MadL
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Posts posted by MadL
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Thank ye much Capt Trueblood! I will try that with me next cap - yarn should be here in a week or two (coming this time from UK)
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Ok, my first attempt it complete! Many errors and I had to learn to loosen up a bit for once I got to tapering with the K2TOGs I found I was really strong arming it a bit!! And my loop making on the brim is pretty sloppy - Next time I will nail it with no more missed knits!
Also I found a video that discusses proper measuring for fitting - this one I just went by the instructions posted (60 cast ons over three needles) but this 'non historic' tutorial says to first "knit a patch, measure how many knits in an inch and multiply by head size, find nearest integer of four (rounding down)", I am going to try that on my next one.
What I haven't figured out is how to do the button when closing it off? This one I just closed up 'beanie' style and then did a bit of cheating with a sail needle to close up some of my mistakes - but this one is not even period yard, just a trail run.
Now if I can just get some descriptions of how the 'button' is knitted (I want the 'small' button, not a dorset)
Capt Trueblood; that would be GRAND! i find it much easier if I can 'see' it done then trying to figure out from text instructions (I have texting turned OFF on my phone!)
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My two pence on Loyalist Arm's shoes - Best Around! Have had mine now since their first batch and still hanging in strong! As for buckles - I have worn through Three Pair now - shoes last longer then the buckles themselves - and Yes, just e-mail Loyalist, or give them a call and they will send ye a pair of buckles in no time at all (well, about two or three weeks to arrive on the west coast)
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Thank Ye Much! I think I understand now....now be time t' give it a try!
Can't cross that great expanse o' water without spilling a bit o' rum!
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Thank ye much Gwen S.
But now my question would remain; just what is "Knit 4" "Knit 3" "Knit 2" "Knit 1"?
just what is the 'number' indicating?
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I have never knitted in my life and I am trying to learn how to read the instructions but after watching some videos and going through various beginer guides I am still a bit fuzzy as to how to interpret some of the instructions:
**What does it mean when it says "Row xx to yy: Knit" verses "Row x: Knit 4" (and then Knit 3, Knit 2, etc?) - I believe it is reducing the size, but does that some how mean 'skipping" some?
- also what does the "Repeat" at the end of some steps mean? are you 'repeating the K2tog step or the entire row?
example:
Rows 21-45: Knit
Row 46: Knit 4, k2tog; repeat
Rows 47-49: Knit
Row 50: Knit 3, k2tog; repeat
Rows 51-54: Knit
Row 55: Knit 2, K2tog; repeat
Row 56-58: Knit
Row 59: Knit 1, K2tog; repeat
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I understand that Putrified Bear Fat is good for keeping away bugs - they say it smells real bad but it smells even worse to bitting bugs
But personnaly I LIKE the smell of Stockholm Tar, I use it on all my rope work and occasionaly even make a stain or two in me clothes just for added measure.
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Norcal 2012
in June
AVAST Capt'n Orderlesseye! I Can See NorCal Upon Th' Horizon! - UNFURL TH' T'GALLENT, MAN THEM LINES! HOIST THAT JIB! IT BE A ROVEN' WE GO NOW!!
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I am seeking further information on a story I recently heard about: Pirate Gambling Markers
A recent documentary (some times also docu-mockery) about the search for the sunken remains of The Fiery Dragon has turned up what they say is a "Gambling Marker". They told that they were "first found at the site of The Whydah" and now half way around the world in Madagascar in a wreckage belived to be that of The Fiery Dragon.
The gambling marker is described to be about the size of a postage stamp and bears an 'X' on it; one picture they showed indicates there may be other marking on the opposite side, perhaps that of a coin. The area indicates that the newest one found is from around 1712. They stated that these 'gambling markers' are "Known exclusively to Pirates" - it was said "Since gambling for money was forbbin on ship, to avoid temptations and throat slittings, pirates would use these markers in their games to represent the money they would be paid once on land".
As they say these markers where found upon The Whydah and now also upon The Fiery Dragon, I thought I could find further information about their useage, values, etc - but so far nothing has turned up.
Anyone else heard this story, anyone been able to track down further information on these Gambling Markers and their use in game?
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AVAST! Bout time one o' ye blaggards open th' door fer me!
Been knock'n fer moths I have been!
Well, now that I have said me greets - HELLO - I must swaggar down fer t' attend some business here...
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Aye, I can add one fer this har 3D thread! Just finished this one this morn:
"A Buccaneer's Last Resort"
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Ok, so it would appear that wigs, tails, bag wigs, and bows did appear during the GAoP, just so far none specifically depicted on a "common sailor"...but then since when was a 'pirate' a 'common sailor'?
