HANDCRAFTED HISTORY


by 3 Comments

Tutorial; the bathing dress

Some time ago I made a medieval bathing dress in unbleached linen, and I wanted to share it with you. It is a simple project, perfect for an evening or if you want to practice hand sewing.
20180713_163324There are plenty of bathing dresses in paintings from the late 14th to 16th century in Europe, they can also be seen in different cuts and models, and some are clearly supportive shifts that you could wear under your medieval clothing. Mine is very simple but with an intake under the bust to allow some support, but still being easy to get in and out from. No lacing is acquired.

Left; Bohemian, Codices vindobonenses 2759-2764 in the Osterreichischen Nationalbibliothek, in Vienna, Austria. Right: The Bathhouse Attendant, Bible of Wenceslaus IV. 1389.

Chemise ladie's undergarment, 14th century, A History of Costume; Kohler.

This find is from A History of Costume, Kohler and is dated 14th century and described as a lady’s chemise or undergarment, the photo is old but you get the general idea.

Most of the pictures I have found seems to be dated to the late 14th to early 15th century, there are lots on the internet and I have a Pinterest folder on Medieval underwear so I won’t go into more historical sources today.

The cutting out; prewash your linen, fold in double in the length you would like, and then cut the A shape. I used the leftover fabric for gores in the sides (and at centre front + back if you like, it is optional) but this of course depends on your measures.

The first pictures show the general cut, the second the additional front and pack gores, the third the intake under the bust that give me the support. Do not take in too much, because then you won’t be able to get in and out of the dress.

20180818_103244

About measures: The length of the dress measures from armpit to hem. The width is your measure around your bust divided in two (for front and back) add seam allowance but nothing more. Start the gores at your natural waist (if you are unsure, rather place them higher than lower) and pin the intake under your bust while wearing the dress with gores and side seams sewn/basted. Add shoulder straps last, mine is just double-folded linen cloth, whip stitched together and then fastened at the same position as I would have worn bra straps.

If you sew your dress by hand, use waxed linen thread and running stitches, and then fold the seam allowance to one side and whipstitch in place. This gives you a sturdy seam that is also quick to make. Hem the dress with running stitches or whip stitches, after your choice.

Making the dress in unbleached linen made it opaque even when it was wet, good for modesty. In artwork the dress seems to be white, may be visible nipples was a thing, or you would have to pick a very dense fabric. In some pictures, it is very clear that the fabric is transparent, but I chose the more sturdy and practical look. (update spring 2021: I have found that if you start with unbleached linen fabric, and sun bleach it yourself you will get an almost white fabric that is not as transparent as the modern bleached options in stores.)

The result? All considered, I am satisfied with the cut, sewing and look of the dress. It is also easy to swim in. Historically, being out in public in a bathing dress was not a thing, they can be seen on bathhouse attendants or in rare cases during the dressing/undressing at home or during dirty labour. Wearing it to the beach was certainly not a thing, but I liked to have a more historical dress instead of wearing a modern bikini when going for a swim at events.


by Leave a comment

Källkritik/learn more

This is an article in Swedish about using medieval art as a source for your outfit, and the knowledge (and traps) you can meet in art and paintings. For example, the most common art from the medieval era has biblical motives, which are full of symbolic meanings and characters from history.

Even the clothes are unreliable since some artist wanted the clothes to communicate a lost era, while others preferred to paint the contemporary fashion details. This means you will have to collect and interpret different medieval sources in order to know what kind of clothes the medieval person wore. In the end, you will find some interesting links to continue to learn about the medieval outfit. To learn more, translate the article, or book me for a lecture about the subject!

Om bildkällor och källkritik

De allra flesta bevarade bilder och manuskript från medeltiden är religiösa och visar scener ur bibliska berättelser. När samtiden inte avbildar sig själv, utan en dåtid som man inte noga dokumenterat, finns det alltid en risk att bilderna varken troget avbildar samtiden, eller den dåtid man avser (i det här fallet oftast tiden kring Kristi födelse och framåt till hans död). När du vill använda historiska bildkällor som en grund för att skapa en dräkt är det viktigt att du är medveten om detta.

