Trousseau For Carmel - What To Bring - Suggestions Welcome!

[OnlySunshine]

[quote name='MissScripture' timestamp='1319420720' post='2325959']
What is blackwork? I cross stitch, sew and crochet. I've attempted knitting, but have yet to get the hang of it. But, I've also only been working on that using books. For some reason my grandma will not teach me to knit, though she does both and taught me to crochet (and she taught my sister to knit and crochet).
[/quote]

Apparently, it's some kind of [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackwork_Embroidery"]embroidery[/url] according to Google.

[img]http://www.needlepoint.org/Archives/Blackwork/black-7.gif[/img]

[mme_hardy]

Done properly (which is to say anal-retentively *g*) traditional blackwork looks the same on both sides. However, modern blackwork uses different fills (as shown in the above picture) to achieve different shades of dark and light. You see how some of the closer fill patterns look darker? Both historically and in modern times, "blackwork" has often included both red and metallic gold. [/handwork geek]

[LaPetiteSoeur]

[quote name='mme_hardy' timestamp='1319475632' post='2326263']
Done properly (which is to say anal-retentively *g*) traditional blackwork looks the same on both sides. However, modern blackwork uses different fills (as shown in the above picture) to achieve different shades of dark and light. You see how some of the closer fill patterns look darker? Both historically and in modern times, "blackwork" has often included both red and metallic gold. [/handwork geek]
[/quote]

Goodness! I don't think I'd be able to tell the colors apart if they were mostly black, greys, and whites. I have trouble enough distinguishing among "light blue," "sky blue," and "sea blue!"

[brandelynmarie]

Me too!

[mme_hardy]

Well, the thing is, it's usually monocolor. All you have is a big ol' skein of (say) black and you do all your stitching in black on white. You just get the illusion of dark grays by stitching closer together, and of lighter grays by stitching farther apart. It's a little hard to tell from that scan, but all the work is black on white. [url="http://blackworkarchives.com/gallery/index.html"]Historical-reproduction blackwork[/url]; [url="http://www.needlenthread.com/types-of-hand-embroidery/blackwork"]modern blackwork[/url]. By the way, needlenthread is a FANTASTIC resource for embroidery technique. High-level stuff, and she does a lot of church work: palls, fair linens, and so on.

[CatherineM]

Okay, jumping in and to answer to the OP, I have knowledge about flashlights, knives and watches. First flashlights. Cranks are great, but they can be quite noisy. Don't know if that will be a problem or not. My favorite flashlight is a Fenix E05. It takes just one AAA battery, is just slightly larger than the battery in total, and is so bright that you will think it is a cop's flashlight or laser beam. I often read in bed with it tucked under my ear. The cheapest place to get one is: [url="http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Fenix-E05-Cree-XP-E-R2-27-Lumen-AAA-Battery-Waterproof-LED-Flashlight-Black-/190584699531?pt=US_Flashlights&hash=item2c5fbbba8b"]http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Fenix-E05-Cree-XP-E-R2-27-Lumen-AAA-Battery-Waterproof-LED-Flashlight-Black-/190584699531?pt=US_Flashlights&hash=item2c5fbbba8b[/url]

As to knives, my two favorites are the Victorinox mini champ or the executive. [img]http://thumbs4.ebaystatic.com/m/mqHjMnikS5DAst12jUGiC5A/140.jpg[/img][img]http://thumbs1.ebaystatic.com/m/m83wnp_Igm7T7XOpoAEXz_Q/140.jpg[/img]I find the scissors work as well as any expensive cuticle scissors, and both have nice nail files. The mini has a cuticle pusher and the executive has this great orange peeler with a serrated edge that I use for lots of stuff. The screwdrivers on both are small enough to use on eye glasses too.

I collect watches. Almost all are Casio Baby-G's. They are indestructible. I've never cared for the solar models because most of the time when I'm outside my watch is under a coat sleeve. I've made watch fobs for them so you can carry one in a pocket or on a keychain or belt. The batteries last 3 years, and they are shock and water proof. I'd be happy to send you one for your trusseau, and give you a lifetime of free battery changes. I could even do one up in colors to match your habit.

