Asissi basilica-st Clara fresc
The Academy of St. Clare of Assisi:
More Stitches in Time

Shire of Abhainn Ciach Ghlais
Friday, March 31st through Sunday, April 2nd, 2017

Do you love to embroider? Does the idea of stitching with friends fill you with joy? Ever wish for an embroidery class that offers more than basics? If so, then clear your calendar because the Shire of Abhainn Ciach Ghlais is once again opening its doors to embroiderers and stitchers from all over. (The first event drew embroiderers from five Kingdoms!)

The Academy of St. Clare of Assisi: MORE Stitches in Time! is an event for embroiderers, by embroiderers and about embroidery. It offers small specialized classes on single topics, long detailed "kit" classes on beloved styles, and a chance for embroiderers to spend time with others who love the art of the needle.

We plan to bring back all the things you loved about the first event, plus we're adding more things to love about this unique event!

New This Year!

Francesco del Cossa 009

Site

This Embroidery Extravaganza will be held at Boy Scout Camp Karoondinha, 225 Thomas Dam Road, Millmont PA 17845-9448 (GPS Coordinates: 40.85630, -77.2547) Site opens at 5 PM on Friday, March 31, and closes at 11 AM on Sunday, April 2..

NOTE: The site is a Boy Scout Camp located on the side of a mountain, and the roads and paths are gravel, not paved. This can make getting about difficult. Some walking will be required, as the two buildings we will be using are not near each other. If you have mobility concerns, please request a parking placard when you send in your reservation.

Cell phone service at the site can be spotty, depending on one's carrier.

Schedule & Activities

Friday:
5:00 - 10:30 PM      Troll opens;  check in at Edna Sheary Lodge
8:30 PM            TBD evening activity

Saturday: 
8:00 AM          Troll re-opens; (Dining Hall)
8:30 - 8:45       Breakfast
All day             Embroidery Display Area:  Display your work, for feedback & inspiration.
9:00 - 10:00    Keynote Speech
10:00 - 11:00   Class #1
11:00 - 12:00   Class #2
noon - 12:45    Lunch
1:00PM - 4:00  "Kit Classes" or stitch in the Solar
4:00 - 5:00       Tea
4:30              Silent Auction ends
4:45 - 5:45    Embroidery Display & Show & Tell, Stitch in the Solar, check out the library, etc.
6:00 - 7:00       Supper
7:30 - 8:30       Embroidered Fashions Show
8:30 till ...        Stitch-in

Sunday:
8:30 - 9:30     Breakfast
9:00 - 10:30   Class
11:00               Site Closes

Keynote address

To Be Determined

Classes

Short Classes - Complete List (Saturday Morning)

"Kit" Classes (Saturday Afternoon -- NOTE: These require pre-payment. See "How to Register for a Class")

Short Classes (Sunday Morning)

Class Descriptions

Bead Embroidery by Mistress Jeanmaire Ilaria Beatrice du Domrémy, 17th Viscountess of Drachenwald

This class consists of both a lecture and a hands-on workshop.  Students first learn how to outline the design on the fabric using the pearls provided in their kit.  While they proceed with this task they learn about the historic use of beads to decorate clothing, beginning in the Neolithic era and going up through the Roaring 20’s.  After students have completed their outlines, or are comfortable sewing beads in a row, they will be taught how to fill in open areas.  The instructor will assist each student in deciding how to complete her/his project.  Numerous examples completed by the instructor will be available to handle and for close examination.

Class Limit: 8 students;

No auditing

Fee: $20 for the project kit.

It includes:


Embroidered book covers by Cristina inghean Ghriogiar

We have many examples of embroidered book covers from the 13th to the 17th centuries. The number of styles and examples is extensive. In this class will focus on Henry the VIII’s style of couched metal embroidered covers. I will attempt to explain the differences in styles and materials used on many examples still in existence from this period.

Included with your kits will be materials for a needle book sampler that we will work on in class to practice techniques and stitches, you will need to complete your project. You are welcome to choose one of the covers I have already done or design one of your own. Your book cover kit will contain the fabric, needles and threads to complete one of the covers shown here as examples. NOTE: If you choose to do something different, you may need to purchase additional materials.

