Tag: DIY
The Mercantile Hat Template Kit…
I wrapped up my first hatmaking classes at the Powerhouse, with a dozen students ‘graduating’ with a new hat and new skills. As a result of that class, and a class from last year on embroidery technique, I am pleased to continue to share… Continue Reading “The Mercantile Hat Template Kit…”
Stitchery Part V: Applique…
Appliqué can be as simple as applying a leaf to a surface, or as complex as the ‘tablion’ in Byzantium.
Stitchery Part IV: Chinese Symbolism…
The invention of the draw loom and the development of brocades allowed patterns to be woven into the cloth, which was often over-embroidered to augment the woven patterns (a technique I now employ on my hats…)
Stitchery Part III: The Stitches…
There are somewhere around 100 – 150 identifiable embroidery stitches used worldwide. I have only captured here those that are the oldest and most recognizable…
Stitchery Part II: Tools and Techniques…
Bronze needles are the best for embroidery as they have a smooth surface and are more pliable than steel, which reduces finger fatigue…
Stitchery Part I: History and Fibers…
This 5-part series begins with a very brief historical overview and comparison of embroidery between East and West…
Teaching Applique at the Seaview Fiber Arts Guild…
I was invited to teach the arts of applique and embroidery to the Seaview Weaving and Fiber Arts Guild. Little did they know how much trouble I would bring through their door …
Reconstructing an UlaanBaatar boot…
A friend and I stumbled across these boots in a military antiques shop in Seattle, and recognized them as traditional Mongolian footwear from UlaanBaatar.
Making a Tibetan maikhan…
The peaked roof of the 13th century maikhan was supported by a ridgepole, supported in turn by two upright poles. Guy ropes were made of yak hair and adorned with prayer flags, which served to both mark the guy ropes (notorious trip hazards), and to send prayers to heaven for the Buddhist inhabitants.
Medicinal teas of the East and West during the medieval period…
This article compares a selection of herbs which were used as medicinal teas in both Western Europe and Asia during the medieval period. It includes personal taste tests : )