As I recall it has been stated that Pirates enjoyed mocking, mimicking, and simply thumbing their nose at "gentlemen" and at royalty....I don't recall any images of pirates wearing silk, lace, and other refineries yet we know they stole them and of course would not have them long once they made safe port somewhere, but until then or should they need to come ashore in less-then-friendly ports, would it not make reason that if they so wished then they would wear them?
Also I had read long ago, not "sailor lore" per-se, but speaking of common landlubber folk that those who could not afford a wig would sometimes attempt to grow their own 'tail' (queue, whatever).
It seems to me that to search for "images" or even writings of EVERY conceivable concept of a "pirate at sea" (or on land for that matter) would be a search in vain. Simply because most writings and images would be done to not put too much emphasis on mocking the royalty, but rather to make them look evil, disgusting so as not to offend the king (queen, monarch, etc). I know I would not want to be the editor of a parchment and image that made a loathsomely pirate appear more grandeur then the king!! But we do know Calico Jack was quite the dandy, and others had what about Captain Kidd, did he dress as a "common" sailor? Then what about the thousands of other pirates, some that perhaps vanished before even falling under the British Navy's radar....if there were queues Before the GAoP and queues After the GAoP as well as queues on "gentlemen" During the GAoP......hmmmmmmm
**oh, and as far as my original post, where I asked about "a specific style..." - twas a starting point mate, lighten up fer I am seeking the 'method of', and that be that....aye, I still be seeking the how to fer wrapping me queue (without use o' tar, just the cloth) so it stays put on an active day.
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Commodore Greyhound, that is pretty much to what I do now, however I use a strand of thin tared hemp (about kite string size) and just wrap it up from the tuft about 6 or 7 wraps then thread it back down (with a needle, actually my girlfriend does it) and then tie it off at the beginning in a knot. I then use a strip of black linen to tie the bow at the top of the braid.
But I would like to figure out a way to properly wrap the whole braid in cloth, and still have the bow, attached or not, tied at the top.
Fox: don't think I have ever seen any pictures from the GAoP specifically but the queue has been around through many cultures since nearly the beginning of time, and worn in many many different styles...perhaps not specifically "British", "French", or "Spanish", but I am pretty sure they were not the only ones on the waters during GAoP, or aboard a pirate ship. I am pretty sure you have seen many of ancient Chinese wearing a queue. And there was one document I read some years ago that described a period when the British Navy in its early days had troubles with some sailors, as I recall they where trying to get more organized (with uniforms and such) and when the order was given for the men to cut their queues they "nearly had a revolt on their hands"....can't recall just when or where I had read that. But braids, pony tails and such have long been worn by men throughout history and cultures. If you read up on the history of wigs you will find a lot about the era's fascination with long hair, curls, and ribbons dating back as far as Queen Elizabeth herself.
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Aye M.A.d'Dogge, the sack would be fine enough, and the doubling of one's hair does lend fer a fuller look, however I intend t' keep mine at about 6inch and want t' pursue the tied look.
If anyone knows how th' profishonal hair dressers do it kindly let me know.
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Mission: What for would I want'a "make one m'self" when I have already Grown one m'self in Proper period style...honestly I am not sure that pirates, or others of the period actually "made" one themselves, more likely they purchased, stole, or otherwise accosted a wig if they could not grow one themselves. I recall some readings that some men just shaved their heads and wore wigs simply because it kept the lice away as well..but ne'r heard o' one that 'made' he's own wig...unless perhaps he twas a wig maker already.
MajorChaos: I was thinking of using a longer piece as well, but my queue is not all that thick as it grows only off the back o me neck, not from the sides (I also gotta please them cor-pirates as well ye knows) so thinner must be the better fer me....I have seen many on screen but never one I can zoom in on to see how they done it.
PoD: I will have to see if I can find the link that mentioned it, there was actually a 'period' name for such a silken pouch...one place I think I actually saw one in use was in the movie "Buccaneer", worn by the evil governor and can be seen in at least one scene. Basically it be just a thin lacy silk pouch with ties on the end, drop yer queue inside and tie th' ends (at yer head side)
just read further and saw jendobyns' statement; yup, that be th' Bagwig I mentioned.
Ok, jendobyns' seems to have a good one about the pain the British soldiers went through...but how can we reproduce this with such extreme....
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You have seen them in the movies, you have seen them in paintings and woodcarvings; the short braid or tail worn on the back of the head. But how do they Wrap them in black?
