Steel-N-Strings

With the world slowly opening back up, more events are happening live and in-person. The next SCA event we would normally be going to as merchants is Great Western War in October. But since Darius has been working helacious hours at his modern world job, he hasn't had much left in the tank to make stuff for the booth, and we've made the tough decision to NOT attend as merchants, but as normal people who will futz around in camp, maybe teach some classes, nap, visit the other merchants, and sit around the fires drinking with our friends.

However, if there was something specific from our standard stock you were hoping/planning to get from us at the war, let us know by September 15th, and we can deliver it to you there. Payment would be in advance via PayPal, or cash on delivery. Contact us at [email protected] to make arrangements.

Take care of yourselves, and see you at war!

Our next regularly scheduled event would have been the SCA's Potrero War over Memorial Day Weekend, but it has been wisely cancelled due to the continuing Covid-19 restrictions. We will miss seeing everyone and listening to the drums and sitting around the fire, but that time will come again eventually and we will be ready.

In the mean time, some good gentles have created a virtual merchant's square for those who would have been at the event.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/239431807103209/

We are lucky in that we have a modern world income, with the accompanying decent benefits, that has barely been impacted because Darius is considered an essential worker. While we love the extra money Steel-n-Strings provides us, it is largely to pay for our hobby addictions and playing in the SCA, so we are not suffering the cancellation of events that so many of our full-time merchant friends are experiencing. Because of that, we have chosen to not participate in the virtual Potrero merchants group in the hopes that those who need it most will benefit most.

Additionally, we'd like to give a shout out to several merchants who have been great friends to us personally over the years, and encourage you to visit their pages and offer upon them your almighty dollar.

https://www.facebook.com/Pine-Box-Traders-94948368968/

https://www.facebook.com/goblinsgrotto/

https://www.facebook.com/Simply-Stylish-230616142510/

https://www.facebook.com/TheVagabondTabby/

As the world struggles through these interesting times, we here at Steel-n-Strings would like you all to know we are doing fine and following the instructions of the SCIENTISTS and MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS. We hope the same for you.

Blessed Be.

Well, our annual pilgrimage to the great lands to our east and their wondrous Estrella War has been waylaid. Family and household issues require our attention here at home.

If there was something you had planned to get from us there, please contact us directly at [email protected] and we’ll split the shipping with you. If it fits, it ships!

We look forward to your war stories, and hope to create new ones with you next year.

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We're planning ahead for the SCA's Great Western War in October and want to know what YOU want! Our build list is open and itching for new projects.

Plus, we're looking at teaching a few classes. What would you be interested in learning? Darius can do metal work, blacksmithing, and armor related stuff. Elana can do inkle/tablet weaving, needlework, and garb embellishment/repair related stuff.

These will be small, focused classes in our booth, and geared to those people who aren't as comfortable in bigger or faster paced classes.

What can we help you make?

Another commission recently delivered. Inspired by the stole of St. Donats, Arlon, Belgium (12th Century). Original was 83 cards of silk done in 3/1 twill. Because I'm not on speaking terms with 3/1 twill, I decided to do this in double-face. It took over 30 hours of research and development (graphing, test weaving, more graphing), then another 30 hours to warp and weave the final product. 40 cards in Cascade 220 worsted weight wool, 3" wide (7,6 cm), about 3 yards long (not counting tassels). I think it turned out okay. ;-)

What can we make for you?

So, making stuff for Potrero. Any interest in one piece elbows and knees. 16 gauge mild hot rolled. What price would the market bare/is it worth my time?