Ciorstan MacAmhlaidh
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 THL Ciorstan | ||||||||||
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 Quarterly sable and argent, a square weaver's tablet lozengewise counterchanged | ||||||||||
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THL Ciorstan MacAmhlaidh was active in Caid for 31 years. She started out in Dreiburgen, and was part of Lyondemere since 1979.
Lady Ciorstan was known for her work in 16th Century English and Scottish culture, singing and playing instruments such as the guitar and dulcimer, and her extensive knowledge in textile arts whether woven or knitted items.
Ciorstan passed away on March 10, 2025, at 4:57 pm.
Offices & Positions
Arts & Sciences Champion, Barony of Lyondemere, 2021
Documentation for project submitted in 2021: https://caidwiki.org/index.php?title=File:Handstitchedshirt.pdf
Classes Taught
- Basic Calligraphy, Scribe's Studies Collegium 1980
- The Science of Spinning, Collegium Caidis Spring 2002
- Handwoven Glittery Trim: Brocaded Tablet Weaving - Master Class, Collegium Caidis Fall 2002
- Cooking At The War, co-teacher Collegium Caidis Fall 2005
- Tablet Weaving-Brocading, Collegium Caidis Fall 2005
- Master Class: Cutting The Custom Venetian Bodice, Collegium Caidis Fall 2008
- Extant Knitted items, Collegium Caidis Fall 2008 taught with Mariam Albarran
- To Cover Thy Head- Women's Headgear of the First Half of the 16th Century, Collegium Caidis 2010 taught with Mary Taran of Glastonbury
- Beginning Bobbin Lace Study Group, via Zoom, April-May 2021
Projects & Publications
Articles
Tournaments Illuminated, Issue #83, Summer 1987: "Queen Jane’s Cuffs”
Tournaments Illuminated, Issue #87, Summer 1988: “A Payre of Bodys: Tudor Corsets”
Ars Caidis, Culinary Arts, edited by Duchess Natalya de Foix, November AS XL (2005): "A Modest Little Banquet" (later used as the handout for the Collegium class "Cooking at the War"
Death
This is a memorial post, written by Karen's daughter, Kirstin Williams. (Ciorstan) had been battling an aggressive cancer that found its way from breast cancer to her bones and to her organs, eventually finding its way to her frontal lobe and to her liver, causing confusion, fatigue and distress, and difficult symptoms of liver failure. She was taken care of by her family and by her medical team as best as they could. She conveyed being okay with passing away after living a good life, asking not to be mourned. On her last day, she slept peacefully in a warm nest as she put it. She was lucid after a good sleep, gave her last goodbyes and heard response messages read out to her with a smile, and her end only lasted a half an hour. It was quick, which is the most any of us can ask for.
Karen was a passionate artist, interested in historical recreations, reading, performing music, writing, calligraphy, making jewelry, drawing, participating in the SCA, and utterly destroying the Ur-Dragon in Dragon's Dogma, just to name a few. She was pragmatic, supportive, and a comforting presence to gravitate towards. She was a wonderful parent to her kids even when times were hard, and she left behind so many formative memories for her family and her close friends that became a part of who we are. She will never be forgotten, and she will be deeply, deeply missed.
Memories
We held a Bardic Circle in our home when Efenwealt Wystle came out to CA. Ciorstan MacAmhlaidh attended, along with Master Thorin, Braden the Minstrel, Master Charles of Dublin, and I believe Thomas Bordeaux as well. It was one of my favorite bardic moments. People brought out their best music - who'd guess, a bunch of bards all trying to outdo each other? 🙂 I believe that's the event I learned of Braden's "Nasty Man" which became a bit of a signature song for me beginning with his wake, and Thomas Bordeaux's "Lady in Darkness" which resulted in me getting mugged by the muse to produce "Lady of Darkness." Ciorstan passed along to me her notes on the dulcimer, which is one of the instruments I intend to pick up again once I retire from the military. Ciorstan will be missed; a shining light has gone out. I only hope that the flames she passed on inspired a greater light in the world from those she came into contact with. Fair winds, and following seas Ciorstan, as you sail across the Styx. May your afterlife be joyous, and your eternity full of peace. -Rathflaed DuNoir, The Black Bard of Meridies
Scrolls
| Image Preview | Award | Recipient |
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Award of Arms | Huette Aliza von und zu Ährens und Mechthildberg |
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Detail of Award of Arms | Huette Aliza von und zu Ährens und Mechthildberg |
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Award of Arms | Kyna Analisa Dunmore of Galloway |
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Award of Arms | Roberto Prospero de Ruyter Northkirk |
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Award of Arms | William Keybearer of Dragonwood |
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Award of Arms | William the Wanderer |
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County | Amsha al Sirhan |
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Court Barony | Natalya de Foix formerly Natalya Gregorovna |
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Duchy | Armand de Sevigny |
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Duchy | Martin the Temperate |
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Grant of Arms | Adelaide de Beaumont |
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Grant of Arms | Gabrielle nicChlurain |
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Leaf of Merit (West) | Duryn the Red |
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Leaf of Merit (West) | Guinevere de Bremble |
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Leaf of Merit (West) | Gwydioan am y-Gorlwyn |
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Pelican | Catriona nicChlurain |
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Pelican | Catriona nicChlurain |
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Viscountess | Neptha of Thebes |
