My name is Michelle Baumann but in the SCA I’m known as Philippa Kempe. In the real world I teach AP World History to sophomores in high school and I love it. I am married to a wonderful man who won’t put on any kind of costume (sigh) and have a little boy named Julian who we call Jude.
I have been in the SCA since 2007, but have been making costumes since I got a sewing machine as a wedding present in 2005. I live in the Shire of Owl’s Nest in the Kingdom of Meridies, in mundane terms, that puts me just northwest of Atlanta.
I love making all types of costuming and I try to be as accurate as possible while keeping within a reasonable budget. Originally my SCA persona concept was to be a 14th century lady from around London, but I got very interested in late period English garb. As I go to more and more SCA events and do more research about historical costuming, I keep getting farther and farther afield of my original medieval concept, but I’m having a great time!
I also do some calligraphy and illumination. I also host our shire’s illumination night once a month and I’m our shire’s Scribal Regent. I am also the Arts and Sciences officer for my group and I’m the student of Master Lorenzo Petrucci.