Hands On History of the American Civil War, Monday, Period 2

[shiroi_tiger]

"We've given up on movies," Nathan announced, because before he even said hello to the class today, that seemed like something that was important to say right up front. "At least when it comes to Lincoln. This week, we're going to just talk. I'm sure you were all starting to miss our lectures, anyway."

Come on, Nathan. How could anybody miss your lectures when they had such quality entertainment to fill the void?

( Who doesn't enjoy our fine rambles? )

How To Shoot Straight, Monday

[suitably_heroic]

"Okay, either grab your bow from last week, or if you completely failed that class, you can grab one in the corner of the sim."

It was a mildly frazzled Atton showing up in class today, though if anyone accused him of being worried about his roommate, he'd just glare at them until they went away. Anyway, they were in a nice, forestal location in the middle of the Danger Shop, and there were bows, yes.

"So bows take a little more work and upper body strength than a gun, but it's good to know how to use them, in case we get dumped somewhere ass-backward again," Atton said. "Now, I want you to forget everything you've ever seen in movies. Those people don't know what they're doing."

He picked a bow up off the table. "You want to shoot one of these, like with a gun, the stance is important. Stand upright, keep your feet apart, and stay at a 90 degree angle from your target. Now put your hand on the grip and turn the bow horizontal, like so." He held it level with his chest. "Put the arrow on the rest. Look for the little shelf part, like here." He tapped it.

Then he tapped the back of the arrow. "When you string it, you make sure the nock of the arrow sticks between these two points. Bring her back around..." He turned the bow vertical. "...then put three fingers on the string while you get the arrow into position. One above the arrow, the other two beneath. Now, when you pull back, you wanna make sure you put your back into it, not your arm. Keep pulling until you can feel your finger up against your chin."

He pointed the arrow at the target up ahead. "Look down the arrow to see your target-- then let go. Gently."

The arrow whipped through the air. It didn't quite hit bullseye, but it was close.

"Now I'm not an idiot," he said, "So instead of hitting up the sim I set up for you, today, you get to practice first. Safeties are on. Pick a target and a partner. Help each other. That's it."

Library, Monday

[intotheout]

The song Tip had sung on Saturday had kickstarted a funky-indie-music-by-black-women binge that late on Sunday transformed into a black-woman-poets binge. Other than Maya Angelou, she hadn't really heard of any before. Which was terrible. She had a whole rant about ignoring the accomplishments of black women in public schools building, but it was going to have to wait until she finished reading the collected works of Audre Lorde.

Bill kept trying to get her attention on something the books were doing or weren't doing or -- something -- but Tip kept waving him away.

She was busy just now, okay?

[open!]

Home Ec, Tuesday, Period 1

[vdistinctive]

The classroom was set up with sewing machines again, as well as large bolts of fabric, rolls of paper, and a wide variety of measuring tools. There were a few dressing dummies scattered about as well, in various states of repair. Honestly, this being Fandom, Eliot was mostly just glad none of them had heads.

"We're sewing again today," he told the class, as though they couldn't have worked this out for themselves. "Specifically, you're gonna learn how to make some of your own patterns." He patted one of the big rolls of paper. "The easiest piece of clothing to make — other'n a toga — is a basic skirt, so that's what I'm askin' you all to do today. No matter what gender or lack of gender you adhere to. Anyone who really objects to making a skirt usin' their own measurements can give a try at making a kilt, but fair warning: that's way more complicated. There's pleats." He shook his head. "If you get done with your skirt really fast, you can give a go at a top or a dress, or go about trying to make yourself a basic block for full on pattern drafting, but I figure most of y'all will want to start out small."

He picked up a measuring tape. "These suckers are going to be based on your own measurements, so first thing's first: Pair up and measure each other. You can do this over any clothes you've got on, if you'd like, just be aware you're not gonna get the best fit. Anyone who wants a better fit and is shy, we've got some privacy curtains in the back, but I warn ya: measuring yourself can be awkward. You'll probably still want a friend to help you out.

"Once you've got that done, you can grab some paper, pick a skirt style, and start putting those measurements to use. The tutorial videos we've got use the metric scale. I got calculators if anyone needs 'em for any mathy bits. Once you've got your pattern together, you can get started on making the skirt — or kilt, or shirt, or dress, or whatever — itself. If you finish by the end of class, we can even have a bit of a fashion show to show 'em off. Or you can ball it up and hide it in your backpack and hope it never sees the light of day again. Either way . . . hopefully you'll learn something."