my pewter hoarde

Remember when I was carving a mold for pewter casting? Last night I cast my pieces. Now I see why it is worth spending the time to make a "perfect" mold. I cast 36 little coins in less time than it took to carve the soapstone mold.  And in another hour I could have doubled my count. But, since my intention is to give the coins as tokens at Pennsic A&S, I think this will be enough.

 

(I don't know why the computer has rotated my image, but I can't seem to fix it.)

Where does the time go?

It's hard to believe that in just over 2 weeks we will be on our way to Pennsic. I've been working hard to get my class ready. I will be presenting my research on spindle whorls, and hopefully people will be interested enough to give some of them a spin. When I am not working on my handout and outline, I've been making a banner to display by my tent:

These are my arms, which were approved since the last time we went to Pennsic. As an added bonus, I paneled the piece at Northern Region War Camp, and was given competency in applique. The next time I try that technique it will be a much smaller piece! (I received competency for the laidwork pillow as well.)

Also at War Camp, I took a class in spinning flax on the wheel. Happily for me, I was the only student. Henna was an excellent teacher. This was my first experience with a wheel, so I spent a long time just learning to treadle at an even pace. And to keep the wheel moving without thinking about it. It's harder than it looks. I learned how to properly dress the distaff and the correct technique for drafting the fibers.

Although I don't own a wheel, I think I will be able to translate these new skills to the drop spindle. I am anxious to get started.