Lady Ela

registered as Elenor de La Rochelle alias Ela
aka Ela de La Rochelle; Ela of Roxbury Mill

Shire of Roxbury Mill, Kingdom of Atlantia
Member since June 2017

About Ela

Hi, I’m an educator, musician, artist, and general sheep enthusiast with a PhD in Medieval Studies. Finding myself on an enjoyable alt-ac career path, I decided to join the SCA to keep my hand in the medieval game without the pressure of publish-or-perish.
 
Through reenactment/recreation, I can explore the material cultures from my doctoral work hands-on, which nicely complements my years of amateur interest in knitting, fiber arts, and folk dance. Because of this, I have expanded out of my doctoral niche into areas that I touched upon along the way as well as new areas. This site tracks my varied pursuits.
 
In the SCA, I’m known as Ela; outside, I’m Elysse, and I also have a blog and gallery for my non-medieval and anachronistic fiber art.
 

Periods & Regions

I focus on three areas of research:

500-1100 in England and Scotland, with a particular interest in Northumbria and its interactions with Gododdin, Rheged, and other neighbors.

1350-1425 in France, England, and Scotland, with a particular interest in literature and clothing.

1450-1600 in the Ottoman Empire. This is the area that I am currently least knowledgeable in.

In all of the areas that I study, I am particularly interested in cultural exchange and connections. The diversity of the Middle Ages–ethnic, linguistic, cultural, and otherwise–are what make it such a compelling period. ᚠᚢᚳ ᚾᚪᛏᛋᛁᛋ.

Subjects of Interest

My interests are myriad! Here is a sampling:

Fiber arts, especially the wool industry and transforming fleeces into finished items. I am interested in spinning, natural dyeing, and weaving, especially unbalanced weaves such as tapestry, inkle, and tablet. I also adore handsewing.

Music! I am learning the Germanic lyre and Ottoman music. I enjoy singing in multiple languages.

Translation, especially Old English, Middle English, and Middle French.

Literature and narrative poetry, especially Arthuriana.

Manuscripts and illumination.

Classes Taught

Hwaet saegst thu? An Introduction to Old English 
Pennsic — August 2019 — 22 participants

Historical Knitting (lecture) 
Shire of Roxbury Mill — January 2019 — 8 participants

Handsewing Review & Flat-Felling Seams
Shire of Roxbury Mill — September 2018 — 5 participants

Research 101 & Research 102 
Shire of Roxbury Mill — August 2018 — 7 participants
Pennsic — August 2018 

Introduction to Spindle Spinning
Shire of Roxbury Mill — June 2018 — 6 participants
Shire of Roxbury Mill — July 2017

Newcomer Garb the Period(ish) Way 
Shire of Roxbury Mill — May 2018 — 4 participants

Not included: moderated and facilitated discussions and open A&S once or twice a month at Roxbury Mill weekly practices from 2018 through present. Participants varied from 4 to 16.

Arts & Sciences Competitions

“Epona”-Inspired Competition
Battle on the Bay, Baronies of Lochmere and Storvik — September 2019

New-To-You Skills Competition
King’s Assessment, Barony of Black Diamond — June 2019

Poeta Atlantiae Competition
Ruby Joust, Barony of Caer Mear — May 2019
Received Silver Nautilus for entry

Revenge of the Stitch Competition — Roxbury Mill Team lead
Revenge of the Stitch, Shire of Spiaggia Levantina — April 2019

Pilgrim Bag Competition
Midwinters, Barony of Lochmere — January 2019
Second Place

Garb Runway Competition
Atlantian Twelfth Night — January 2019
Best Themed Garb (first solo garb competition)

Scroll Competition
Atlantian Twelfth Night — January 2019

Poetry Competition
Trial By Fire, Barony of Bright Hills — September 2018
First Place (first poetry competition)

Bardic Competition
Trial By Fire, Barony of Bright Hills — September 2018
First Place (first bardic competition)

Revenge of the Stitch Competition (Roxbury Mill Team member)
Revenge of the Stitch, Shire of Spiaggia Levantina — April 2018

Scroll Competition
Atlantian Twelfth Night — January 2018 
Best Beginner Scroll (first scribal competition; first A&S competition)

Service

Minister of Arts and Sciences
Shire of Roxbury Mill — May 2018 to Present 

A&S Coordinator, Competitions & Classes
Skewered! 2, Shire of Roxbury Mill — June 2019
Skewered!, Shire of Roxbury Mill — June 2018

Stage Manager, Middle Eastern & World Dance Expo
Pennsic — August 2018
Pennsic — August 2017

Other Arts & Sciences Participation

Osmanlı Mehter Takımı (Janissary Band) — A&S Display Coordinator and Kazan Bearer
Pennsic — August 2019

Field Trip to the Textile Museum — Coordinator
Atlantian Madrasa – Washington, D.C. — September 2018

Osmanlı Mehter Takımı (Janissary Band) — Kazan Bearer
Pennsic — August 2018

Awards & Honors

Onbaşı (Corporal) of the Osmanlı Mehter Takımı (Janissary Band)
September 2019

Order of the Opal (AoA-level Service Award)
Battle on the Bay, Baronies of Lochmere and Storvik — September 2019

Silver Nautilus (non-armigerous award for extraordinary achievement in A&S)
Ruby Joust, Barony of Caer Mear — May 2019

Order of the Coral Branch (AoA-level A&S Award)
Pennsic — August 2018

Fountain (non-armigerous award for acts of service)
Pennsic — August 2018
Presented by Dietrich II to all Atlantian waterbearers at Pennsic

Red Tassel (representing excellence in specific areas of knowledge)
Honor from the Atlantian Madrasa — October 2017