1530s German Noble Woman’s Purse
A black velvet purse for an early 16th century German noble woman, in the style of Cranach paintings. This style of purse has been on my To Do list for many years, so I was glad to have a reason…
Robyn Spencer
Medieval Market Wallet
This practical sack was in use across Europe throughout the middle ages and renaissance. Slung over a shoulder or staff, lower classes could carry their shopping or working lunch, and travellers could easily carry a lot of gear. A simple…
1530s Pleated Halsgoller (partlet)
A pleated Goller (partlet) in very fine linen with an embroidered collar, suitable for an early 16th century noble German lady, or rich merchant’s wife. This project was one of those Learning Experiences… When I finally finished my green velvet…
1520s German Schlappe (hat)
This style of hat was worn by German men and women, particularly middle classes, during the early-mid 16th century, as an alternative to the Barett. It was worn over dressed hair or (for nobles) over a Haub. This style of…
14th century Leather Needle-case
A small leather case for holding pins or needles, with impressed and stamped decoration, based on several extant examples. I’ve taught several classes on how to make these simple casework items, but never recorded the process or kept any of…
1470s Netherlandish Hennin
A mid 15th century truncated hennin, for a Netherlandish noblewoman. This style of headwear was in vogue in the Netherlands, France and England from the 1450s to the 1480s, replacing the previous fashion for horned escoffion. Many years ago, I…
1520s Portuguese Gorra
An early 16th century velvet hat for a Portuguese noblewoman. Joana de Barios won my Hat Prize at Canterbury Faire 2023, and requested a noblewoman’s Portuguese hat, based on the those depicted in the St Auta altarpiece – but without…
1510s German Black & White Wams and Hosen
A German man’s Wams (doublet) and Hosen (hose) suitable for a fashionable man in the early 16th century. Although this style is often associated with ‘Landsknecht’, the elaborate decorations were also loved by the well-off, fashion-concious young men of the…
13th century Spanish Woman’s Purse
An ornate brocade drawstring purse, for a noble Spanish lady of the 13th or 14th centuries. I made this as a gift for my friend Tigre, to go with her new 13th century Spanish pelotte. I made this purse as…
15th century Horned Escoffion
A wonderfully distinctive headdress for a noble 15th century Burgundian lady. I’d been wanting to make a hat in this style for some time for my friend Anne, but it needed to wait until she was no longer wearing a…