The Honorable Lady Rannveig Hraejshvelgsneys Alfvinsdottir
MKA Renee C. Schmutz-Sowards
Email: rschmutzsowards@gmail.com
Blog: anythingicanmake.com
Facebook: Renee Schmutz
Persona:
- Technically Viking, BUT…I chose my name and persona when I was a 14 year old tomboy that wanted to wear pants. Pretty soon after that I started sewing and found my passion in studying and recreating the multitude of historical garments that fall within our time period. So while I identify as Viking, you are just as likely to see me in anything from Pharaonic Egyptian garb, to late Italian court gowns, to men’s Elizabethan, to Ottoman or Mongol. My eventual goal and dream is to have one perfectly period head to toe outfit for every time period and culture that catches my interest.
Time in the SCA:
- Active since 1996/ Anno Societatis 30
Affiliations:
- Formerly of the Middle Kingdom
- Active member of the Canton of Gleann Iaruinn and Shire of Drakelaw (both now defunct)
- Citizen of the Kingdom of Aethelmearc
- Active member of the Barony of Blackstone Mountain and the Shire of Port Oasis
- Household member of the Peacemakers
SCA Awards:
- Awarded Arms at the Court of Rurik and Angelik, Wickerman Festival, A.S 39 (10/23/04)
- Made Companion of the Sycamore at the Court of Rurik and Angelik, Wickerman Festival, A.S.39 (10/23/04)
- Made Companion of the Anvil Rose (also called the Sable Anvil), Blackstone Mtn. A&S award, at that same court. However the baronial court reports from that event have yet to be registered. (10/23/04)
- Sable Anvil read into court, Blackstone Raids 2022
- Made Companion of the Golden Mirror at the Court of Gareth and Julianna , Blackstone Mountain fight practice A.S. 56 (02/19/2022)
- Made Companion of the Order of the Keystone at the Court of Their Majesties Byron and Ariella at Their Spring Crown Tournament in the Barony of Blackstone Mountain A.S. 57 (05/7/2022)
- Made Companion of the Fleur d’Aethelmearc at the court of Their Majesties Andreas Morgan and Kallista Morgunova at Blackstone Raids A.S. 57 (04/2023)
- Made Companion of the Millrind at the court of Their Majesties Andreas Morgan and Kallista Morgunova at Pennsic War A.S. 58 (08/08/2023)
- Given a Sigil of Aethelmearc at the final court of Their Majesties Andreas Morgan and Kallista Morgunova at the Coronation of Gareth Kincaid and Juliana Delamere A.S. 58 (09/16/2023)
- Given a Sigil of Aethelmearc at the final court of Their Majesties Murdoch and Ríoghnach at the Coronation of Bjarki and Gabrielle A.S. 59 (09/21/2024)
Other notable court-related moments:
- Petitioned the Crowns for, and was granted, Citizenship of Aethelmearc by Their Majesties Rurik and Elspeth, Tournament of the White Hart, A.S. 37 (2/22/03)
- Granted special dispensation allowing my Lord Hrafn Inn Traustii to compete in Crown Tournament with me as his consort, A.S. 40
- I was, and am again, classified as an Unlanded Citizen of Aethelmearc, meaning I am part of the kingdom despite living outside its borders.
- Blackstone Mtn. Baronial Archery Champion to Their Excellencies Tomas and Rowan.
- At the 7 Pearls Archery Competition that year I came in 2nd place to the highest ranked archer in the kingdom at that time.
- Blackstone Mtn. Baronial Arts and Sciences Champion to Their Excellencies Kire and Katharine, A.S. 40
- Blackstone Mtn. Baronial Arts and Sciences Champion to Their Excellencies Cunneda and Peg, A.S. 57
- Declared Baronial Seamstress for Their Excellency’s Cunedda and Peg at Blackstone Raids 2022
- Blackstone Mtn. Baronial Arts and Sciences Champion to Their Excellencies Cunneda and Peg, A.S. 58
- Founding Member and first Keeper of the Royal Wardrobe of the Aethelmearc Clothiers Guild which was granted Royal Charter at the court of Their Majesties Andreas Morgan and Kallista Morgunova at Pennsic War A.S. 58 (08/08/2023)
Additional SCA involvement and interests, Arts and Sciences:
- Teaching
- I have taught multiple traditional format classes at Blackstone Raids, with focuses primarily on basic sewing and garment construction.I have contributed thousands more hours to teaching in less traditional but more hands on formats such as at Sewing Retreats, organized group sewing days/stitch n bitches, and Scholas, as well as working one on one with individuals out of my home workshop. I tend to prefer this type of environment, since most of what I teach is best learned by doing. It also allows me to answer more specific questions as well as tailor my teaching methods to best help individual students.