Class Limit: 10 students; Auditor permitted after class is full.

Fee: $20 for the project kit.
It includes:

Student needs to bring:  scissors, beeswax, and tweezers.



When registering, students must indicate the following:


Make your own wood handled Haithabu bag by Lady Elska á Fjárfelli

This bag can be a fabric or leather pouch and is attached to two wooden handles and carried by one shoulder strap. Similar handles out of wood and bone have been discovered in Birka and other parts of Sweden, but in modern times this type of bag is commonly referred to as the Haithabu or Hedeby bag for the many wood handles discovered in the trading settlements' harbor.

Our interpretation will use wood handles based on an extant Haithabu find and wool fabric & thread for the bag. There will also be a short presentation of period embroidery patterns suitable to embellish your bag with, including a detailed handout for proper documentation of both the haithabu bag and the embroidery patterns.

This bag works well with a woven shoulder band or a braided leather cord, which is not included in the kit. I will show examples and instruct on how to properly string the shoulder strap. Bring one about 3-4 feet long if you want.

Late Period English Slips by Hrefna fruþikona Þorgrímsdottir

Gardens were all the rage in late Elizabethan England. They started a fashion in needlework for floral slips - bits of embroidery that are appliqued onto other fabric. This class covers everything you will need to know to start, stitch, and appliqué a slip. This class is especially good for beginners and those who think period is hard.

Picture of completed kit: Coming early next week

Slip pattern sample:

Elegant Embellished Cuffs by Mistress Antoinette de la Croix

Ever wondered how to take some lovely fabric and make it a one of a kind piece of garb? Embellishment! If the very idea overwhelms you and you just don’t know where to start, this beginner class is for you.

Using a variety of simple techniques from basic couching to stem stitch to adding pailettes, beads, pearls and bezants you will make a custom set of long cuffs- 8” long + the circumference of your lower arm which you may then incorporate into your your next dress or tunic. Also covered, how to take an ordinary object and create your own pailettes.

How to Register for a Class

The morning classes and the keynote address are first-come/first-seated. No registration is required for these classes.

To take an afternoon “kit” class, you must register by pre-paying for the class “kit”. Because each “kit” class will be limited to a small number of students, registration is required. Registration starts on January 16, 2017, and ends on February 18, 2017

    To register for one of the “kit” classes:
  1. Preregister for the event - see “Event Fees & Registration” for the information you need to send and where to send it.
  2. Upon receipt of your event registration, we will send you by email the information on how to pay for the class “kit”.
  3. Send us payment for the class "kit" of your choice.
  4. Once we have received payment for your class “kit”, your name will be added to the class roster.
    PLEASE NOTE - for afternoon "kit" classes:
  1. Students must pre-pay for the class "kit". Kit payment must be received by the Class Coordinator on or before February 18, 2017.
  2. Class registration is based on when the Class Coordinator receives your payment. This means if you mail your kit fee on Tuesday and it arrives on Friday but someone else hand delivers their kit fee on Thursday, then the person who hand delivered their payment gets first choice. Mailed payments are assumed to arrive at 5:30 pm the day of their arrival. Paypal payments come in according to their time stamp.
  3. Some afternoon "kit" classes do not permit auditors (people who are not registered for the class). If you want to take a kit classes, the only way to guarantee that you can attend is to register

What to Bring

Bring scissors, an embroidery hoop, and (if possible) your favorite lamp/lighting device with extension cords. A (comfy) folding chair would be a good idea for those whose backs (and bums) are not happy sitting on wooden benches for long periods of time.

In addition, please bring items for the Embroidery Display and to share during Show-n-Tell. We invite all attending to bring relevant books from their personal libraries to contribute to an event reference library. The library will be staffed, and books will not leave the library area.

Please DO NOT bring alcohol, as the Boy Scouts have a strict no alcohol policy for those who use the camp. Nor do they permit pets on site or smoking in any of the buildings. Do not jeopardize our future use of the site by violating their policies. If we find that you have alcohol, you will be asked to leave the site with no refund.

Event Fees and Reservations

Event Registration includes 4 meals, served family-style, plus one bunk space in a heated cabin.

