SCA Beyond This Blog

On this blog I’m sharing my ideas but there are also resources within the structure of the SCA. This post will focus on the East Kingdom as that is my kingdom.

Chancellor Minor of East Kingdom

• “In modern terms, the Chancellor Minor is best described as the Youth and Family Activities and Engagement Officer.”

• FAQ especially the “What about my infant/child/teenager?” section with guides for different life phases.

• Tyger Camp

Also looking into resources from your local group, whether on a website or from talking to people.

Kingdoms beyond the East where I can find a webpage for youth: overall listing of kingdom sites

• Antir (with link to Facebook group)

• Ansteorra

• Caid has an email for the Youth Activities Officer.

• Calontir

• Gleann Abhann  

• Lochac

• Garb Ideas  

• A&S and Toys

• Meridies

• Midrealm

• Northshield - lists a few people for youth on the officers page

• The Outlands

• West Kingdom        

Tip: go to Officers to look for Youth Activities contacts.

Making a Kid Saree

 (start of a series)

Historically kids did not wear saree but the flexibility has potential for growing kids and repurposing material. I don't think it would be good for a rough and tumble kind of kid so evaluate if this idea suits your kid.  Also, I will note that traditionally being able to wear a saree may be a rite of passage, so choose if you feel good with this idea (this blog is a hobby so I don’t have the time to do strong research on cultural appropriation and disrespect)

Creating a basic kid size saree

Measurements

An adult saree seems to generally be about 45 inches, which is likely to be too big for a kid. While there is something called a half saree, my idea is to trim down standard fabric to a size that is more suitable for a kid. I haven’t been able to experiment with length but if the fabric is cut in half lengthwise and sewn end to end yardage to buy is less. If that seems too short, then the cut off can be used for a number of other things such as matching toy garb, a top to wear with the saree or facing for another garment. Standard saree are about 6 yards in length, so with the idea that a kid is one half scale in comparison to an adult I would start with a 3 yard saree and experiment with draping before decoration.

Material

Batik dyed fabric or similar printed fabric work in order to skip the decoration step. While a quick internet search says that Batik originated in Indonesia and thus maybe not accurate, it would make a pretty attempt at the SCA period.

• This source gives some examples of sarees: The art of saree-making: A closer look at the craftsmanship and techniques involved  

While solid quilters cotton is easy to find at a craft store, though it might turn out bulky (I have yet to experiment) and cotton gauze works well because it is a looser weave than the quilters cotton. 

Fabric source ideas:

•  Thrifted worn bedsheets?

Construction

Trim fabric down to the chosen width (22, 30, other), piece together if needed, hem the cut edge with other edge being the selvedge to reduce bulk (to further limit bulk use the hemmed edge as the bottom hem.

Determine the Pallu (the pretty end) by laying the fabric out flat with the hem towards you, the end to the far right is the Pallu, this is where the most decoration should be done.

Some other resources

• Understanding the Anatomy of a Saree 

 

Before decorating try to drape to make sure it is not too long for the child. 

Next post in this series will be decorating ideas. [insert link]