- Classes have ranged from basic pattern drafting and garment construction, to more detailed fitting methods, hand sewing, machine sewing, embroidery, basic block printing, understanding fabrics in both modern and historic contexts, as well as fashion timelines and evolution.
- In September of 2022 I began the blog anythingicanmake.com, to give me one place to have all my research and documentation as well as any tutorials and patterns, and hopefully make it easier to share with and encourage others in the Arts and Sciences.
- I have taught multiple traditional format classes at Blackstone Raids, with focuses primarily on basic sewing and garment construction.I have contributed thousands more hours to teaching in less traditional but more hands on formats such as at Sewing Retreats, organized group sewing days/stitch n bitches, and Scholas, as well as working one on one with individuals out of my home workshop. I tend to prefer this type of environment, since most of what I teach is best learned by doing. It also allows me to answer more specific questions as well as tailor my teaching methods to best help individual students.
- Competition
- I have taken part in over 30 A&S competitions over the years, competing at a variety of levels and across two kingdoms.
- Blackstone Mtn. Baronial Arts and Sciences Champion to Their Excellencies Kire and Katharine, A.S. 40, & represented Their Excellencies at the Severn Pearls A & S Competition that year.
- Blackstone Mtn. Baronial Arts and Sciences Champion to Their Excellencies Cunneda and Peg, A.S. 57, & represented Their Excellencies at the Severn Pearls A & S Competition that year.
- Blackstone Mtn. Baronial Arts and Sciences Champion to Their Excellencies Cunneda and Peg, A.S. 58, & represented Their Excellencies at the Severn Pearls A & S Competition that year.
- I have taken part in over 30 A&S competitions over the years, competing at a variety of levels and across two kingdoms.
- I have organized several A&S competitions at both Blackstone Raids and White Hart.
- I have been asked to judge at several A&S competitions, particularly those with entries focused on sewing and/or embroidery.
- Royal Wardrobe Projects and Vigil/Elevation Projects
- I was part of the team of seamstress’s tasked with making period outfits for Their Majesties Of Aethelmearc King Gareth and Queen Juliana, my contribution being an entirely hand sewn and hand embroidered Slavic headpiece for Her Majesty, worked all over in gold thread and pearls.
- Was part of the Royal Wardrobe Project team tasked with making period outfits for Their Majesties Of Aethelmearc Arnthor inn Sterki AND Ceirech na Hinnsi, my contribution being a set of velvet and fur Russian hats featuring pearl and gold embroidery work and designed to be compatible with the Crowns of Aethelmearc.
- Was a part of a small but mighty Royal Wardrobe Team of seamstresses tasked with creating multiple outfits for Their Majesties Andreas Morgan and Kallista Morgunova. My contributions included helping with the initial project plans and project timelines. Garment wise I :
- created a selection of headwear options for Her Majesty to choose from for Their Coronation ( the challenge was finding a solution that would stay secure on Her Majestys silky hair even during the crowning, so I sent options), including a cloth of gold hair net, a silk and cotton hair net, false braids, and custom hand out with pictures explaining different ways to wear the pieces together or individually.
- I block printed silk fabric that was used as custom trim throughout the wardrobe, crafted a wool tunic for His Majesty featuring that silk trim, a matching gown for Her Majesty, a coordinating coat for Her Majesty and two wool Viking hood featuring additional block printed designs and hand lucet cord ties and trim.
- Additional I assisted my fellow seamstresses with Their Majesties Court Clothes for Pennsic 50, including construction of a silk cotehardie for His Majesty’s, as well as on site fittings and finishing work at Pennsic.
- Was part of a Royal Wardrobe Project Team tasked with creating a set of fine clothes for Their Majesties Gareth Kincaid AND Juliana Delamere to wear at Kingdom Twelfth Night. My contribution was a silk and fur Polish Kolpak (type of hat) designed and structured to be worn with the Crown of AEthelmearc (it was SUCH a great feeling when the crown fit right over it just perfectly!)
- Have contributed to multiple Elevation Outfit Projects, including hats, embroideries, and most notably, organizing, planning, and constructing a complete “day-of” Roman Wardrobe covering both Vigil and Elevation, including Cloak (featuring appliqued and embroidered pelican by Anastasie DeLamoure ) and Cap of Maintenance for His Excellency Cunedda Kell.