Alla bildkällor kan inte heller betraktas som trovärdiga, och vissa bilder är mer tydliga med frånvaron av realism då de återberättar scener ur olika sagor och myter. Bilden nedan till vänster med en kentaur och en hårig, naken kvinna får nog betraktas som rent sagobaserad, medan bilden till höger kan vara lite lurigare. Monstret ser ju ut som ett påhittat djur, men kvinnans klänning är öppen för debatt; är den vit, grå, blå? Ska man tolka hela bilden, i och med monstret, som mindre tillförlitlig och symbolisk, eller kan klänningen vara en trovärdig avbildning? Glorior används för att visa att personen ifråga är ett helgon, men den är också en indikator på att dräkten i sig inte behöver vara hämtad från samtiden, utan kan vara influerad av det konstnären ansåg vara heliga kläder, eller kläder som skulle påminna om en annan tidsepok.

centaur monster

Samtidigt är bildkonsten en av de viktigaste utgångspunkterna vi har för att göra oss en bild över historiens dräkter. Dåtidens konstnärer betraktades som ett hantverksskrå precis som andra hanverkare, och det fanns tydliga regler för hur konsten skulle se ut och tillverkas. Det gör att konstnärliga friheter och personliga tolkningar inte förekom på samma sätt som det gör idag, och stilen i olika perioder och geografiska områden är tydligt avgränsad.

Tyvärr innebär det också att tidens ideal och uttryck dominerar över realismen och vi kan sakna saker såsom sömnadstekniska avbildningar och detaljer. Om du jämför en bild från slutet av 1100talet (från Hunterian psalter, till vänster) med en från sent 1400tal (del av St Columba Altarpiece av Rogier van der Weyden) så kommer du upptäcka stora skillnader. Den högra bilden ger återskaparen mer information angående hur kläderna är konstruerade, i vilket material, och hur de ska sitta. Men det är viktigt att komma ihåg att de inte är fotografier- personerna som porträtteras är mest troligt avmålade/skissade och sedan satta i ett sammanhang, tillsammans eller var för sig. Det kristna motivet är också fortfarande i fokus, men modet ges en detaljerad överblick.

hunterian psalter1455weyden

Det finns också målningar från senare medeltid som porträtterar enskilda människor eller familjer utan ett kristet tema, rena självporträtt alltså. Dessa bilder är nog det närmaste en sann avbildning vi kan komma, och då de är detaljerade är de fantastiska att ha som grund för en återskapad dräkt. Om man vill återskapa högre klasser, förstås! Målningen av makarna Arnolfinis bröllop (Arnolfini marriage av Jan van Eyck) är ett exempel på ett sådant porträtt, en extremt känd målning från 1434 där en rik köpman och hans hustru avbildats. Även om inte motivet är kristet i sig (det avbildar inte en scen från Bibeln) så är bilden full med kristen symbolik, och spegelramen föreställer små scener ur bibeln.

wedding

När du använder bildkällor i ditt skapande så finns det några frågor du kan ställa dig för att undvika tydliga fallgropar:

1. Finns den här dräkten/produkten på fler bilder, i andra sammanhang? (är den här snygga väskan som överräcks en symbol för någon händelse, eller återfinns den tex i bilder som beskriver en försäljare, eller finns den integrerad i andra dräkter från samma period?)

2. Kan det här föremålet/avbildningen ha en enbart symbolisk betydelse? (ex, glorior finns på många bilder men ingen återskapar dem till sin dräkt då de är rent symboliska. Pilgrimsväskor återfinns i samband med pilgrimer, de är alltså inte rent symboliska; de finns på riktigt, men tillhör en speciell sorts grupp i samhället.)