As to winter clothing, as someone who lives just south of the north pole, all I can say is that you get what you pay for. I wear Columbia hats with rabbit fur. No one seems to complain about people wearing real fur here. It's too cold for Vegans here. I like wearing liner gloves most of the time, and when it's really cold, I add down mittens made of goretex. Goretex is a Godsend. Merino wool is great because it is soft, and warm, and keeps warm even when a bit wet. There are some really great long johns out now out of fabric that breaths and is super warm while quite thin.

[brandelynmarie]

*Taking notes for possible future reference*

[Aya Sophia]

CatherineM, sweet of you to post on topic .... Had thought of starting a new thread sans pirates and with "trousseau" spelled correctly... Since we're here however:

Victorinox Swiss knife - trying to imagine Angel's and Prioress' take on such an object as they're perusing my belongings. Instinctively thinking it would be contraband but perhaps, if not permitted in cell, it could be kept in a workshop or some other approp place.

Liner gloves - I had these years ago for skiing and had thought about getting them again - where would you get them? Sports outfitters?

Merino wool - what kinds of things are made (besides socks) of Merino wool that would be practical for the monastery?

[the171]

[quote name='Aya Sophia' timestamp='1319502682' post='2326602']
CatherineM, sweet of you to post on topic .... Had thought of starting a new thread sans pirates and with "trousseau" spelled correctly... Since we're here however:

Victorinox Swiss knife - trying to imagine Angel's and Prioress' take on such an object as they're perusing my belongings. Instinctively thinking it would be contraband but perhaps, if not permitted in cell, it could be kept in a workshop or some other approp place.

Liner gloves - I had these years ago for skiing and had thought about getting them again - where would you get them? Sports outfitters?

Merino wool - what kinds of things are made (besides socks) of Merino wool that would be practical for the monastery?
[/quote]

I apologize

[Aya Sophia]

Nay problem! Some of my best friends are pirates! ... and vikings ... and trolls

[HopefulBride]

[quote name='CatherineM' timestamp='1319500660' post='2326541']
Okay, jumping in and to answer to the OP, I have knowledge about flashlights, knives and watches. First flashlights. Cranks are great, but they can be quite noisy. Don't know if that will be a problem or not. My favorite flashlight is a Fenix E05. It takes just one AAA battery, is just slightly larger than the battery in total, and is so bright that you will think it is a cop's flashlight or laser beam. I often read in bed with it tucked under my ear. The cheapest place to get one is: [url="http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Fenix-E05-Cree-XP-E-R2-27-Lumen-AAA-Battery-Waterproof-LED-Flashlight-Black-/190584699531?pt=US_Flashlights&hash=item2c5fbbba8b"]http://www.ebay.ca/i...=item2c5fbbba8b[/url]

As to knives, my two favorites are the Victorinox mini champ or the executive. [img]http://thumbs4.ebaystatic.com/m/mqHjMnikS5DAst12jUGiC5A/140.jpg[/img][img]http://thumbs1.ebaystatic.com/m/m83wnp_Igm7T7XOpoAEXz_Q/140.jpg[/img]I find the scissors work as well as any expensive cuticle scissors, and both have nice nail files. The mini has a cuticle pusher and the executive has this great orange peeler with a serrated edge that I use for lots of stuff. The screwdrivers on both are small enough to use on eye glasses too.

I collect watches. Almost all are Casio Baby-G's. They are indestructible. I've never cared for the solar models because most of the time when I'm outside my watch is under a coat sleeve. I've made watch fobs for them so you can carry one in a pocket or on a keychain or belt. The batteries last 3 years, and they are shock and water proof. I'd be happy to send you one for your trusseau, and give you a lifetime of free battery changes. I could even do one up in colors to match your habit.

As to winter clothing, as someone who lives just south of the north pole, all I can say is that you get what you pay for. I wear Columbia hats with rabbit fur. No one seems to complain about people wearing real fur here. It's too cold for Vegans here. I like wearing liner gloves most of the time, and when it's really cold, I add down mittens made of goretex. Goretex is a Godsend. Merino wool is great because it is soft, and warm, and keeps warm even when a bit wet. There are some really great long johns out now out of fabric that breaths and is super warm while quite thin.
[/quote]

Definitely taking notes for future reference. I might be asking you bout this when the time comes.

