Back in 2103 I started the process of trying to make a pattern for my husband for some braies that would fit. No matter the pattern that I tried he kept saying they were uncomfortable. From the Medieval Tailor's Assistant book by Sarah Thursfield we find a pattern consisting of one piece of cloth for… Continue reading Braies: 14th Century men’s underwear
Completed 14th century sleeveless shift
Here is the long awaited post for the completed shift. (Please excuse the messy background). It doesn't quite fit my dress form. It may not fit me after the 16 pound weight loss from having caught Covid. I can deal with small alterations though. Supportive bodice, skirt hem just below the knees. Hand bound eyelets.… Continue reading Completed 14th century sleeveless shift
An interrupted post
Everything seemed to be going swimmingly and I was ready to work on the last post in the sleeveless shift series. Then Covid struck. I tested posiy for Covid and then developed pneumonia. Now that I am recovered my plan is to finish the final post showing the shift in the next few days. Thanks… Continue reading An interrupted post
A short video on back and forth row Nalbinding
I am currently working on some earflap hats in Nalbinding where the earflaps are a different color than the rest of hat so I can't incorporate them into the rows of the hat. So, I made separate pieces for the earflaps. I had to work out how to do back and forth goes in Nalbinding.… Continue reading A short video on back and forth row Nalbinding
14th Century sleeveless shift- Fingerloop braided lacing cords
In the last several posts we have constructed a sleeveless shift. Now to the final step which is making the lacing cords. Yes, I know I could just use some shoe laces or some ribbon. I figured since I had already drafted the pattern and handstitched the garment out of linen fabric and thread I… Continue reading 14th Century sleeveless shift- Fingerloop braided lacing cords
14th C. Sleeveless Shift – Spiral lacing holes
Now that the bodice and the skirt are completed we need to add the lacing holes. The bodice will be laced on the side using a spiral lacing pattern. I have found that this type of lacing holds more firmly than an "X" pattern lacing, especially for someone more endowed like I am. The first… Continue reading 14th C. Sleeveless Shift – Spiral lacing holes
Sleeveless shift – Skirt
In the previous post, the bodice of the shift was patterned and sewn together. The next step is to add the skirt. The skirt is easy enough to pattern. It is merely two rectangles that will be be sewn together at the side seams and then pleated into the bodice. The finishing touch will be… Continue reading Sleeveless shift – Skirt
A favorite sewing tool
I've been working on a new sewing project lately. I've been using different tools in the process. Some time in the last year or so I came across a tip that has made a big difference in my hand sewing. I have a new (to me) favorite sewing tool. It is a sewing pillow. You… Continue reading A favorite sewing tool
A sleeveless shift for 14th-15th Century clothing – The Bodice
The first step in making any garment is to decide what you are making. I wanted to start making the innermost garment layer so I am making a sleeveless shift. It consists of a fitted (self-supporting) bodice which ends just under the bust with a pleated skirt that reaches just below the knees. Next, taking… Continue reading A sleeveless shift for 14th-15th Century clothing – The Bodice
A New Book in the Mail
I recently obtained a copy of "Historical Costume - Inside and out: The Women's Clothing in Northern Europe 1360-1415". Currently it is only available in Swedish but an English version is due out some time soon (early 2021). I was excited to get a look at the book. I have had an interest for some… Continue reading A New Book in the Mail
A post postponed
I still owe you all a tutorial and video on how to use a nostepinne (center pull ball winder). Something more urgent has happened. One of my protégés (remember I said I was in the Society for Creative Anachronism?) is being elevated to the Order of the Pelican (Peerage for Service) this weekend so I've… Continue reading A post postponed
A brief video of Nalbinding on a hat
I've started a Youtube Channel to host any video tutorials I shoot. With that I uploaded a short video to test out how it all works. It shows nalbinding a few Finnish stitches (2+2 F2) on what is the brim/cuff of a beanie hat. Enjoy! https://youtu.be/n3MckI3N6xU Become a Patron!
Finland and N.E.S.A.T.
Goodness. A lot has happened in the last few months. Back in May I submitted an abstract to demonstrate a craft at the North European Symposium for Archaeological Textiles (N.E.S.A.T.). I never thought I would be selected to present. In August I received word that my demonstration on "Nalbinding with Non-wool Fibers" had been… Continue reading Finland and N.E.S.A.T.
Fibers
Fibers are the raw materials used in fiber / textile arts.
Why the Name Change?
Why did I change the name of my blog? First of all, I have to explain why I started my original blogs. In 1997 my best friend got engaged and wanted a renaissance themed wedding. She didn't have a lot of money so we had to make everything ourselves. I learned to sew during the… Continue reading Why the Name Change?
A New Chapter
Thanks for joining me! Please be patient as I migrate my posts from my previous blog home to this site. I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be. — Douglas Adams
Halfway there and some stitch markers
Before I move on to the next part of the mitten I want to talk to you about stitch markers.It is important to use the type that open and close like a safety pin. I have several types pictured below. I don't like to use the ones that just have an opening in the ring… Continue reading Halfway there and some stitch markers
Mitten finger caps
I forgot to mention in my previous post that when I make a pair of something I make both at the same time. In this way I can keep them the same.I continued working the first set of rounds in the vein of stitch 1, make 1 on either end with a repeat on the… Continue reading Mitten finger caps
A New Pair of Mittens
Back in October several ladies from our Kingdom (Meridies) held a silent auction at Coronation with the proceeds going to help hurricane victims. I donated two certificates for a pair each of naalbound mittens done in the color or colors of the persons choice. I have been slowly working on these mittens and present the progress… Continue reading A New Pair of Mittens
Holiday greetings and a cat
Greetings everyone. The holidays are almost upon us so I would like to take this time to wish everyone a Happy Holiday season.A lot has been happening this year.Our kids and grandkids moved out this year and we have been slowly making some much needed repairs and renovations to the house. I am hoping my… Continue reading Holiday greetings and a cat
Fiber Arts Fascination 