3. Är den här bilden verkligen historisk (tillverkades den under den period som avbildas), eller är den senare eller till och med modern? Om man inte är insatt i bildhistoria kan det vara svårt att avgöra från vilken period en bild kommer ifrån, och några tydliga exempel på det är romantikens målningar av vikingar samt de träsnitt på landsknechtar som i efterhand målats av någon (ond) entusiast som tyckte att de skulle ha mer färg. De finns ju utspridda överallt på internet. Om vi inte känner till avsändaren av bilden (ursprung och konstnär) är det svårt att veta om bilden är äkta. Var därför alltid källkritisk; googla bilden eller konstnären, läs på wikipedia eller i konstarkiv, och undersök hur andra refererar till bilden. Idag har många museum digitala databaser där du kan bläddra bland deras konstverk, komplett med information såsom konstnär och årtal. Använd gärna sådana tjänster om du vill få en säker datering av konst. Bloggar och pinterest är fina inspirationskällor, men lita inte på att andra ska göra efterforskningen åt dig, de kanske var ute efter att göra en dräkt till en alv…

4. Passar de här kläderna/dräkten in på det jag valt att återskapa? Att bilden målades under ungefär samma tid är ett kriterium, men modet växlade inte bara över tid utan också över geografiska områden och samhällsskikt. Vill du återskapa en dräkt som ligger så när som möjligt till de medeltida förlagorna behöver du alltså titta inte bara efter årtal, utan också områden och vilket samhällsskikt bäraren tillhör. Även den avbildade personens civilstatus och arbete syns på klädesdräkten, många yrken hade symboler/symboliska attribut som syns i dräkten, och en ogift kvinna klär sig annorlunda än en gift.

5. Om du använder flera källor; passar de ihop med varandra? Den här frågan passar ihop med nr 4, men jag vill uppmärksamma den speciellt. Att hitta referensmaterial från flera källor ger dig en stabil och seriös grund att stå på, förutsatt att källorna passar ihop med varandra. 5 olika bilder på kvinnor som följer med landsknechtsarmén kan ge dig en överblick över vilka plagg som var vanligast och hur de hör ihop, men 5 tyska kvinnor från 1510 kan se helt olika ut. Blanda inte plagg med varandra utan att ha funderat över om de “passar ihop”, speciellt under hög och senmedeltid finns det tydliga modeinfluenser som svänger snabbt, och där enskilda plagg och huvudbonader kombineras på bestämda sätt och av vissa samhällsskikt, för att bilda en enhetlig dräkt. Vissa plagg går bra att blanda, och ju tidigare medeltid desto bredare spann har du att göra detta på (ex samma särk och huvudduk till både 1100, 1200 och tidigt 1300tal) men de passar inte alls in till den sena 1400talsdräkten.

Så, för att sammanfatta i punkter:

  • stämmer tid, geografiskt område och samhällsklass?
  • är bildkällan trovärdig/finns det fler liknande?
  • stämmer bilderna och den information som finns in på den dräkt jag tänkt skapa?

Nu när du kan så mycket om källkritik och medeltida bilder blir ytterligare ett steg i rätt riktning att själv titta på bilder (och spara dem som du gillar) tillsammans med källhänvisningar.

Några bildkällor att börja titta i: (läs även “boktips” som är en serie blogginlägg)

1000tal

Bayeuxtapeten (andra halvan av 1000talet, Frankrike) broderad bonad som skildrar 1066, normandernas erövring av England.

1200tal

Maciejowskibibeln (Frankrike)

1300tal

Breviary of Chertsey Abbey (England) 1300-1325

Codex Manesse i pdf (Tyskland) ca 1300-1340

Lutrell Psalter (England) ca 1300-1350

Egerton Psalter (England) 1325-1350

1500tal

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:16th-century_German_painters  för inspiration från målare.


by Leave a comment

Going to Hamar in Norway

Me and my friend J traveled to Hamar in Norway this May to attend the medieval festival/market over a weekend, and here is a blog post about the event!

IMG_2744

It really was a beautiful site, with the large lake stretching around the market and camping area, inviting for a swim in the warm weather. This is the reenactment camp, very nicely done and with an area for shows, riding and the like in front of it.

IMG_2745

A short walk from the camp was the market, with lush green trees and an open space for market tents and performances.

20180608_202109

Here is my tent! In a cozy corner in the road, under a big tree. We arrived the day before the market started so the first evening we just put up the tent, made some preparations and went about greeting friends and taking in the area.

20180610_085145

Morning in the tent, hearing tree branches whispering in the wind and feeling the sun rise on the tent side.

IMG_2746

Crafthive was on the market, selling belts and nice bags, among other things.