I have read that some sailors used eel skin as it be water proof and the purpose of wrapping the queue was to prevent the salt from the ocean spray from building in the braid then drying out and becoming abrasive on the neck. I have read that landlubbers and gents would wrap them with silk ribbon or cloth, there is even one mention of a "silk pouch" being used that would cover the whole queue including the tip.
But what I can not find is just HOW the wrap would be made, sure enough to last the whole day (and while working on and below deck) without it coming all undone??
I have tried wrapping from the bottom up and using the ends for the top bow - no good, it unwraps from the bottom, kinda walks itself up then unwraps once loosened.....
Does anyone know, have leads to detailed information, or perhaps know a period wig maker that may know this mystery? I am sure someone today knows, just look at all the wrapped queues in the movies (Master and Commander, Damn the Defiant, Horatio Hornblower, and such)
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"This one be so lazy he'd rather die then work!"
I had done some searching a while back on indentured servants and had come across a site that listed hundereds, if not thousands of indentured servant contracts but now can not find it again...
The site was searchable by name, it would then give you a one or two page sample of the document(s) and for a fee you could purchase the whole thing (one person's contract at a time, not the whole lot). I had done a search on Madl and found one, not sure if he be a real relative but it claimed he was indentured as a carpenter upon arrival to America and a little bit more - one line you can only 'sample' the document not read the whole thing...I did another search on me mum's side for Allison, and TON came up!!
The site claimed that many were obtained through various Estate Sales and other sources.
Has anyone heard or seen such a site?
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Commodore Greyhound; for Loyalist Arms' shoes, they are custom made to order and not 'off the shelf', so ye be guaranteed a good fit; however, ye must order then wait...'n wait....'n wait some more, about 4 t' 6 month if ye lucky. But th' wait be well worth th' wait.
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Two years now and still going strong! I really love these Whydah shoes, best fit shoes I ever had actually. I broke one buckle but luckily had a spare.
I do cheat however, do to all the pavement we walk on in these modern days I have coated the bottoms with shoe goo, figure it be much more cheaper then getting these 're-souled', I have recoated them three times now and they have lasted for at LEAST three dozen events with Plenty o' walk'n!
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What about leather? I know leather predates the GAoP and leather hardening techniques have been around since midevil day.
The Royal Armories museum offers this one:
it states:
These handmade leather tankards are modelled on the shape of tankards recovered from the Mary Rose, Henry VIII's flagship.however I have not seen nor read anywhere of their findings after 1500/1600 ?
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To reply to m'self, I just came across this "The History of Leather Drinking Vessels" on a UK page; they claim:
Later fashion, particularly in Tudor times, added a wider base, presumably to promote better stability as found with those discovered with the wreck of the Mary Rose.However, use of the jack continued until Nelsons time when they were known as Boots, hence the naval phrase "Fill up your Boots" meaning "have a drink".
and they go on to say they were still used in the 20th century and popular among the mining and steel industries; but I digress as we are all 'dead' by this time...
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Yo Ho Humbug! Merry X-Mas All Ye Scalawags!!
May none o' ye receive coal in yer stock'ns this yarr 'n may none dance in th' jig, may th' Admiralty grant everyone a pardon...
if naught then; Confusion t' th' colonies 'n Death t' th' Governor!!!
~ Twas the Eve Before X-mas ~
As recalled by Captain Santa Clause, aka Whitebeard
Twas th' Eve before X-mas, when all through th' ship
Naught a creature was stirring, naught even th' ghost of old crewman Nick.
The cutlasses where all hung on in th' ship's haul with care,
In hopes that a ship full of booty will soon sail na'r;
Th' crew were nestled all snug in their hung beds,
Whilst visions of virgin whores danced in their heads.
And Mary Ormond in her kerchief, and I in me tricorn nightcap,
Had just settled down for a long night's nap,
When out off th' bow there arose such a clatter,
I sprang ta the poop deck ta see what was th' matter!
Away ta th' deck I flew like a flash,
Tore open a powder keg and threw back me sash.
Th' moon on th' horizon caused th' calm sea waves ta glow
Gave th' luster of Davey Jones' treasure down below,
When what ta me bewilder'n eyes should appear,
But two small ships, and eight tiny cannons all aimed at me rear,
With a scurvy nave at their helm, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be that dog Lt. Maynard on that thar ship!
More rapid then frenzied sharks his corsairs did came,
And he shouted and cursed, and called them by name;
"Now Shorty! On deck Pete! on, Fletcher and William!
To the crow's nest with ye Morgan, All others man th' guns!
