13th century Spanish Woman’s Toca (Hat)
A simple, low crowned toca of the style worn by ordinary women in the 13th century Cantigas de Sancta Maria. This was really an accidental project – I had no plans to make a 13th century Spanish hat! But I…
Robyn Spencer
1520s Embroidererd Frauenhemd (chemise)
An early 16th century German Frauenhemd (woman’s shirt), based on Portrait of a Lady by Martin Schaffner. It was worn by German women of the middle class, such as merchant’s wives. This Hemd has the same basic construction as the…
Early 16th century Frauenhemd (chemise)
A simple gathered Frauenhemd (woman’s shirt), which might be worn by all classes of German women in the first half of the 16th century – or in the Netherlands, France (Chemise), Italy (Camisa), or Spain (Camicia). It is cut differently…
1520s German Woman’s Bügeltasche (frame purse)
This style of framed leather purse was worn by German women of most classes in the first half of the 16th century. When made of leather, it was worn by the middle class, farmer’s wives and soldier’s wives. 25 years…
16th century Safavid Qalansuwa and ʿImāma (cap and turban)
Headwear for a 16th century Safavid man – the Qalansuwa (cap) and ʿImāma (turban), inspired by Persian manuscript illustrations. For his hat prize, Kamara Skleraina requested 16th century Safavid headwear – uncharted territory for me, as I know little about…
Early 16th century Woman’s Husseke (overgown)
This loose pleated overgown was commonly worn by German women in the mid-late 15th century, and remained in practical use into the early 16th century. It is also found in several other countries, including the Netherlands and Spain and is…
1520s Italian Man’s Balzo and Berretto
This hat is inspired by ‘Portrait of a Man‘ by Moretto da Brescia, depicting a young noble man wearing a gold balzo and red wool berretto. This style of headwear was fashionable across Italy, Germany and Spain over the first…
1520s German Leberfarben Worsted Rock
‘Leberfarben’ means ‘liver-coloured’ – a pale version of this colour was common for low status garments in 16th century Germany. This is a lower class woman’s gown from the early 16th century, typically worn by a peasant or servant. I…
15th century Goldwork Hennin
A mid 15th century hennin, richly embroidered in gold, for a noble lady. I had not planned to make another hennin so soon after the last one. The original plan for this gift was an embroidererd purse, but my research…
1520s Blue Wool Vest Goller
This short vest-style Goller is suitable for a German middle class woman, and was fashionable through much of the 16th century. For such a small garment, it adds a lot of warmth! I first made this style many years ago…