IMG_2751

I also sold things from my shop, mainly historical accessories and jewelry, sewing materials and handcrafting items. It is fun to meet new people during markets, but more often than not I start talking with them and forget that I should sell my stuff… I really like holding workshops and lecturing more, but the shop is a nice way to be able to visit new places and travel more!

IMG_2761 (2)

When no customers needed help, I sat down with new and old friends, having a chat and sewing on my new dress. Here it is, worn for the first time! The neck opening is just basted, but it was fun to get a chance to try it on. 15th century (yes, it’s much of that century right now) with proper hair and veil for the period.

IMG_2739

I got a chance to visit this very interesting ruin, saved inside a glass room on the site.

IMG_2742

And a visit with the Madonna and Child, a wooden sculpture made between 1200 and 1300 in Norway according to the sign. (Yes, visiting only in my shift! It was sooo hot that day)
20180610_171817

I found Volundr on the market, and they sold the most lovely handcrafted jewelry based on different historical finds. When I laid my eyes on this 15th c necklace I promptly emptied my money-box over their table, and went back to my own tent much happier but also more broke…

20180610_214425

After the market on Sunday, the wind had turned and there was rain in the air. We hurried to take down the tents, pack the cars with all stuff and then went to see if others needed help. Elna from Historical fabrics is my new favourite seller of thin linen for veils (among other things) and she was packing away her tent and all the fabrics when we came by. Phew! Fabric sellers have the worst time packing, we helped with some rolls of fabric and tent gear but there was some advanced tetris before she was finished.

I really love going on historical adventures! On the road towards Hamar we traveled across the mountains, some of them with snow still left, and then over the border to Norway and some very nice views along the way. It was sunny and we had a picnic packed in the car. On the road home, I was traveling alone since J had to go by train back to Stockholm, I hadn’t any food left and the weather was cold and rainy. Then the adventure seemed a bit less fun. But as they say; it’s good to leave on a journey but it’s great to be back home!


by 3 Comments

From a Viking market

Gunnes gårds yearly autumn market is a really cozy place to be, and me and love traveled there to have a viking weekend together. There was a downpour when we arrived on Friday afternoon, but the rest of the weekend offered lovely weather and fun meetings. I hade a really busy time, and didn’t get as many photos as I would have liked, but maybe that is just a sign of having fun?

I brought my work with me, as usual, and we were hanging in our new market tent, meeting new friends and just having a good time. The tent is a market tent for all those viking markets (and for me when I travel alone) since the larger pavilion is medieval style, and also quite heavy to bring by myself. I am happy with the tent, though the large double bed we have is a bit big for it, but hey- it is hard to have it all!

During Saturday and Sunday I held two lectures about viking age clothing from a visitor’s perspective, hoping to lure more people into the interesting world of viking age… Love sat by the tent during that time, to try to help customers with questions. He is not by far as handcrafty or interested in clothing as I am (being more of a brewer/archer/gamer), but he sure looks the part in his outfit =)

Tried out a new hairstyle inspired from a find from pre viking age. It is a french braid from the top of the head going down, and then another regular braid with all the hair, twisted into a bun and pinned into place with the hair pin made of wood. Quite simple, doable without a mirror, but holds in place during the day. I like it, I will definitely try it out again!

I also got to try out my new apron dress. It is made in a very thin blue wool fabric, with a matching veil/thin shawl in the same fabric. Perfect for those warm market days during summer. Under I have a bleached linen shift. The jewels and beads I think you have seen before; it is all old and the glass beads are those I made myself. Here is also the hairstyle from the side, a bit worn since it was afternoon by the time we took the pictures

We also got the most awesome neighbours to hang out with! Two really talented spinners, one of them here with Susanna who runs Viking age clothing. I really recommend her patterns if you want to sew viking clothing for yourself, she is very knowing and talented in viking era clothing!

S, our neighbour, also had a very cool minimalistic camp, with just a small sleeping area, a cooking fire and some personal equipment.

20180902_113137.jpg

Now I am back home, and since this was the last market for the season, I am doing some after-season work; washing and mending clothing, taking care of camping equipment, packing everything down, writing lists and such. I am also doing a look over of the wardrobe and camp, and plan to sell of some things that has not been used during the season. Most things will be up shortly on facebook or my Etsy, so be sure to check in there every once in a while!