- Organized, planned, and constructed complete “day-of” wardrobe for Her Excellency Mistress Alana of the Horseclans (Peg) vigil and elevation into Order of the Pelican, including Egyptian inspired vigil gown, 12th centaury inspired under gown, over gown, and over-tunic for court, printed and beaded veil and two cap styles, and a silk mantel featuring appliqued and embroidered pelican by Anastasie DeLamoure.
- Made Turkish inspired vigil outfit featuring baggy trousers (şalvar), linen entari and coordinating sash, as well as an optional short fitted vest and loose fitting long over vest made of gilded linen. (the idea was an easy to wear capsule wardrobe that was Pennsic friendly and could be dressed up or down as needed) and Cap of Maintenance made of custom dyed and wet-shaped wool felt and real ermine trim for Mistress Erzebet Fauconneaus elevation into the Order of the Pelican, as well as alterations and general “gussy-ing up” of purchased silk coat including adding appliqued and embroidered pelican by Anastasie DeLamoure
- General Interests
- Sewing and clothing construction is the big one. I love sewing, and I love teaching people to sew and seeing people feel great in what they are wearing.
- I have made and given away as gifts, prizes, donations, gold key, and largesse somewhere upwards of 150 items of clothing, ranging from hats and gloves to entire outfits.I ran a merchant booth for several years where I specialized in men’s big and tall garb, and children’s clothing.These two things combined made for a unique experience one Pennsic, when I was sitting in food court and realized that a significant portion of the people around me at that moment were wearing items I had made.
- Headwear and hats
- Sewing and clothing construction is the big one. I love sewing, and I love teaching people to sew and seeing people feel great in what they are wearing.
Additional SCA involvement and interests, Service:
- Cooking/Food Service
- Cooked lunch for 75 at age 15 for a Mid-Realm event (the first Cecilia’s Revenge?)in the Canton of Gleann Iaruinn (now defunct)Feast Liaison for Winter Rose 1 at Greenbo State Resort , Shire of Drakes Law (now defunct), MidrealmFeast Liaison for Cecilia’s Revenge at Ravenswood Castle , Shire of Drakes Law (now defunct), MidrealmAssisted with running a “Tavern” style food merchant booth to raise funds for Incipient Shire of Drakes Law (now defunct), MidrealmAssisted in kitchen for two (at least?) Festival of the Wickerman events , Barony of Blackstone Mountain, Aethelmearc
- One included stepping in to unexpectedly finish butchering and prepping three-quarters of a deer by hand after the processers shop lost power.
- This event was canceled the day before due to extreme flooding and ice storms (yes, both). However, between cooking and freezing what I was able and re-selling what could not be preserved I was able to keep total food loss to zero and budget loss to under $15.
- We hosted this event specifically to use the food stuffs I was able to preserve and recoup losses from the canceled White Hart a few months prior. We had an extremely low feast budget, but I was able to use what I had been able to save creatively to create a fulfilling lunch and feast, successfully generating enough of a profit to help recover from the canceled event.
- Due to the isolated nature of this event sight ( literally in the middle of a state forest) my kitchen provided multiple meals including breakfasts, lunches, snacks to go out to the martial activities, and staff meals as well as the formal sit down feast.
- Again, due to the isolated nature of this event sight ( literally in the middle of a state forest) my kitchen provided multiple meals including breakfasts, lunches, snacks to go out to the martial activities, and staff meals as well as the formal sit down feast.
- Helped in general meal prep for three days of staff meals including breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and fighter foods.
- Dedicated volunteer server at almost every event attended between the ages of 14 thru 22. ( I still really enjoy it, but most the time these days I’m already busy in the kitchen or elsewhere)
- Cooked lunch for 75 at age 15 for a Mid-Realm event (the first Cecilia’s Revenge?)in the Canton of Gleann Iaruinn (now defunct)Feast Liaison for Winter Rose 1 at Greenbo State Resort , Shire of Drakes Law (now defunct), MidrealmFeast Liaison for Cecilia’s Revenge at Ravenswood Castle , Shire of Drakes Law (now defunct), MidrealmAssisted with running a “Tavern” style food merchant booth to raise funds for Incipient Shire of Drakes Law (now defunct), MidrealmAssisted in kitchen for two (at least?) Festival of the Wickerman events , Barony of Blackstone Mountain, Aethelmearc
- Other Service
- Co-Autocrat Blackstone Raids, Barony of Blackstone Mtn, Aethelmearc ,early 2000’s
- On Black Stone Raid staff in some capacity most years since 2001
- I intentionally took one year off from staff. That year I ended up stepping in and working troll for multiple shifts with a total of 42 hours spent at troll during that event.
