Two costumers, 7 questions…
1. Favourite outfit of the year:
Margaret
My favorite outfit this year is definitely the one I made for Twelfth Night, 2016. It’s my most ambitious project to date. The Hendrick Avercamp painting it is based on is one that I have been staring at for years, and I spent a long time deciding on every detail. I’m fairly pleased with the results. I intend to write a proper article about this outfit and have it to you in time for Twelfth Night 2017.
Karinne
My favourite outfit isn’t a new one, per se, rather it’s a gown that I amended to be more convenient to wear, and then added a more appropriate hood to complete the look. Cutting the train off my gaudete gown made it easier to pack for travelling to events, and easier to wear at the event. Surprisingly it also made me “feel” right – like a well-to-do townswoman in her late 30s, so that was a plus. This ensemble will definitely be getting a few more outings in 2017
2. Most satisfying thing to make:
Margaret
Exploring the Noord Holland “Cheese Girl” look was surprisingly satisfying. I had looked at it for a number of years, but dismissed it as being almost too silly, with its short skirts and crazy (even by my standard) headdress. But it turned out to be comfortable and fun to wear.
Karinne
A new hat set for my husband. I started by making him a new bonnet after we thought his pervious one was lost, but it was too large for his head 🙁 I could fit my hand under the hat to give him a head rub… This was a week before an outdoor winter event, and he hates to not have a hat for those events (something to do with his shaved head getting cold). I thought I’d have to start over again, with a smaller size which would be un-fun. HOWEVER, on perusing my favourite image source book, I discovered that men of the 1480s and 1490s often wore a double hat ensemble. Thus my problem, and Geoff’s, was solved. He loves the combo, which is also satisfying from a makers perspective.
Also, I have just realised that I never wrote up this make and inspiration… I think my articles might be a little behind.
3. I wish I’d made/finished…
Margaret
There is another batch of portraits living in my head that I had intended to use as inspiration for Twelfth Night 2017. (In my SCA Kingdom this event takes place in a hotel and functions more like a convention, so it is the most suitable event for fancy outfits). Unfortunately, my husband’s work schedule changed and I won’t be able to attend the event. So this outfit never got past the buying supplies stage. Hopefully I can have it done for next year.
Karinne
A furry hat for my husband. I found these AMAZING images of men in the late 1400s with white furry hats, and as I have some fake white-grey fur in my stash that was inherited from a friend… 🙂
4. Favorite SCA event of the year:
Margaret
The best SCA event this year was “Golden Beltane”, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the backyard party that started it all. It was a ten day event, which means there was plenty of time for all sorts of activities. People built clay ovens on site and cooked feasts. They held themed events like a Roman picnic, a 16th Century sewing circle, and a Flemish market. They read plays, held yard sales, and coaxed some of our founding members out of retirement to honor them. They even marched to protest the modern world, which apparently was a feature of the original party. I was only able to be there on the weekends, so one of the best parts for me was that I got two weekend events but only had to set the tent up once!
Karinne
POLIT UNIVERSITY!!! 2.5 days full of all the classes! Despite freezing at the feast (4C overnight) it was well worth it for all the knowledge, the gathering of people enthusiastic about Arts & Sciences, the food and the atmosphere. Definitely planning to go again this year.
5. That moment when you felt like you weren’t in the modern world:
Margaret
To be honest, I’m too modern of a girl for this to happen. So I’m just going to use this question as an excuse to talk about my experience going to the Renaissance Faire in Southern California. Somehow, I found myself as a guest member of the court, in the company of a couple of lovely ladies that I had previously only met through the Facebook Elizabethan Costume group. Which makes yet another good thing that group has given me. I was playing a daughter of the famous Flemish miniaturist Simon Bening, which forced me to do more persona research than I have in the SCA. And while I certainly didn’t forget that I was in the modern world, actively pretending to be someone from the past does make you relate to your clothes and to other people differently.
Karinne
My friend Eilis’ Laurelling at Rowany Festival. A tent full of people, after dark, and she is carried in on a shield by 4 men of her household. Eilis was being Laurelled for her Norse clothing research and skills, and this was a fitting ceremony for one of my oldest friends. It had been choreographed really, really well. The atmosphere was spot on. There may have been some tears as well, since she was so deserving of the accolade and honour.
6. This year I am most proud of:
Margaret
Getting to be part of this blog. I finally have a place to put all the information that’s been rattling around in my head for years. So my thanks again to Karinne for inviting me aboard, and for taking care of the technical parts of the website.
Karinne
My apprentices, all three of them. Eoife has made excellent 14th century gear, pretty much all by hand, so she could participate at St Ives medieval faire. She has kept her historic food blog going whilst finishing her Honours thesis and been published on the Sydney historic houses trust blog as well. Ana has continued to pursue her passions in German clothing (tackling a very good rendition of the Lengberg bra), and commencing work on a thoroughly researched and theorise skin-out Saxon gown outfit, as well as continuing to enthuse and educate Lochac in Ancient Greek clothing. I had many people talk to me at Rowany Festival on how much they had enjoyed Ana’s display at Laurel Prize and in the costumers forum. Finally, Safiya completely surprised me with a 16th century Persian ensemble she made for Rowanye Festival with no input from me at all – well fitted and well researched. Go Safi!
7. Goals for next year:
Margaret
The “things I want to make” list is, as always, a mile long. One of the first things I want to do is to finish my own duck bill huik. Then there are a couple of must have items on my list: a narrower ruff, a set of wrist cuffs, and a loose gown that truly commits to the all-black aesthetic. Finally, there is a particular style of hat brim and a particular kind of shoulder roll that I’m still trying to master. If I manage more than half of that, I’ll consider it a good year.
Karinne
Men’s clothing. More articles on this blog, finally getting the ideas and knowledge in my head written up in a format to share with the costuming community. Maybe a late 1400s craftswoman’s outfit. Generally more comfortable clothing rather than flashy clothing. Maybe those cork-soled mules I’ve been ruminating upon for a while.
