Historical sewing

[medievalrosalie]

 

Linen, that is. And not just any blue, but the prettiest grey-mauve in the softest, pure linen.

I had enough of this set aside for an entire 14th century kirtle, but in the end, I've gone with an early 14th century overgowne so I can wear it with a barbette. As an overgowne, it'll be more voluminous and have a few buttons at the wrists which my other ones don't have. This style persists into the 15th century where it's seen as a loose over-garment which is pulled up around the waist, and it's usually seen in a domestic setting rather than the more formal ones.

15th century overgown

I've long struggled with the war on linen versus wool and in the end, I feel in hot summers in some countries, there is enough evidence to justify linen. Light wool is my preference, but I feel linen is appropriate at times. I have a page on my website about sources for using linen as an outer garment in the 14th century here. I have another to add which I've found recently.

This will also double as a mid layer for a garment also still on my To Do list- a Manesse Codex surcote. I have a pattern for that already standing by.

I'm making good headway on this project. Tonight I've patterned, cut out the entire gowne and sewn one and a bit side seams from forearm to floor.

Comments

[cmcmck]

You still saw sheep shears like the scissors into the 20th century.