Tafl, embroidery, and Persona Pentathlon

I'm more than halfway done with the rows (or is it columns?) of the tafl board. I'd been making stitches about 1/2" long, then tried some smaller ones about 1/4" long. At first, I was convinced that these smaller stitches were immensely superior in appearance; now I'm not so sure. I admit I'm in a bit of a hurry - I'm trying to get this done before maternity leave is over.

I'm considering getting an entry together for Persona Pentathlon (a 9th or 10th cen. Anglo-Saxon lady), to send ahead if I can't go myself (baby and all). I kind of need a nursing gown, so that might be the needle arts category. Otherwise, I've been wanting to try a brocaded tablet-woven band, now that I have the instructions for it. Then, under domestic crafts, I've got this tafl board. The other entries would be courtly arts, mostly my poetry and music (maybe even a couple of things I have already finished, to ease the time pressure), but maybe the heraldic banner I've been wanting to make forever.

Christmas Presents

I've been making some nice jewelry for myself and for presents recently. And it just occurred to me that hey, I should take pictures of the stuff I'm making.

( Picture cut )

Tafl charity

Dear Spouse: I saw your posts on the tafl thing on your LJ. I had no idea it was so involved.

Me: I told you, I tell the LJ about it to spare you the details.

Dear Spouse: I didn't know the embroidery was so... fraught.