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Challenges Entered: Can't Quite Prove It, Period Poetry, Embellish It
Projects: Using Striped Fabric and removable portions of gowns to account for seasons, Blinging up a medieval coif, The Plague Moderne
Using Striped Fabric and removable portions of gowns to account for seasons
While my primary historical fascination is the 11th and 12th century in the British Isles, I do find the clothing and adornments of other periods and locations pretty and thought about creating a few of them for myself. And one of those times is during the reign of Henry VIII. Two items in particular have caught my interest – the French Hood and outer gown’s split skirt with the contrasting material showing.
About five years ago I came across a small collection of fabrics that made me once again really consider making an early Tudor outfit for myself. I was attending a quilt show with a few friends, most quilt guilds have a boutique area set up where members can donate material for the guild to sell. And as I know from working several shows – it is not uncommon to receive very un-quilt-like fabric as well. Which occurred in this case – within a side area was a lot of material more suited to clothing or home décor where I found the two striped fabrics and the pale green brocade with the floral designs. All under a sign saying “FREE” – admittedly one of my favorite words!
I had heard of the garb challenge the Barony Beyond the Mountain ran and thought it was a fascinating idea. I just had little belief that I could make something more intricate than an Apron Dress in the typical time frame. But with the pandemic restrictions and adjusting the time frame to create the outfit extended – I thought “I guess I could give it a shot”. So, I began looking at extant images, re-enacting groups and videos, and the fabrics I had been holding onto as well as some additional textiles I had acquired in the last few years.
Full documentation & inspiration photos at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-julyM6n3i6sYEHQ_o0jS4_MLw3XEXcb/view?usp=sharing
Blinging up a medieval coif
While my primary historical fascination is the 11th and 12th century in the British Isles, I do find the clothing and adornments of other periods and locations pretty and thought about creating a few of them for myself. And one of those times is during the reign of Henry VIII. Two items in particular have caught my interest – the French Hood and outer gown’s split skirt with the contrasting material showing.
I chose to make a French hood as opposed to the English version. With the sharp angles and having no hair exposed I feel it is much too harsh looking for my facial structure. And while extant paintings show the veil as always being black, I elected to use green in order to match the colors of the outfit.
Under the hood I made a coif using a fabric that mimicked the look of English Blackwork. This I am in the process of beading (fingers crossed it will be completed in time, else I will wear a plain version instead). I have had some questions regarding the authenticity of extant beading of coifs. I have taken several classes on the subject of using beads in the Medieval, most recently at the University of Atlantia by Adair of Makyswell who has done extensive research on beaded items in period. I also located several portraits showing the coif or snood embellished with beads.
Full documentation and photos at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/185S6cyxluwUNV6YsSEDW6J51ptts9f9f/view?usp=sharing
The Plague Moderne
From Eastern lands beyond the fell
Was heard the pestilence rumors start.
Yet did not think to take to heart,
We separate by the ocean’s swell
Regard us safe and set apart.
From land of silk then land of wine,
Was seen a thing ne’er seen before.
Both townes and villages by the score
Were shuttered tight, and prayers divine
Sent forth to ask for strength and succor.
With no regard for standing or wealth
The illness spread from land to land.
Kings and Popes could barely only stand
And little aid from the halls of Health
As to this day much they not understand.
Panic by some did empty shelves
Of items once considered ample
Now barely was seen even one sample.
For folk who thought only of selves,
Civility tossed off as a neighbor they trampled.
Nations and kingdoms locked and shut down,
Students and workers confined at home.
Mandated to stay and afeared to roam
Nary a soul was seen in center of town,
We sheltered and home and in Netflix did many
drown.
The Nations and Rulers could not agree
On details for reopening.
What to wash, or to clean, what was safe to touch
Each villager struggled to come to terms
With new vocab, new words and germes.
Were gloves and mask and paper suit to much,
Could you catch it from touching worms?
The newest fashion trend – a mask
Appeared on faces far and wide
Some were plain and some were striped
For others making of them was their task
To give to those with the sick abide.
I wonder what the world will be
When one far day its course has run.
Will we still appreciate the sun,
And freedom from enforced solit’ry
Or will the people remain numb.
Will music play, what art will shine
Will weddings look the same.
Without their masks will you know the name
Of the ones you met in quarantine,
Yet many lives will be the same.
The young will age with spirit riven,
As revisions to life will abound,
And many will lament the sound
Of loss of things we took as given,
While new ways to live are found.
I know not when the end will be,
Nor what will change for good.
For now I try to heed myself, and
stick with healthy food.
Limit time exposed to spin and anger,
and call my loved ones more.
And trust that soon, on one bright day,
we’ll again once more
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