- Have assisted in rebuilding, revamping, and creating new regalia and loaner garb for Barony of Blackstone Mtn multiple times over the years.
- Created wording for multiple baronial award scrolls during reign of Tomas and Rowan
- Blackstone Mtn Baronial retainer for multiple reigns.
- Dedicated Pennsic Water Bearer from the age of 14 to 23ish. (still enjoy it when able, but often my time is already taken elsewhere, or I’m fighting)
- I was part of the team of seamstress’s tasked with making period outfits for Their Majesties Of Aethelmearc King Gareth and Queen Juliana, my contribution being an entirely hand sewn and hand embroidered Slavic headpiece for Her Majesty, worked all over in gold thread and pearls.
- Was part of the Royal Wardrobe Project team tasked with making period outfits for Their Majesties Of Aethelmearc Arnthor inn Sterki AND Ceirech na Hinnsi, my contribution being a set of velvet and fur Russian hats featuring pearl and gold embroidery work and designed to be compatible with the Crowns of Aethelmearc.
- Was a part of a small but mighty Royal Wardrobe Team of seamstresses tasked with creating multiple outfits for Their Majesties Andreas Morgan and Kallista Morgunova. My contributions included helping with the initial project plans and project timelines. Garment wise I :
- created a selection of headwear options for Her Majesty to choose from for Their Coronation ( the challenge was finding a solution that would stay secure on Her Majestys silky hair even during the crowning, so I sent options), including a cloth of gold hair net, a silk and cotton hair net, false braids, and custom hand out with pictures explaining different ways to wear the pieces together or individually.
- I block printed silk fabric that was used as custom trim throughout the wardrobe, crafted a wool tunic for His Majesty featuring that silk trim, a matching gown for Her Majesty, a coordinating coat for Her Majesty and two wool Viking hood featuring additional block printed designs and hand lucet cord ties and trim.
- Additional I assisted my fellow seamstresses with Their Majesties Court Clothes for Pennsic 50, including construction of a silk cotehardie for His Majesty’s, as well as on site fittings and finishing work at Pennsic.
- Was part of a Royal Wardrobe Project Team tasked with creating a set of fine clothes for Their Majesties Gareth Kincaid AND Juliana Delamere to wear at Kingdom Twelfth Night. My contribution was a silk and fur Polish Kolpak (type of hat) designed and structured to be worn with the Crown of AEthelmearc (it was SUCH a great feeling when the crown fit right over it just perfectly!)
- Have contributed to multiple Elevation Outfit Projects, including hats, embroideries, and most notably, organizing, planning, and constructing a complete “day-of” Roman Wardrobe covering both Vigil and Elevation, including Cloak and Cap of Maintenance for His Excellency Cunedda Kell.
Additional SCA involvement and interests, Educational and Outreach:
- Over the years I have actively been part of multiple programs related to medieval history and reenactments in conjunction with several different library systems over the years, spanning multiple age ranges and across the Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia region.
- Several of these programs have been part of library “Summer Reading Programs” and often involve multiple programs and events over the course of the summer, at several different branch locations throughout a library system.
- Assisted for several years with the Barony March of the Debatable Lands annual Father’s Day Demo at the Pittsburg Zoo, putting together displays on and discussing both historical fashions, and medieval crossbows.
- For a Demo with the Barony of Blackstone Mtn. I put together a walk through display featuring outfits from a variety of popular SCA time periods and cultures. (mid 2000’s)
- For that same Demo I also planned, organized, and hosted a “Historical Fashion Show” that was open to the public featuring a broad selection of accurate fashions from several time periods, cultures and social levels.
- After many years of good intentions, in September of 2022 I finally created a blog specially with the primary intention to share my A&S projects, research, and classes with a broader audience.
Additional SCA involvement and interests, Martial:
- Target Archery, Crossbow
- Blackstone Mtn. Baronial Archery Champion to Their Excellencies Tomas and Rowan.
- At the 7 Pearls Archery Competition that year I came in 2nd place to the highest ranked archer in the kingdom at that time.
- Blackstone Mtn. Baronial Archery Champion to Their Excellencies Tomas and Rowan.
- Combat Archery, Recurve
- Spear (coming soon)
Anything I Can Make 