Big, big, project idea.

Ever-thinking, ever-dreaming, I have thought of a new project to work on. It's massive, it will likely take years to finish.

I want to make full outfits for Olaf and myself, from scratch.


So far, I'm working on obtaining the roving to spin. Next, I'll purchase the necessary supplies to make a warp-weighted loom, and start weaving the singles. Per period technique, I will use a drop spindle. Spinning wheels did not come around until the 1600s (roughly).


After the fabric has been woven, I will set it, wash it, and dye it to whatever colors we need. I figure that making everything out of grey lamb's wool will be the softest and most versatile solution. That way I can weave and weave and weave and not have to worry about how much of what color I need to make.


Once all that is complete, I'll draft new patterns based on our measurements, cut the fabric, and sew it all by hand. I'll finish all the seams as I go.


I'll save some of the spun roving and dye it for tablet weaving as well-- I want these outfits to be as authentic as possible. :) Last, but certainly not least, I'll obtain the jewelry needed for both of us. That I likely won't make, but hey.


I also intend to spin and weave the linen for our undertunics. I've got 16 oz. of flax roving coming in the mail as a starter; I've also got 5 oz Icelandic lambswool roving on its way here. For an unrelated project, I have a simply gorgeous merino on its way.

That merino will, more than likely, turn into this amazing cardigan from White Lies Designs:

Yes. It's that awesome, I had to give it space of its own. :)

I'm so excited! I know it'll take forever, but hey. Absolutely worth it.

These days, I have so many things to look forward to--school looming on the horizon, getting to do something I really want to do...

Anyway. Time to get back to work...

Shawl Patterns

If ever I got into wearing shawls, these would be awesome. I'm constantly thinking about how things would look in handspun yarn, and I'm super-excited to get my hands on some more roving. For example, this Icelandic roving would be awesome spun and then woven into cloth.

Meanwhile, lots of things are going on in my personal life, including a change in career direction. I'm in the thick of preparing, which likely means re-taking my ACT, preparing an audition [tape], helping Olaf with anything he needs, and the like. I've got another friend who, I suspect, is facing homelessness. He's a Vietnam veteran, holds two degrees, and can't land a job.

But who can in these times? Olaf's been searching and interviewing since January, to no avail.

I'll keep posting...