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!!!

Well it certainly won’t be crowded . . . but we have five homeschoolers signed up for the inkle weaving class. I am very excited about the reception we’ve received from the homeschool community here – very positive and upbeat about having new opportunities for their children! Ah . . . well here is a challenge for others in the community: I have enough practice looms made for the class size as it is . . . why doesn’t some one else sign up so that I am forced to go out into the workshop and build some more!!!

Oh . . . and thanks to Bob W. for the donation of some very nice wood boards . . . they will be very useful for a variety of projects! Donations in-kind are always welcome, as they keep our costs down and allow us to support the local homeschool families.

Speaking of donations . . . we are gearing up for the summer. Now I don’t mind spending some money out of pocket for things we need, but as we prepare for archery, it sure would be helpful if we could get some support. If you would be interested in helping us develop our archery program, visit the website and read through the “Supporters” page.

I’m trying to come up with some good ideas for “gifts” to give to those who donate . . . I want to be a good steward of the things we are given, but I would love to be able to send some sort of “thank you” to those who help out. Any suggestions?

Perhaps someone would be intersted in starting a contribution matching program! Now that would be really beneficial, providing much needed support but also encouraging others to participate in the development of this unique educational program!!!

Ok – just one more thing . . . I really appreciate the local libraries having rooms for us to use free of charge . . . but the day will soon come when we need our own facilities. If anyone in the Albuquerque/Rio Rancho area has some space suitable for classroom, offices and storage for free or very low cost, please consider helping us. I would also appreciate anyone having space we can use for an archery range . . . I think the librarian will get annoyed if we fire off arrows between the stacks! (We do have a location for archery this summer; however, as we progress it would sure be helpful to have a dedicated range.)

I’ve avoided the call for donations – but now that all of the official paperwork has been submitted (non-profit and tax exemption – although I’ve heard it’s taking the IRS about 9 months to get tax exempt determination letters returned to submitting non-profits!), it’s time to begin in earnest. I hope you can join us in this endeavor – even small amounts will go a long way!

Well it took longer to set up then I had originally intended . . . one of the problems of not having our own facility yet . . . but the inkle loom class has a date, time and location! We will meet on March 17, 2010, from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon at the Cherry Hills Library. The library is located at 6901 Barstow NE in Albuquerque. The class is currently rather small – only a few have expressed interest, but now that there is a firm date, I expect a few more will want to attend. The class is open primarily to homeschool families; however, as this is also spring break week for Albuquerque Public Schools, I am willing to entertain requests from other interested families. Contact me at scott@medieval-living.com if you are wanting to sign up.

One change of note: it’s our long-term goal to provide services to homeschool families free of charge. We will collect class fees from other groups who are interested in taking classes in order to fund the homeschool classes. With that stated, my previous comment about a $10 fee for this class is waived. If you have enjoyed the class and wish to make a donation, that is left to your discretion – it is neither required nor expected.

I will have several “practice” looms for students to work with – all materials are provided, and students will be able to take their completed projects with them. During the two-hour class, students will learn the basics of weaving on an “inkle” loom as well as a brief history of the loom and its Medieval predecessor. I will have a few full-sized looms available if anyone is interested in purchasing one to continue their weaving experience . . . however, the rules of the library don’t allow me to sell things there, so any loom sales would have to happen off library property – I want to be respectful of the library’s policies as they have graciously allowed me to teach my class there.

I hope that everyone who attends will enjoy themselves and have a pleasurable learning experience!

Just a quick note – my son-in-law, James, ordered some new arrows and they arrived promptly as requested. However . . . the delivery person placed the parcel just inside the fence, perhaps thinking it was safe there – out of sight. Well it wasn’t safe from the sight of one of James’ inquisitive puppies . . . inquisitive enough to want to know what treasures were inside the package. When James came home there were at least a half dozen arrows strewn around the property, each one thoroughly tasted and chewed upon . . .enough as to make them completely useless for anything other then kindling for the fireplace! I am sure there is some cute moral to the story . . . just haven’t figured out what it is!