Pelican Elevation and Vigil

 I haven't posted in almost a month because I have been frantically sewing for my elevation to the SCA Order of the Pelican. I'm delighted to report that the elevation took place on Saturday 29 June, and I actually had new clothes to wear, if not the clothing that I had originally planned!

My vigil had been planned for during the day prior to the feast. A tournament had been planned, but the day before a severe weather warning was issued which meant the tourney was cancelled. Luckily my friends stepped in at the last minute and generously offered their home as a venue. Thank you to Sorcha, Federyc, Linet, Margueritte, Nicolette, Melodia, Steffan, Sharyn and Kate for the venue, foods and all the help and support. The vigil was much smaller than planned due to the last minute change of venue, but did mean that it had more of a party feel and that certainly helped calm my nerves.

Trying out a selfie-stick at the vigil

Sparkly gingerbread biscuits

I had a really nice time at the vigil, and got to relax with friends for a bit before the feast. The time went too fast, and soon we were all departing to get to the feast venue.

The venue was beautifully decorated, and many people that I had not seen for years came to the feast. We were celebrating a Baronial changeover, so it was great to see many guests including past Barons and Baronesses and past Princesses and Princes. The only downside was that I hardly got a chance to chat with anyone because I was organising things, and I also had no appetite due to nerves. Innilgard is renowned for it's feasts and brewing, so this really was a pity.

One of the tables at the feast

The ceremony itself was written for me by talented local herald, previous Landed Baroness of Innilgard and friend, Baroness Annys. She and Lord Gabriel acted as heralds during the ceremony, and friends who are members of the five Peerage Orders spoke words that were very touching and truly humbling. I was honoured to be elevated by a Crown that I truly respect and who endeavour to live out the knightly virtues in their mundane lives as well as their SCA lives. I have never felt so supported and valued by so many people; it was overwhelming and wonderful.

Me cloaked in the Lochac Pelicans' cloak made by the Lochac Worshipful Company of Broderers
Image credit: S. Greig

My friends and banner bearers who helped me so much in the lead up to the event

Being welcomed to the Order by the Crown

Standing with the members of the Order of the Pelican

My heartfelt thanks to everyone near and far who helped, offered support and advice and just sent nice wishes. Thank you!

Pelican Embroidery Kits For Elevation Garb

I am very lucky in my SCA group; everyone generally gets on well, and I feel very supported in my roles and activities. I wanted to recognise my group in my upcoming Elevation, but of course couldn't fit everyone into the procession for the ceremony. So I decided to create a motif that people could embroider that could be sewn on to my clothing.

Deciding on a design that would look nice as well as not be too complex was difficult. Some people have extensive embroidery experience, and for others this would be their first attempt at embroidery.

I sketched several designs, but after consulting with my family, picked this one:

I taped the design to the window, and drew it up on cotton broadcloth in pencil many times. I left quite a lot of space around the design because I guessed that a lot of people wouldn't have very small hoops or frames. I then ironed some interfacing onto the back of each design to help keep the tension even and add some stability. 

Next, I wrote up some instructions and added pictures and links. I asked people to use three strands of black DMC floss and to use split stitch.

Then I had to cut all the floss and make up the kits and put them into little bags. This whole project took a surprisingly long time.

I took the kits to my local training for people to take home. Within two days I had the first kits back!

It has been gratifying to see people who have never embroidered before having a go. I am getting quite a pile.

Now I need to make the garb to sew them to!