Bunk spaces will be filled on a first-paid, first-served basis, so reserve early to avoid disappointment. Those desiring a bottom-bunk space in the cabin with bathrooms must include with their paid reservation a request for a bottom bunk in Sheary Lodge. Those needing access to electricity must include with their paid reservation a request for a bottom bunk near an outlet.

 

If your paid reservation is postmarked …

your event registration is …

Adult Event Registration

by 12/31/16

$30.00

after 1/1/17

$35.00

SCA Member Discount Event Registration**

by 12/31/16

$25.00

after 1/1/17

$30.00

** SCA members, please include photocopy of current SCA membership card with paid registration.

Please make checks payable to "SCA PA Inc. -- Shire of ACG."

Send reservations to THL Aibell ingen Dairmata, c/o Lea Wittie, 913 Colonial Lane, Lewisburg PA 17837.

Please include the following information with your payment:

Refund Policy

Because the site requires us to pay the rental fee in full well before the event, we must ask our guests to reserve in advance.

If you request a refund of your event registration prior to March 1, we will refund your event fee. On or after March 1, we can only refund your event fee if we have sufficient attendees to break even.

If you have paid for a kit, we will refund the cost of the kit if we are able to re-sell it. If we cannot re-sell your kit, we will mail it to you after the event.

Instructor Biographies

Check back AFTER Pennsic.

Lodging and Parking

Both dormitory-style sleeping cabins are heated and a kitchenette. Both cabins have electricity. Those needing access to electricity must include with their paid reservation a request for a bottom bunk near an outlet.

The double-decker bunk beds have mattresses, but overnight guests should bring bedding (pillow, sleeping bag/sheets and blankets) and towels. Bunk spaces will be filled on a first-paid, first-served basis.

Edna Sheary Lodge is accessible to those with mobility restrictions and has electric heat and indoor bathrooms (sinks, toilets, showers). There are 16 double-decker bunk beds (total) in 2 sleeping areas, making these rooms feel a bit crowded. Edna Sheary Lodge also has a gathering room. Those desiring a bottom-bunk space in the cabin with bathrooms must include with their paid reservation a request for a bottom bunk in Sheary Lodge.

Kirby Cabin has 15 double-decker bunk beds in one large dormitory-style room;  this sleeping area is more spacious than Edna Sheary Lodge.  NOTE:  Kirby does NOT have indoor bathrooms;  however, flush toilets are located in a nearby building.

If you arrive on Friday night, drive to the Sheary Lodge to unload your gear. Parking spaces in front of the cabin will be reserved for those with mobility concerns.

If you arrive on Saturday, drive to the Dining Hall and check in. Parking spaces closest to the Dining Hall will be reserved for those with mobility concerns.

Meals

Saturday Breakfast: breakfast casseroles, hot tea, coffee

Saturday Lunch and Supper: TBD

Saturday Afternoon Tea: a variety of loose-leaf teas and assorted finger foods

Sunday Breakfast: oatmeal & fixin's bar, yogurt & fruit, hot tea, coffee

Merchants

If you sell high-quality embroidery notions and supplies, please contact the Autocrat for details about space. There is no additional charge to merchant.

Silent Auction

Do you have no-longer-wanted embroidery-type items that you'd be happy to send home with someone else? Maybe hoops or leftover linen or floss from a project or books ... ???

Help defray our out-of-Kingdom teachers' travel expenses by donating a SCAdianly-useful item to the Silent Auction. All proceeds from the Silent Auction will be split among the out-of-Kingdom teachers.

Everyone's a winner! Donors rid their homes of no-longer-wanted items, successful bidders go home with new treasures, and the teachers return home with gas in their tanks and a few coins in their pockets.

Contacts

The Autocrat for the event is Mistress Alicia Langland (hutchnsn AT bucknell DOT edu) (mka Della Hutchison, 1194 Marshall St., Milton PA 17847; 570-742-4567)
The Head Cook is TBD
The Reservations Clerk is THL Aibell ingen Dairmata. She can be reached at ladyaibell AT yahoo DOT com.

Directions

Guests coming from the east or west will probably travel on Route 80 to Route 15 to Route 45 to Route 235. Guests coming from the north will probably travel on Route 15.