 


by Leave a comment

14th century cotehardie

I have been reading up on 15-16th century medieval Europe, including art and clothing, for some years now and haven’t really been into the 14th century for a while; I even sold of my Moy Bog gown and some other dresses. But then my friend J told me she wanted to brick stitch embroider a couple of purses, and I could have one in exchange for a minor handcraft effort (at least I thought so- I’m not really into embroidery…) and then I would need a fitting dress to that… And in almost no time I had this one finished, a hand-stitched cotehardie made of thin wool twill, with silk lining, silk lacing at the front and short sleeves.

The dress is for the higher classes, and in pictures from the late 14th century, it is worn with a kirtle underneath (a tight-fitting dress often with buttoned sleeves). Then it seems like the dress remains in the beginning of the 15th century, and is worn as a kirtle/middle dress with loose sleeves for a more fashionable look. After that, the dress seems to change a bit into the waist seam dresses (like my blue Weyden dress). This kind of dresses is very common in contemporary art and you can see them in different countries, with long or short sleeves, a laced front or a hidden side lacing, and with buttons or lacing at the sleeves.

If you would like to make a dress like this for yourself, search late 14th and early 15th art sources (I have some at my reading tips) or look at my Pinterest board about cotehardies.

Here are my best tips for making the dress fit nicely:

  • Fit the sleeves in carefully, they should be snug around the arm for both good movement and the right look.
  • Make the lacing holes 1,5-2 cm from each other, no more, to make sure the lacing will not show the shift underneath.
  • Use a lining inside the dress to make it more supportive for the bust, to add shape and draping to the skirt. If you have a tight fabric budget; just line the upper body.
  • Try the dress on often during your work with it, and make the lacing before hemming and neckline. Also, you may fit in the dress at the end for that perfect look by leaving the side seams open until last. These are also good to leave open (just back stitch them and secure the selvedges if necessary by zigzag or whip stitches) for adjusting shape, support or weight loss/gain in an easy and fast way.

In these photos, it is worn with loose silk brocade sleeves, but I’m planning on making a kirtle for it with long sleeves to wear under. On the head, I wear my hair in temple braids, and then a silk tablet woven hairband. The veil is pinned down to that, and then I have a woollen hood for warmth. The gloves are modern and just for warmth, it was really chilly to go out with just one dress.

This was the first event trying it out, and after that, I have been adjusting the dress a bit. Inside lining; the silk fabric getting snowy outside.

Hairband, pins and veil.

Historical accurate? The model is quite common for the late 14th and early 15th century, and the silhouette of the period is a rather straight and smooth one, which I have tried to achieve by making the dress a bit loosely fitted around the waist and hip area, in order to get the lean look of the time (I am built a bit too curvy for the 14th c ideal). The woollen twill fabric with its blue colour is representative for the periods upper class, blue is a common colour in women´s clothing during the medieval period, and the twill weave is fine and good looking. Dresses showed in period art often has a contrasting coloured lining, but it seems that this was most often in wool, linen or mixed fibre fabric, while silk blends seem to be more common during the 16th century. For a more historical dress, I would have lined the dress in very thin wool or made the whole dress out of silk. The pink, hand woven silk was chosen for its cheap price (1/3 of a wool fabric of the same weight), its look and the lightness of the fabric, making the dress comfortable and not hot at all.


by Leave a comment

Going to Visby

Om ett par dagar bär det av till Visby, och jag kommer som vanligt hålla kurser på Kapitelhusgården! Kom gärna förbi och kursa med mig, eller säg hej om du ser mig på stan- jag tycker att det är så himla roligt att få träffa bloggläsare!

IMG_1201

Här är mina kurser (köp biljetter direkt i programmet eller droppa in en halvtimme innan i mån av plats)

Tisdag: 12.30 “Toile”

Grunder i mönsterkonstruktion för medeltida kläder där du gör en toile för överkroppen. Kom iklädd tajtare t-shirt/linne. Material och verktyg ingår.