Edited October 25, 2011 by HopefulBride

[CatherineM]

I'm willing to send anyone a watch who goes off to the convent. I buy sacks of them for parts and rehab them. My favorite form of recycling.

Merino is used for coats, sweaters, long johns, socks, stocking hats, even some dresses.

The Victorinox mini-champ is only 2.3 inches long. You could hide it in a sock. It even has a small ball point pen that pops out of the end.

[Strictlyinkblot]

Alternatively if you want to wait until you come to the UK, the shop chain Argos are currently selling Maglite pen torches, two for 13 euros (about £10 I think). I use them when I'm on night duty. They're great torches and very very light. They use one AAA battery (the price includes a small case for each torch with a battery and a small cord to hang it on).

[CatherineM]

I'd also recommend a fisher space pen. It's great to write with while lying in bed.

Something that I use almost daily in winter is a Zippo hand warmer. It works off regular lighter fluid, but by catalyzation, so no flame, just radiant heat. Stays real warm for 12 hours. Easy to use. I put it under my waist band at school, and it works like a heating pad. [url="http://www.amazon.com/Zippo-Hand-Warmer-Black-40285/dp/B005P163YQ"]http://www.amazon.com/Zippo-Hand-Warmer-Black-40285/dp/B005P163YQ[/url]

I'd also recommend something to use on your feet. Cold feet can be dry feet, and keeping them filed down will keep them from cracking.

I also never go anywhere without silicon ear plugs and eye covers. Not just good for sleeping, but for shutting out all noise for meditative prayer.

As to shoes, I'd get a pair of Merrel Jungle Mocs [img]http://www.zappos.com/images/z/7/3/4/734118-p-LARGE_SEARCH.jpg[/img]ECCO Sky Tie[img]http://a1.zassets.com/images/z/1/2/7/1279068-p-DETAILED.jpg[/img]
Brooks Synergy[img]http://a1.zassets.com/images/z/1/4/3/1439853-p-DETAILED.jpg[/img]Rockport World Tour[img]http://a2.zassets.com/images/z/1/3/4/1342401-p-DETAILED.jpg[/img]

These are the ones that our 4 foot tall Filipino nun wears with her habit in winter. [img]http://a2.zassets.com/images/w/wHarleyD7/23510-d.jpg[/img]

Of course, there's always the leather Chuck Taylors. [img]http://a2.zassets.com/images/720/7208972/6219-208823-d.jpg[/img]

[the171]

[quote name='CatherineM' timestamp='1319511158' post='2326699']
I'd also recommend a fisher space pen. It's great to write with while lying in bed.

Something that I use almost daily in winter is a Zippo hand warmer. It works off regular lighter fluid, but by catalyzation, so no flame, just radiant heat. Stays real warm for 12 hours. Easy to use. I put it under my waist band at school, and it works like a heating pad. [url="http://www.amazon.com/Zippo-Hand-Warmer-Black-40285/dp/B005P163YQ"]http://www.amazon.co...5/dp/B005P163YQ[/url]

I'd also recommend something to use on your feet. Cold feet can be dry feet, and keeping them filed down will keep them from cracking.

I also never go anywhere without silicon ear plugs and eye covers. Not just good for sleeping, but for shutting out all noise for meditative prayer.

As to shoes, I'd get a pair of Merrel Jungle Mocs [img]http://www.zappos.com/images/z/7/3/4/734118-p-LARGE_SEARCH.jpg[/img]ECCO Sky Tie[img]http://a1.zassets.com/images/z/1/2/7/1279068-p-DETAILED.jpg[/img]
Brooks Synergy[img]http://a1.zassets.com/images/z/1/4/3/1439853-p-DETAILED.jpg[/img]Rockport World Tour[img]http://a2.zassets.com/images/z/1/3/4/1342401-p-DETAILED.jpg[/img]

These are the ones that our 4 foot tall Filipino nun wears with her habit in winter. [img]http://a2.zassets.com/images/w/wHarleyD7/23510-d.jpg[/img]

Of course, there's always the leather Chuck Taylors. [img]http://a2.zassets.com/images/720/7208972/6219-208823-d.jpg[/img]
[/quote]

The newest postulant at Laffy Carm had some patchwork ripped up black chucks. xD
I love that chica