Now heave men! Heave! Ready them cannons! Ready them all!
As a cursed black plague on a wild hurricane they did fly,
One went starboard, the other port, as dark clouds began ta form in th' sky.
With cannons on th' ready and guns at their side these corsairs did flew
With blood in his eyes and saber a rattl'n, Lt. Robert Maynard did too.
And then, as I blinked me one good eye, I felt a crack in me tooth,
As the explosions of those eight tiny cannons blew from th' helm me galley's roof!
As I drew out me pistols, and began to return fire,
Me crew came a husselin, some without even any attire.
Most were dressed and ready, and all armed from head ta their foot,
From the explosions their clothes where dirtied with ashes and soot;
But me crew tis th' bastards o' th' sea, ta arms they took up
Like an army o' mad sea-dogs they are, and nay a one a pup!
Me one good eye -- how it twinkled! Th' smell of battle, how bloody merry!
Me cheeks lit with delight, for suddenly Maynard didn't look so cheery!
His beardless face had just turned as white as snow;
Th' stump o' me pipe I held tight in me teeth,
And th' smoke it encircled me head, just like a wreath;
Maynard, his face grew red with fire
As me crew tooks their aim and I yelled "RETURN FIRE!"
Oh how his tiny ships they shook like jelly
And I laughed so hard it shook me belly.
With a wink o' me eye and twist o' me head,
Soon ol' Maynard, he knew there be much ta dread;
As th' muskets red glare,
The cannons burstin' in air;
Gave proof through th' night,
That me Jolly Rodger still be thar!
Me crew spoke naught another word, but continued their work,
And filled th' cannons with lead; then returned it ta that jerk.
And as Maynard's two tiny ships sank out o' sight,
I hollard out with all o' me might;
"Merry Bloody X-Mas Maynard; Me Foe And Me Friend,
For It Be Ye And NAUGHT I That Has Finally Met Yer End!"
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*hmm, be'r late than early I always says*
Glad ye all clear'd up th' TAR vs PITCH part! Drink'n from a tarred vessel I do naught thinks would taste so goodz!
Fer th' drink'n vessel; I have had me leather Tudor Rose tankard fer nearly three year and have found that bee's wax (just th' cakes ye gets from a fine tailor supply) does right fine - AND when freshly coated it taints th' grog with a nicely not too sweet honey effect too!
Using a good hot gun it easily blends right in with th' original PITCH in th' tankard.
....however, me leather rose tankard now be TANKARD NAPP'D by some cur off th' Star Of India.
Now as fer TAR; aye, American Rope & Tar be bought th' last and only place t' procure th' Real Deal - TarStockholm Tar
I have used both their Tarred Hemp Marline (all sizes) as well as th' fine tar itself they offer in pints even!
Th' tarred marline be grand fer arts and other such stuff and maintains a fine smell fer a long long time (I Love Th' Smell O' Tar In Th' Morn!!)
The raw tar be grand fer coat'n stuff too as well, and fer make'n stains upon yer clothes 'n gear; and then they ALL smell good!
I have even used th' tar t' coat me leather goods! Aye, me leather goods, it darkens it up a bit and adds a nice 'slightly-aged' look - I have tarred both me leather sword sheaths, me dagger sheath, as well as me leather Dice Cups! Th' leather will soak up th' tar in no time and it dries t' th' touch in just a couple days (weather permitt'n I suppose).
Th' rope work here (on me sword and dagger handles, and th' dagger sheath) are all done with hemp marline from American Rope & Tar:
Others done with tarred hemp can be found here: Mad L's knotty stuff
I have also since done several braided 'belt charm' holders using th' line as well as a braided tankard holder (I hate them 'latched' types what keep unlatche'n them self!)
I have search'd far and wide fer other resources, none can either supply nor compare; however there is another so-called "tarred hemp" line out there, it be black in color and th' line is not truely "hemp" but jute instead.
There also be one other source o' pine tar fer sail ships, can't recall where and I never got from them after reading comments in a boater's forum from those who have actually used both on their true ship - currently thar be ONLY ONE source fer th' real Stockholm Tar!
But fer hemp sail line I found one other - claims to have 'tarred' as well as un-tarred but so far I have only been able to obtain an un-tarred ball o' line from him - Good stuff! But ye must call him, no online ordering available:
good source, very helpful when ye calls him!