Onsdag 08.30 “Toile”

Grunder i mönsterkonstruktion för medeltida kläder där du gör en toile för överkroppen. Kom iklädd tajtare t-shirt/linne. Material och verktyg ingår.

Torsdag 08.30 “Ärmar”

För dig som gått toilekurser/har en toile för överkroppen sedan tidigare och vill göra ärmar. Gör en ärmtoile till dig själv, få en massa sömnadstips och teori. Genomgång av svängd ärm, ärmkulle, Särm, Moybog mm. Material och verktyg ingår.

Torsdag 12.30 ”Brickbandsvävning med mönster”

Grundkurs för dig som vill väva men inte vet hur. Tydlig genomgång och handledning för att påbörja vävning och förstå vävda mönster. Material, verktyg/brickor och häfte ingår.

Fredag 08.30 ”Brickbandsvävning under medeltiden”

Grundkurs för dig som vill väva medeltida vardagsföremål. Snabb och effektiv vävning av strumpeband, bälten mm som blir enfärgade eller enkelt mönstrade. Historisk genomgång av fynd och tekniker. Material, verktyg/brickor och häfte ingår.

IMG_1204

Jag vill också passa på att göra reklam för den hemliga shoppen; den håller öppet nere på marknaden (sammma tält som förra året, men med en ny placering. Håll utkik efter skylten!) under onsdag kväll.

Yeay! In a couple of days me, love and our friend Lali (the Swedish guest blogger with all the great 16th c outfits) will be traveling to Visby Medieval Week, and we will be there all week!

I am working at Kapitelhusgården with workshops, and the rest of the time we are planning to hang out with friends, eat ice-cream, go to the medieval market, visit shows and hearing music concerts.

Here is some links if you are going to; for the schedule and the inofficial schedule for the week. And as always, if you see me during the week I would love to meet you and say Hi!

IMG_1085 (2)

 

 


by Leave a comment

From the SCA event Majgreve

This May I went to a small and cozy weekend event outside Stockholm, to watch the Majgreve tournament and meet with new and old friends. It was such a nice event, the weather was perfect and the site beautiful.

IMG_2597

IMG_2612

Wow, what a site! Don’t you want to go for a swim?

IMG_2669

During Saturday, everyone hanged outside by the lake, having lunch picknick-style, playing or chatting with each other.

The fighters got hot; so they continued to practice in the lake.

IMG_2622

I also got too hot, and decided for a swim in the lake. It was very cold, but very nice! I didn’t take any bathing photos because of no swimwear, but look at how happy I was afterward!

IMG_2698

I put up my shop on the grass and tempted children with stuffed horses and adults with shiny jewels. Works every time!

The jug sneaked around the bush, going on adventures of its own. Who owned it? Don’t know, but I know that it is based on a find of a medieval clay jug.

IMG_2614

Court in the shade

IMG_2634

IMG_2668

Afternoon sun by the lake

IMG_2654 (2)

In the evening, tables was set outside by the shore and on the pier, and everyone enjoyed a pot-luck feast together!

IMG_2711

IMG_2706

And finally, some photos of fellow SCAdians! I always try to take some photos and/or portraits during events, to let you meet some of all the amazing people I get to meet during my adventures!

IMG_2684

IMG_2653

IMG_2643

I had an amazing weekend, and really recommend you to visit a SCA event if you haven’t already, or to visit Majgreve next year if you live closer to Sweden and Stockholm!

IMG_2688

Wearing my 16th century trossfrau outfit during the event. If you want to know more about it, read my other blog posts about 16th century clothing, and check out my tutorials on the subject =)


by 4 Comments

Medeltidsveckan på Gotland!

Wow, time sure runs fast during summer. Now it is only 2,5 weeks before the medieval week in Visby, on the island Gotland here in Sweden and I have lots of work to do before we travel there. Me and love will be traveling with our friend L, and as usual, I will be at Kapitelhusgården holding workshops during the week. If you want to attend one of them you can prebook here.

There will also be a Secret Shop opening on a Secret Location in the market place during the week. If you know what I’m talking about- watch out for the sign!

Anyway, I haven’t had the time to write new posts for you, even if I have heaps of good photos and adventures to tell you about. They will have to wait until autumn, and instead I wanted to give you some reading tips (in Swedish and English) if you are preparing for Visby (or any other medieval/viking event) and want some inspiration.

