MEMBERSHIP
Membership of CROFT
is open to individuals and families that are
interested in learning about Celtic history and the Celtic lifestyle.
Members are
sponsored and supported in their individual interests whether it be
learning a craft or trade, or learning something in the artistic world
of the Celts.
Members of CROFT enjoy a range of skills and crafts which they demonstrate at events and faires. Members have an opportunity to sell their crafts at some of these events.
The Skills & Crafts pages give detailed information on some of the skills, crafts and trades enjoyed by CROFT members.
CROFT's current List of Skills & Crafts possibilities for members has over 75 suggested activities and the list is by no means exhaustive. Some of the more popular are:
Fibercrafts: spinning, weaving and dyeing; knitting, felting, rope and cord making; embroidery, netting and lace; sewing clothes, hats, purses and bags.
Metalworking: blacksmithing; bronze and silversmithing for jewelry and accessories; pewter and tin smithing; coin minting.
Leatherwork: skinning, tanning and dyeing; boots, shoes, belts and bags; stamping and carving leather.
Woodworking: wood turning; furniture: toys and games; spoon carving and other treen; building structures.
Weaponry: Bowyer; Fletcher; knife and sword smithing; targe and shield making; chain mail; gunsmithing.
Domestic: cooking and food preservation; costume and kilt folding; basketry and broom-making; glass, soap and candles; apothecary
Arts: painting and drawing; paper making; calligraphy; corndolly weaving; pottery; "seanachie" (story-teller); music and dance.
Men and Boys - Basic Pieces
Possible Costume additions: Celtic brooch; Hooded cape or cloak; "Brat", a large rectangular cloak (Irish); Arisaid, a plaid worn as a cloak (Scots woman).
Possible Accessories: Tools of the trade for demonstration; Utensils (bowl or plate, wooden spoon, ceramic/pewter tankard, period knife, and napkin);
Basket to carry tools and utensils; Plaid (4-6 feet of tartan wool-look fabric); Chair (in period or chair that can be covered with plaid); Cushions.
Ideals of the Organization
- Meeting others with an interest in socializing and discussing the ideals, trade crafts and lifestyles of the Celtic peoples from 400 BC until 1746 AD, with a strong interest in the Medieval and Renaissance time periods.
- Creating an atmosphere of heritage, culture, history and family.
- Belonging to an organization where members can learn, research, and recreate lost crafts.
- Because
we maintain the Celtic belief in the strength of our family, we
discourage the use of rude or vulgar language, degrading or disparaging
comments, any use of illegal drugs and use of alcohol at demonstrations.
Crafts and Trades
Members of CROFT enjoy a range of skills and crafts which they demonstrate at events and faires. Members have an opportunity to sell their crafts at some of these events.
The Skills & Crafts pages give detailed information on some of the skills, crafts and trades enjoyed by CROFT members.
CROFT's current List of Skills & Crafts possibilities for members has over 75 suggested activities and the list is by no means exhaustive. Some of the more popular are:
Fibercrafts: spinning, weaving and dyeing; knitting, felting, rope and cord making; embroidery, netting and lace; sewing clothes, hats, purses and bags.
Metalworking: blacksmithing; bronze and silversmithing for jewelry and accessories; pewter and tin smithing; coin minting.
Leatherwork: skinning, tanning and dyeing; boots, shoes, belts and bags; stamping and carving leather.
Woodworking: wood turning; furniture: toys and games; spoon carving and other treen; building structures.
Weaponry: Bowyer; Fletcher; knife and sword smithing; targe and shield making; chain mail; gunsmithing.
Domestic: cooking and food preservation; costume and kilt folding; basketry and broom-making; glass, soap and candles; apothecary
Arts: painting and drawing; paper making; calligraphy; corndolly weaving; pottery; "seanachie" (story-teller); music and dance.
Costume
To participate in CROFT events you will
need at least the basic costume. While
our
group covers the period from 400 BC to 1745 AD, the Group's
research suggests that 15th Century middle/merchant class Irish and Scottish
costume is the most
appropriate for events we attend; is fairly well documented; and is reasonably convenient and easiest to replicate.
Men and Boys - Basic Pieces
| Irish | Scots |
| Leine (bag sleeve shirt, knee to ankle length) Trews (trousers/pants). Cota/Ionar (short coat) if desired Leather shoes/Boots Head covering (Caubeen/Tam/straw hat) Belt & pouch | Leine (full-sleeved
shirt) Trews (trousers/pants) or Great Kilt Leather shoes/Boots (ghillies or pampooties) Head covering (Tam-bonnet/straw hat) Belt & pouch |
Women and Girls – Basic Pieces
| Irish | Scots |
| Leine (large sleeve shirt) "Bog" dress (patterned on dresses discovered in boggy ground in Ireland) Underskirt Leather shoes/boots Head covering (biggens/straw hat) Belt/Inkle strap & pouch | Chemise or Leine (loose sleeve blouse) Bodice and overskirt Underskirt Leather shoes/boots Head covering (biggens/straw hat) Belt/Inkle strap & pouch |
Possible Costume additions: Celtic brooch; Hooded cape or cloak; "Brat", a large rectangular cloak (Irish); Arisaid, a plaid worn as a cloak (Scots woman).
Possible Accessories: Tools of the trade for demonstration; Utensils (bowl or plate, wooden spoon, ceramic/pewter tankard, period knife, and napkin);
Basket to carry tools and utensils; Plaid (4-6 feet of tartan wool-look fabric); Chair (in period or chair that can be covered with plaid); Cushions.
For more details see Costume Basics
(PDF file)