Medieval Living

Well yesterday I challenged the local homeschoolers to force me into the workshop this weekend . . . and . . . well . . . they did!!! Three more have signed up for the inkle loom course – and one of the parents is on a mission to add more! And quite honestly, I couldn’t be more pleased! Pleased because the number of participants is growing and pleased because the interest in the course helps to validate our mission – to teach about the crafts and trades of the Medieval era. I was a little concerned when the game night fizzled . . . I will try it again . . . maybe I just had the wrong night, location, etc., etc., etc.

I have several projects lined up for the workshop this weekend . . . first and foremost is constructing at least 6 more “practice” inkle looms. Second are some “home” projects for mother-in-law and daughter. Third is a project that I’ve never tried before . . . making a bow for archery. I’ve put out the request for donations of archery equipment, but I really do think it is prudent that I learn how to make my own equipment. There are various websites out there that show how to make wood bows. One tutorial that I found is part of a archery forum – written by some person named “4est trekker”, the series of posts describes how to make a very nice bow from materials from the local hardware store (i.e., Lowes, Home Depot). The gentleman writing the account makes a very interesting statement about the ease/difficulty in making a bow:

“I give bowmaking seminars for the students in the traditional archery class I instruct at the high school where I teach. Now, if a bunch of inner city kids can build a bow, then you can too. ”

There you have it! Not only do I have a gauntlet thrown down for making more looms, some guy I’ve never even heard of before has thrown one down for me to make a bow! Well the looms come first, but if there is enough time in the weekend, I hope to have my first archery bow under my belt!!!