Levels of Expertise

As the member learns the art of knitting and how to apply the craft to various medievally inspired items, there are three ranks within the Guild that the member may wish to apply for. These ranks are designed to exemplify the level of skill that members of the Guild have attained through their study. These ranks are Apprentice, Journeyman and Master, known within this Guild as Wool, Cotton and Silk levels. Note: For all levels, physical as well as financial limits are taken in to consideration. If you have any questions or concerns about either of these, speak to the Guild Leader and they will work with you in order to accommodate these limitations. The qualifications and application process for these ranks are as follows:


Member:

Have an interest in knitting as it pertains to the medieval lifestyle, and submit an application to the Guild Leader.


Wool/Apprentice:


  • Knitting

Knit at least three medieval inspired objects and be able to explain the differences in what you did, and what would have been done in Period (pre-17th century). Use the EZdoc, documentation form for each item to help organize your thoughts. The use of natural fibers/materials is in no way required for this level, but is encouraged.


  • Research

Write two, five-hundred word essays, on any aspect of medieval knitting. (One is encouraged to be what you love about medieval knitting) Documentation, class handouts, blog posts, can count towards this requirement. Verbal/interview options are available to those who need them on a case-by-case basis. See Guild Leader.


  • Education

Attend or teach at least three classes on medieval fiber arts, one class must be on knitting.


  • Display/Compete ( Include a guild tent card with your display, see guild leader)

Display or compete in at least three different events, documentation required, EZ docs is alright.


  • Contribute

Make and donate three items for a Kingdom or Baronial gift basket. (they may all be for the same basket)


Cotton/Journeyman (Must be Wool/Apprentice rank for at least 6 months):


  • Knitting (make six different items for this level, a knit item may only qualify towards one of the following categories). For each item, please attach a tag stating which number/category that your item falls into. All items must be at least 11 stitches per inch and must include documentation.

  1. One item on double pointed needles

  2. One purse utilizing a period technique. May be stranded colorwork, fulling, naalbinding. Must be at least 4x6 in size

  3. Knit an item in wool, must be at least 4x6 in size.

  4. Knit an item in cotton, must be at least 4x6 in size.

  5. Knit an item in silk, must be at least 4x6 in size.

  6. Knit an item to be worn on your hands. May only make one if desired

  7. Knit an item to be worn on the head utilizing any Period technique (colorwork, fulling, ect)

  8. Knit a blue and white sock/stocking in a medieval fashion OR Knit two heel samples and two toe samples. One heel must be a square heel with 3-needle bind off, and one toe must be a round/star toe with a drawn finish.

  9. Knit an item using stranded colorwork. Must be at least 4x6 in size.


  • Research

Five (5), five-hundred+ word essays (these may be documentation for your six knit items). One must be submitted for a newsletter. One may be from your Wool level Research submission, and verbal/interview options available at the Guild Leader's discretion.


  • Education

You must take and/or teach six classes on medieval fiber arts. You must teach at least one class on some aspect of medieval knitting. (Event name or gathering, name of class, number of attendants, and date)


  • Display/Compete (Include a guild tent card with your display, see guild leader.)

Six more entries, either competition or display (must be at three different events), Documentation required. At least one must be at Kingdom Arts and Sciences Festival. You may send your entry/display to KASF with someone else if distance/funds/ect are an issue.


  • Contribute

Make at least six more items for gift baskets, at least two must be for a Kingdom gift basket. (At least 3 different gift baskets)



Silk/Master (Must be Cotton/Journeyman rank for at least a year):


You must complete a "masterwork" project approved by, and tailored for you, by a group of 3 Silk level members (if available), one of which being the Guild leader. Documentation required.