My other attempts:
http://www.sailrite.com/Marline-Tarred-Hemp-Thin-590-Feet?sc=2&category=7316
http://www.greenboatstuff.com/tahema.html
http://www.marlinespike.com/tools.html (fine, and EXPENSIVE riggers gear!)
http://compostablegoods.com/index.php?cPath=22_33
http://www.duckworksbbs.com/sailmaking/sailtwine5/index.htm
http://briontoss.com/catalog/tools.html
....now, back t' rope'n me new - NOT leather 'n NOT tarred - tankard...bloody heavy piece o' tin!!!
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While this does not address 'Mayan' specifically it does address the 'line up of pirates' by nationality, where they came from, who they where before becoming 'pirates', and thus, what they were likely to wear:
"Pirates came from all nationalities, circumstances, and backgrounds.From trial records and ship's logs, it is interesting to note that the majority of pirates during the Golden Age of Piracy were Welsh. After that - in descending order - were the Irish, English, and then the Scots. A smattering of German, Italian, Greek, and Dutch pirates also sailed. The breakdown continues to be a social testament of the troubles and dissatisfactions of nations.
French and Spanish pirates counted an almost equal number (*however not noted 'where' the stood in the above line up*). Also rare, but not unheard of, were a few South Seas natives and North American Indians."
Now I know this contradicts what I have heard from others that prefer to claim that pirates where mostly "English, French, and Spanish" (this actually puts English only 3rd in line!) and that "...blah, blah, blah - most pirates where deserters of the navy and preferred to dress similar....etc, etc, etc"; but then, I did not write this, I only read it...and it does claim to take their quantities from "trial records and ship's logs".
It also discussed how RED was a rare color then due to the way red die was created and that most likely when a pirate did manage to get hold of any red cloth they most likely displayed it as often as he could...until they loose it gambling, sell it for alcohol, or trade it to a dock trollop for pleasures (I will go with the later m'self!).
It stated that during the GAoP there was some writing from some author stating "the pirates looked ridicules and funny as they disembarked their ship, with colorful and mismatched clothing...." - it described how pirates like to flaunt anything they obtained that would be worn by royalty or the wealthy (most likely referring to fashions in England, France, and Spain) for it was "their way of showing - Hey, I am a FREE man and will do as I please".
Now back to Mayan; mostly all I gathered from their culture is that Spain used any they found as slaves to work the mines and maintain the cities, that be until the English (or other pirate type) came along and won the city, tortured the natives to tell where the treasure was hidden, and sometimes just killed them all. But no mention of 'finery' in the means of clothing - Gold and Silver, yes...but clothing...no mention.
But of course, most writings and documentations - both modern and historic - tend to be bias to those who did the documentation; such as the Romans - in recent years there has been much debate and even some "documentary" films made that question the ancient Roman documents in terms of their describing their own culture and "ingenuity" v.s. that of the Roman so-called "Barbarians"....apparently while investigating and re-investigating some ancient digs and artifacts it has been declared that the Romans actually 'acquired' some of their technology from these so-called Barbarians (but after all, we all know that Rome was not built in a day - but it did burn down overnight!). I have also followed one guy's declaration that the English may not be as 'pure' as many claim to be and that a MUCH larger number (apparently "up to one third the populace") may have actually come from across the water on the eastern side (Germany, etc) when the then marshes flooded and the marsh people where forced to flee and now evidence that they fled to England is now being dug up (I can't recall the year this is said to have happened but apparently until recently it was believed these Marsh Peoples did not have the technology to make the trip, but now evidence on both sides of the 'pond' show otherwise...but they say "stead fast English historians still reject this notion...." - except for one....)
Anyway, I know this does not answer the question of 'did any pirates where traditional Mayan garb', but it does add to 'where, who' pirates of the GAoP where (there was far more details but I think you get the idea in general)
Now as for "How much would a modern pirate Pay for such garb" - well, sorry but at this particular juncture in time I have t' concur with Slopmaker Cripps' third assessment.
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No word yet from me no-good fer nuth'n whelp brother, and I still think at this time that that bobbin make tis out o' me current day reach, but while searching some on that needle lace I ran across this link in a tutorial to a free online E-Book (full 44meg zip available near the bottom)
Encyclopedia of Needlework by Thérèse de Dillmont
www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/20776
Not too sure what all I be look'n at but the tutorial mistress sez it be very good stuff....sorry bout th' "free" and all, I know how that spoils th' fun fer so many pirates
How to read Knitting instructions?
in Crafting Kit
Posted
(bloody real-life stuff) Back again, will be keeping a weathered eye out Capt. Trueblood! I am getting near the closing point of my second attempt - this time a nice blend of brown alpaca with black sheep's wool - has a nice feel too, and without the itch!