[Ansteorra] KA&S prep talk

[willowdewisp at juno.com]

All of you that are going to KA&S.
I want to take a big breath and let it out. 
There are two things I want you to do. 
!. Go to you documentation and see if it tell the judges how long your project took and if it list all the stages you had to go through to get it done.
for example --How long did you research it ?  Did you have to prepare any of the materials? Did you have to construct any tools or things used in making the item? How did you come up with the design? Did you hand draw the base picture? Did you chart you stitches yourself or did you use a computer program? What technique did you use to transfer the pattern? Did you use a period method? How long did it take to make your thing? Did you have to overcome any problems and what did you do? Were these solutions period, if so my sure your documentation supports that they were period. 
All of these relate to the complexity of the project and many of use neglect to give our judges just how long it takes to do things right. For example I knew a man who made bows. It took him hours to find the right wood and months to season it correctly but he only told the judges he got the wood. Often the difference between good work and great work is the time and care artisans do in choosing and preparing their materials.
Also we learn from our mistakes. If in the process of working you discover something doesn't work please add that to your documentation. That adds to the SCA's general knowledge.
The second thing I want you to do is talk to the Laurels. Most of us love teaching and when you find a free one ask them a question. Not only about your field but others. The Laurel the judge is somewhat scary but the Laurel the teacher is fun. When you get to much information and it is beginning to run out of your ears just smile and say "I have to run now, Thank you for talking to me." Don't be scared most Laurels don't care about titles and if you call everyone "Master or Mistress" it will be OK. 
Duchess Willow de Wisp OL
 
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