Arts and Sciences and Statistics
So what’s with all the spreadsheets?
I am a very data driven person. I like to know that when I’m making an assertion, it’s backed up by something concrete and for me, that means data. One of the biggest challenges I’ve encountered so far on my path has been developing a period eye. I’ve found along the way that the easiest way for me to answer the question “what is the most common way this item/thing/concept worked/looked?” is to actually go out and put that information together. And so, I spreadsheet.
Paternoster Survey
The first project I tried this style of analysis on was my paternoster/rosary project for the Persona Challenge 2022. Using very basic statistics allowed me to establish various stylistic standards for these items and allowed me to back up my theories on “what does a 15th-16th C Spanish paternoster look like?”
Gonete Outfit Survey
The next project I did analysis on was my gonete for Persona Pentathlon 2024. After how well the first survey went, I found the process incredibly helpful for cataloging and compiling my resources for the project. This spreadsheet later expanded to also include the vasquiña (skirt) and chapines (platform shoes) that go with the gonete for Pentathlon.
Herringbone Camisa Timesheet
Another style of spreadsheet I find very helpful is a project timesheet. The first project I tried this with was my Herringbone Camisa and actually understanding what it takes to do one of my projects from a time commitment standpoint.
Commonplace Book Catalog
Spreadsheets are great inventory and catalog keepers as well. For my Persona Pentathlon 2024 commonplace book, I cataloged the passages I wanted to use by heading, then was able to organize by author and language, and keep track of the translations. It also proved invaluable in developing the “curriculum” for my commonplace book in the end.
Almodrote Toppings
When we made the almodrote the first time, Bea, Maggie, and I all determined that it was missing something. We topped it with cinnamon sugar because, anecdotally, many of Nola’s recipes that include plating information (which this does) are topped with cinnamon sugar. It made a big difference to the flavor and I wanted to substantiate that anecdotal evidence to include in the recipe.