Some photos from last week 2017

…and more photos from the year before

The list I wrote some years ago for packing for a medieval tent event

My guide (in English) to the Medieval week and in Swedish

Hope you will enjoy these links, and if you are going to visit Visby- I would be so happy if you came by and said hi to me =) Some of my most dear memories includes meeting readers and making new friends during the medieval week!

IMG_2290 (2)


by 6 Comments

Tales from Double Wars

We went to the SCA event Double Wars in southern Sweden (Skåne) and traveled from early snowy spring to full summer in a day. Magical event on a beautiful site, and a really large historical camping ground. The drive took about 15 hours, so we divided it in two days and made some small stops and side trips along the way, like visiting historical buildings and eating ice-cream.

I am working on photos from the event, so the following blog post will be about the event, site, camp and lots of inspirational photos for you- hope you enjoy it!

The new red dress, late 14th century, in red wool with pewter buttons and front lacing. Since the event took place in early May, a warmer dress like this was a good choice. Being photographed in the camp site

Out new tent from Tentorium; we are really satisfied with the quality and the rainproof fabric, it kept us dry and comfortable living during the week-long event. Took the photo one morning, getting dressed in the late 15th c green kirtle (I will come back to this outfit later in a separate blog post)

One day we went for a short stroll down to the lake, through magical green forests with woodgarlic and birdsong

Do you remember my green houppelande with rabbit fur? I sold it, and tried out a new  model (how else to learn?) in a green high quality wool, lined with silk and trimmed with the same silk fabric, to imitate a painting I got inspired by. I call it the Weyden outfit; and I will write more about it when I got the time.

Love is feeling very well now, and was spending most of his time hanging around the archery, practicing or just having a good time. He is wearing a 14th century outfit, made of wool.

I also like archery, and discovered that most of my outfits was wearable for shooting and handling the bow. Even the fancy new red dress, with large veil was ok. What I didn’t like? My straw hat and the temple braids; they got in my way.

Here with love, practicing archery

Strolling around the camp groundsMarket day, love is jumping in to help some customers, while I had a snack and talked about clothing with friends.

jagochaleydis

Me and Aleydis by the lake, she was swimming in the cold water, while I was minding the sun…

Do you like what you see? SCA is a big organisation that is active in lots of European countries, USA, as well as other places around the world. Google SCA and your country or city to find out if you have a local group to join- SCA is friendly for beginners and there is lots of help and friends to have if you want to join in and journey with us to long-ago-times!


by 3 Comments

Quick update and a new dress

Just wanted to give you a short update, and show you my new dress. This time of the year my work is quite intense, with workshops, markets, events and commissions coming up. Lots of sewing, planning and packing is done, so there will be less time for making good tutorials and other free stuff for the blog. But I will come back with new clothing, inspirational photos and reports from events!

Today, I am driving north here in Sweden to hold a two days workshop in pattern construction for a medieval group, stopping along the way to meet with friends. I love this time of the year, when all the summer’s events is ahead and everyone is thawing out after winter.

For this season I have made some new clothing to replace pieces I ‘ve been selling, and I just wanted to post a few pictures of my red dress- it is so comfy and also pretty in that medieval way…

The dress is a late 14th c cotehardie, which is french for “kirtle” or “dress”, indicating the over garment that is shown, worn by both men and women (the garments looked different but was made in similar ways). Mine is made with long sleeves, and buttoned from wrist to elbow with 40 small pewter buttons. The front closes with lacing, and the whole dress is handsewn with silk thread, the buttonholes and lacing with buttonhole thread (I do sell it on my Etsy shop- have you visit it?)

The dress does not have a super tight fit- you don’t have to do a super tight dress if you don’t want to for the late 14th century. This one can be worn over a linen shift, or with a middle dress/kirtle under it. The important thing is rather to get the fit and silhoette right.

The back, showing the movement of the sleeves and my new thin linen veil =) I am planning on making a tutorial for this dress, but since it is lots of hours of work it will have to wait, probably until autumn. But I do make them on commission, so if you would like one of your own and don’t want to sew one…