Author Archives: Jessica Norris

Tree change!

Now for something completely different — we’ve moved to a rural property! Our new place is 2 hectares (5 acres) on the edge of the Southern Highlands—south of Sydney, in the cooler hills, with a drier, more temperate climate. And what an amazing place this is! We have a large amount of space in whichContinue reading “Tree change!”

Documentation for the London Hood

Just a quick note to let you know I’ve just published a rather extensive article about my London Hood recreation. 🙂 Those of you interested in medieval garments might be interested to read about: the construction stitches, particularly the “singling” that was described by Østergård in Woven Into the Earth, the tablet weaving, making theContinue reading “Documentation for the London Hood”

A London Liripipe Hood

I’ve joined the ranks of many re-enactors who have decided to make a replica of a London Hood — complete with a silly “liripipe” tail! This project kept me busy with a number of different skills, so I might break this down into sections, with more detail in additional posts. I initially drafted this postContinue reading “A London Liripipe Hood”

Sewing skirts from scratch

A couple of years ago I started taking a series of Craftsy (hey what? now called “bluprint”!) classes to learn how to make my own sewing patterns, using flat pattern making methods. The first class I tried is called “Patternmaking Basics — the Skirt Sloper” and is taught by Suzy Furrer. I’ve finally managed toContinue reading “Sewing skirts from scratch”

Weaving is the Bee’s Knees! Well … Feet.

This year I acquired a book I’ve been wanting for a loooong time: Applesies and Fox Noses — Finnish Tabletwoven Bands, by Maikki Karisto and Mervi Pasanen. This book focuses on tablet woven bands from Iron Age Finland, with patterns from, and inspired by, extant bands from the period. It’s an amazing book for aContinue reading “Weaving is the Bee’s Knees! Well … Feet.”

“Joyburst” Baby Quilt

There’s something wonderful about making a baby quilt. Mostly I love this because I can take a creative idea and play about with it, without needing to design for an epic-sized project. And this one I made entirely from scrap! My inspiration for this quilt was this quilt by Karen Griska. I loved the riotousContinue reading ““Joyburst” Baby Quilt”

School Reader Bags

Will is now a couple of years into his schooling, and I have been increasingly frustrated by the plastic envelopes he is required to use for transferring items in his school bag. Our school sends notes home in one envelope, readers in another, plus there are two more envelopes for use at school. I hateContinue reading “School Reader Bags”