From the West, East and North: Find your best route to Route I-80. Take Exit 210 A, Route 15 South, to Lewisburg. Stay on Route 15 S for about 7 miles; you will come to the intersection of Routes 15 and 45 at a light. Turn right onto Route 45 West. Continue at the * below.

From the South: Find your best route to Route 15 North. In Lewisburg, you will come to the intersection of Routes 15 and 45 at a light. Turn left onto Route 45 West. Continue at the * below.

(*) Proceed west on Route 45 West for about 17 miles, passing through the towns of Mifflinburg and Hartleton (follow speed limits here). At the intersection of Route 235 South, turn left.

From this turn, follow signs for 235 South for approximately 3 miles through Laurelton (last chance for food, gas, and ATM) and Glen Iron. The road makes several 90-degree turns; just before the last one, you will pass the West End Fire Company on your left.

Turn right onto Creek Road at the 4-way intersection past this last 90-degree turn. Penns Creek should be on your left. Stay on this road for approximately three miles; you will pass a large 3 story stone house with three arches, on your right, at this point you are about one mile from the Camp.

Just before you cross the bridge over Penns Creek, Penns Creek Campground will be on your right. Cross the bridge and turn right at the sign for Thomas Dam Road/Boy Scout Camp.

Camp Karoondinha is on the left. From the road, all you'll see is the parking area and the gate. As you go up the hill, look for the Troll sign. The Dining Hall is the large stone building with 3 flagpoles in front. To get to the Edna Sheary Lodge, continue up the hill past the Dining Hall. Sheary Lodge is located in the wooded area just past the large field on the right.

Please park your vehicle in the parking lot after you have checked in and unloaded your gear. Parking spaces in front of both buildings will be reserved for those with mobility concerns.

Drivers are asked to use their flashers and to travel at the posted 10 miles per hour.

Directions from the scouts are here

Google map:

Map showing site:

Get directions from Google maps

Here's a detailed map of the camp (click to enlarge):

Or, download a pdf here

Local Area Information

Other Lodging Options

Restaurants

  • American: Carriage Corner, 257 E Chestnut St (AKA Rt 45) Mifflinburg, PA 17844, (570) 966-3866
  • Italian: La Primavera, 2593 Old Turnpike Road (AKA Rt 45) Lewisburg, PA 17837, (570) 523-1515
  • Fancy: Reba & Panchos, 2006 W Market St (AKA Rt 45) Lewisburg, PA 17837, (570) 522-7006 ($$)
  • Chinese: Peking Garden, 199 N Derr Dr (AKA Rt 15) Lewisburg, PA 17837, (570) 524-7787 (at the corner of Rt 15 and St Mary St) (free 3 mile delivery includes Days Inn and Comfort Suites)
  • American: Perkins, 340 International Dr, Lewisburg, PA 17837, (570) 523-7733 (near the Sheetz and Walmart North of Lewisburg)
  • Pub: Towne Tavern, 600 Market St (AKA Rt 45) Lewisburg, PA 17837, (570) 524-0821 (corner of Rt 45 and 6th St)
  • Pub: Bull Run Inn, 605 Market St (AKA Rt 45) Lewisburg, PA 17837, (570) 524-2572 (corner of Rt 45 and 6th St)
  • Thai: Siam Cafe, 518 Market Street (AKA Rt 45) Lewisburg, PA 17837, (570) 523-1874 (Rt 45 between 6th and 5th St)
  • Japanese: Sushi Hanna, 434 Market St (AKA Rt 45) Lewisburg, PA 17837, (570) 523-0232 (Rt 45 between 5th and 4th St)
  • American: Lewisburg Hotel, 136 Market Street (AKA Rt 45) Lewisburg, PA 17837 (corner of Rt 45 and 2nd St) (570) 523-7800 ($$)
  • BBQ: Ard's Farm, 4803 Old Turnpike Road, Lewisburg, PA 17837, (570) 524-9820
  • Brew Pub: Rusty Rail Brewing Company, 5 N 8th St #1, Mifflinburg, PA 17844, (570) 966-7878
  • Bar: Boomerang's Bar & Grille , 17705 Old Turnpike Rd, Millmont, PA 17845, (570) 922-1232