

K in his new coat I made for him. Looking real spiffy!

 

Waiting for the banquet, with plates and tableware ready (and some wine in the glass)

After the banquet the party spread out over the site, with dancing, good conversation,

and a couple of additional snacks from the dessert table.

 

All together, it was such a nice event! But, this was all the good photos I had to show you, and now I’m of to my home town Luleå for a weekend of workshops in Frostheims SCA group. We’re going to have such a good time, and I will teach everyone to make good patterns for medieval fitted outfits. So, next week will probably be a workshoprelated post, and then I have some really good posts coming up on a certain theme…

Spara

Spara


by 2 Comments

The Spring Crown Tournament

Last weekend me and sweetheart went to a really good SCA event with over 200 people, lots of fun happenings, new friends and a good party. Our group Gyllengran arranged everything, though we only helped out on some small tasks. And, of course there was a tournament, won by Duke Siridean MacLachlan and Lady Jahanara. (Drachenwald crown tournament can be equaled with EM for you non-Sca people who wants to now). I had my shop with me so most of the time was spent selling stuff and talking to new and old friends, but I managed to take some photos from the event.

Handcrafted Historys shop with lots of handcrafting material, accessories for both medieval and viking outfits, some tutorials, jewelry and second hand stuff. My friend B sold stuff to the right, and Kerstin from Medeltidsmode sold her nice fabrics on the far end. Of course I didn’t need anything so I didn’t buy any fabric. I just bought a small piece for a very important but for now secret project…

To keep warm I wore my new houppelande dress, hand sewn in green wool, lined with silk inside the sleeves and trimmed with silk at the bottom. The front is trimmed with rabbit fur that I bought from a woman who breed rabbits for food and fur in her home (she takes good care of the animals, and the tanning is made eco-friendly. For me it’s really important were I get the fur from, since I’m an animal lover and strongly against any cruelty).

On my head, a 15th century hairdo and also my 16th c yellow gollar, lined with some more fur from the same as above, to keep me warm.

Banquet hall is getting prepared and decorated.

Some fighting outdoors with a really big audience.

J & Bs son had a really cute hat to keep warm, and of course a handsewed viking outfit to match his parents.

K looking awesome in her new trossfrau outfit!

My love in the middle, looking as if he had some mischief planned.

I forgot to ask for their names, but I met this really nice couple and look at her amazing headwear! Wow!

This will now turn into an inspirational blog post since people during the afternoon started to change into their party outfits. There were so much nice clothes and handcraft everywere, so I just had to leave my shop with K some time to be able to take photos (no, I didn’t have a chance to take everyones picture but I wish I did). If you know the SCA names of the persons, or the ones that are behind this really awesome outfits- please leave a comment on the post!

The event took place in a really big school, and just as we used to sit around the floors during the breaks when we were in school, some took up small picnics with handcraft during the event.

Ds party outfit, an Italian 15th century I believe.

Well done and awesome 14th century outfit.

There will be a part 2 with more photos, as soon as I have had time to sort them out. Hang in!

(And as usual, if you don’t want to appear here, just send me a notice and I will remove you from the blog. You are also welcome to use the photos you appear on, for private use only, as long as you link to the blog and write out me, Linda, as the photographer.)

 

Spara

Spara

Spara

Spara


by Leave a comment

To the Spring Crown Tournament!

Yesterday a snow storm svept in over my hometown, so everything is covered by a layer of snow. Pretty nice, yes- but I’m so longing for spring!

This week I only have time for a very short update, since I’m packing for our local SCA group’s big event the Spring Crown Tournament. It will be one of the biggest SCA events here in the northen half of Sweden (since like, ever) and will probably be a lot fun. Counting over 200 participants, a lot of activities, a tournament and some nice feasts we will have a full weekend. The event is mostly fun, of course, but also a bit of work for me. I’m planning to hold a workshop in rosaries and how to make them, and am also packing my shop to go along.

The truth is that I have a lot of handcraft materials and medieval + viking stuff at home in my basement that is not available on my webshops. Instead I’m bringing them to different markets and events to sell- because it is fun but mostly because keeping a webshop is a lot of work for quite a wee bit of money.

So I’m packing and packing, and since H is at work I got the honour of packing the car to. Really. I’m not much good at packing cars, I think I’ll have to practise some tetris moves if this is going to work in the future… But the event will be really fun, and my friend K will help me with keeping the shop during the weekend. I’ll come back to you with lots of photos and a raport of the event afterward, hope you will have a nice weekend!


by 2 Comments

Fencing event & new outfit

Our local SCA group Gyllengran had a fencing event some time ago, a pleasant and small event- perfect to warm you up before the real event season starts. We who weren’t fencing gathered in the big common room for handcraft, small talk and cookies with wine.

Here’s some pictures from the event, and on my new 16th century outfit. I actually gave the indoor light a chance for pictures, but naw… I’m longing for outdoor events.

Warm and cozy with the fur lined gollar, comfy and easy to wear due to the well fitted bodice and the shorter skirt.

I’m wearing a straight unbleached linen shift closest to my body, and on top of that a simple yellow wool kirtle, without sleeves. It’s laced in the side and well fitted, so it works like a bra.

On top of that I wear my brown woolen over dress, which is based on paintings from Germany from around 1530-1550, mostly on peasants and simple workers. The pattern construction is from the book Drei Schnittbucher, which consists of tailor manuscriphts.

Over it is a handwoven smocked linen apron, a version of the st Birgitta cap (tutorial is out for sale) and last my rabbit fur lined gollar, which is based on paintings from the period. For work, only the Birgitta cap is used, but going out or getting fancy means another weil or two is pinned on top of the cap.

I also wear woolen hose, tied under the knee with wool straps, and a pair of simple leather shoes- much like you can se during the 14th-15th century. It seems cowmouth shoes were only for landsknechts and their followers and people of higher class, wereas the commoners used sturdy leather boots that reached above the ankle.

The belt is my old simple leather belt and fits well enough, but I’m planning to upgrade to a more 16th century one. The rosary and bag is a bit fancy for the rest of the outfit, but I liked the red colour on top of the brown dress- a little party fanciness to bling a simple workers outfit.

Now, a little mending of a seam and some improvements awaits the outfit before the season begin. New clothes are always the most fun to work with!

Spara