This medieval tool for laying goldwork has fallen out of use, but is surprisingly effective at holding the metal threads neatly, while they are couched down. Several years ago, I did a lot of research on the tools of the…
A summer doublet in striped linen, suitable for a lower-middle class 16th century man, or a noble man engaged in sport. This is based on Italian examples, but such doublets were popular across much of Europe at this time. My…
A set of tooled leather cases for our collection of Krautstrunk (prunt glasses), to protect them during travel. This style of case was common in the 15th and 16th centuries across Europe. I love these glasses, which were popular across…
A simple leather belt, suitable for a lower or middle class German woman from the early-mid 16th century. Packing for a wet event recently, I couldn’t find my leather belt – essential for keeping my skirts out of the mud.…
A taller felt hat for a northern European noble man of the mid 15th century, based on two related Flemish manuscripts. I was teaching a class on ‘Making a Hat Block‘ and needed a hat subject to demonstrate how to…
A rich broad belt, as worn by well-off middle class German women in the early 16th century. I wanted a rich belt to complete ‘the look’ for the fur-lined Damastgoller I made recently, so I decided to try and make…
A rich vest style Goller of silk brocade lined with fur, suitable for a well-off merchant’s wife in early 16th century Germany. I’ve had this one on my wish list since I made the Schlappe (hat) from the same portrait…
Originally a pilgrim’s hat seen in many colours, the galero developed into the red hat worn by church cardinals. This hat was requested by my friend Maelgwyn (Graham Crawford) to go with an embroidery project he has been working on…
A simple doublet in olive green wool, to match the calzoni (Venetian style breeches) I made some 15 years ago. My husband has taken up archery and needed some more practical warmer clothes for the winter months. This style is…
A Lettice cap for a well-to-do Tudor lady. This distinctive fur cap was high English fashion in the first half of the sixteenth century. Imogen won the Hat Prize (again!) and requested a lettice cap – specifically, the one depicted…