Embroidered Order of Defence Heraldic Panels

Here are the devices I worked on the Lochac Order of Defence cloak for some of the local members of the Order. The devices are worked in black DMC cotton thread in pre-worked shield shapes in a variety of stiches including double running, split, stem and seeding stitch. 

(In case you were wondering why the embroidery isn't fancier (e.g. goldwork) for such a prestigious peerage Order, this cloak can be used on the rapier field and so needs to be very hard wearing. It has a wool outer layer with black-on-black embroidered decoration, and a linen lining with black embroidery.)

 

Heraldic Embroidery on MoD Cloak

I recently was honoured to add a friend's device to the Cloak of the Masters of Defence in honour of his elevation to that Order. The Order of Defence is given to those who excel in the field of Rapier and or Cut and Thrust in Lochac. Peers must also support the Crown and kingdom, display courteous and noble behaviour, share their knowledge and skills with others, practice hospitality according to their means, and those skills and behaviours appropriate to the court. (https://lochac.sca.org/canon/award.php?id=517)
The regalia is a white livery collar, but the Members of the Order are also garbed in a special cloak upon their elevation.
The cloak is made of black wool lined in white linen, and is decorated with an elegant and subtle line of black-on-black embroidery. The devices of the Masters are embroidered on the inside in back -stitch with DMC floss 310.
Back stitch is not a stitch that I use regularly, so I had to concentrate on what I was doing.

Tournament and MOD Elevation

To follow up an emotion packed day, my good friend was being elevated to the Order of Defense the following day. I usually can't manage two events in two days, and I was extremely sore and sorry for myself, but I wouldn't have missed this ceremony for anything. I wore his colours and my fabulous new caul created by the generous and talented Mistress Fionna Goodburne MacNicol of the Midrealm. I have stories to tell about the garb created for this occasion too, but they will have to wait for another day!

I look like I have my eyes shut from smiling but I was having *real* trouble keeping them open!