magic of powertools...

[abendgules]

When I joined the SCA as a student, I went to a shield-making weekend and some form of communal meal, and was introduced to the wonders of shield presses, power tools (especially jigsaws) and shield edgings. At the time in the MK, shields for Crown tourney had to be no longer than your chest-to-fingertip length (resulting in a laughably small one for me), and edged with padding and a slit rubber tire or garden hose. Only the madly keen bothered covering the edging for appearances' sake.

On Saturday, Robert and I went to Vitus and Giuliette's family home, to cut shields and BBQ foodstuffs. In some ways, not much has changed. :-)

We do now make more authentic shields: I don't know how the rules have changed, but there's less fuss over edge padding now, and Vitus demonstrated an excellent method of edging with rawhide (sourced from doggie chews). His ply shields last 1-2 years, which sounds pretty good to me.

We also eat better; G. produced a range of side dishes to complement fabulous venison burgers. Nom nom nom nom...

On Sunday I continued on the power tool theme by testing my jigsaw skills on our plywood, soon-to-be benchbox.

There is something satisfying about playing with powertools - big noise, little bits fly away, you see results immediately. I can see why thems that love them find them so, well, powerful. I can't sustain my own interest past getting the desired task done, but I can appreciate the attraction.

I have a bit more cutting to do this week; this evening I'm hoping for a short run, and return to my scribing desk...

Other small accomplishments: a run on the linens at Classic Textiles, one of my favourite shops in London, introducing some new Thamesreachers to its pleasures; and testing out the new washing machine laundering said linens. The old machine is now sitting outside the flat waiting council pickup. I'm curious if it will actually last til then, or if it will have wandered off by the time I get home this evening.

One disappointment this weekend: my chocolate cake for Robert's b-day failed - not cooked through, and still very baking-soda-ish, like the chemical reaction of baking didn't finish. Humph.

In other news: I have serious Pennsic envy. I both want to hear it all, and don't want to hear it, at the same time!

Comments

[aryanhwy.livejournal.com]

Any chance you might go next year?

[bend-gules.livejournal.com]

Better chances, yes. We should both have gainful employment by then!
Among many many things I've enjoyed at Pennsic, I'd love to sit and draw and colour in at herald's point. Not much stick for commenting, but I enjoy the artwork.

[aryanhwy.livejournal.com]

Since I'll still be Pelican next year, the SCA will pay for me to go again, so I'm looking forward to that! One thing I loved about being at Herald's Point was getting to hang out in the artist's tent and color; I can't do the drawing, but I enjoy coloring, and it's something I don't get to do very often.

[ezabella.livejournal.com]

Stacy has been buying me power tools for Christmas our whole 20 years of marriage. :) I got the plunge router of my dreams recently. Wants a biscuit joiner next.....

I have the same Pennsic envy. Ann, Mary Rose, and Fiona have been calling me with updates. Hard to deny i am missing Pennsic when they keep calling! **grins** Can't wait for Ann and Mary Rose to get home so i can get more details in person. Fiona told me to call her when she gets home, as she has other things to share with me. The agony of the wait.... lol

We are planning on Pennsic next year. I am thinking about a "Bath House Babes" ensemble for Pennsic. Melissa and my Laurel are going to do it with me. I have also talked several of my new friends here into doing this with me. Last time i went to Pennsic, i talked everyone into doing "Boy's Night" and we ran around in boy clothes. Was great fun! If i knew i could possibly finish something awesome in time, i would make a German to run around with the Swedes in.

Please wish Robert a !!Happy Birthday!! from us!!

[bend-gules.livejournal.com]

I am thinking about a "Bath House Babes" ensemble for Pennsic. Melissa and my Laurel are going to do it with me.

Wow, you're going to run a period bath house at Pennsic? Excellent! I'll be there to play chess and eat and drink off a tray propped across the tub, keeping my hair carefully covered, while soaking with my lovers... :-)

Srsly: I think the bath house babe underdress is definitely the way to go for supportive garments for pre-14th c. clothes, where the evidence options are so slim.

[larmer.livejournal.com]

I thought of you while at Pennsic. I even told stories about you especially our shopping at Midnight Madness a few years ago.