I was introduced to english country dance when I first joined. I was blessed to meet a most wonderous lady by the title of Mistress Gwindolyn Wold. I learned the basics to several dances and had a blast learning them until dance practice was unfortunately moved to the other side of the valley.
Mistress Gwindolyn also gave me my first taste of textile arts. She demonstrated the drop spindle and how to work it. then a few weeks later my 5 year old daughter and I took a beginning spindle class by Countess Serulta. A truely great lady, with even more patience, she gave each of her students their first spindle and some starter wool. <which so far is still my favorite spindle out of the 6 I now own.>
I have spun fiber on wheels, wove fabrics on looms and braided trim on the lucet and inkle loom. and my love of the art grows still.
I already knew the basics of needlework, both cross stitch and embroidery. but creating the trim and threads are an amazing activity.
How the mighty have fallen into disarray! Drunken debauchery was the high point of many noblemans lives, and in some cultures the entertainment of watching men and women dance around the campfire while others sat by beating their assorted drums. Firelight dance Has become another passion of mine. One which is actually pretty good for excersise. After a night of dancing and merry making you get reaquainted with muscles even your doctor forgot you had!! It is fun, entertaining for all and can get you into decent shape.
Time Warp several Years and another marriage into my future and I find myself on a different ship. This on called the Stargazet, Captained by non other than Captain Porthos the Shameless! I am working on new project and have even been offered a teaching position at my yarn shop for the arts I have learned. woot! what a way to pay for my fun! lol I now teach: Inkle and Tablet weaving, Kumihimo, Nalbinding, SPindle spinning, bag making, netting, and how to use a lucet. I have performed infront of crowds for my dancing, which still isnt very good but I got out there none the less, and have had teh opportunity to run a real house site at an event. it was exhilerating and nerve wracking at the same time.