“Cloth Against the Cold”: A Critical Analysis of the Garments Allegedly Worn by King Charles I at His Execution Let me have a shirt on more than ordinary, by reason the season is so sharp as probably may make me shake, which some observers will imagine proceeds from fear... I fear not death! - Memoirs...
"Royal Threads: Dressing for Execution- Garments worn by King Charles I"Continue reading
"...in a makeshift dock in the middle of the hall, the magnetic object of all eyes, a solitary figure in black, but for the brilliant blue and silver of the Star and Garter- the king"1 The year is 1647. With the Civil Wars and the rising Commonwealth, fashion no longer simply functions as a medium...
"Royal Threads: Dressing an Imprisoned King"Continue reading
Linen, a textile derived from the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum), is often associated with ancient civilisations. Similarly, today it is synonymous with minimalist fashion, and sustainable design. From the tombs of pharaohs to today’s capsule wardrobes, linen has woven itself into cultural significance, not only as a symbol of purity and prestige, but for weaving...
"Linen Unravelled: 5 Fascinating Historical Facts About Linen Fabric"Continue reading
If you're passionate about historical reenactment, then you already know that authenticity is everything. From the cut of a tunic to the type of buttons used, every detail counts. One of the most important—and often debated—choices in historical reenactment clothing is the fabrics used to create the garments.
"Why it has to be Linen for Historical Reenactment Wear"Continue reading
During the medieval period the characteristics of sheep were driven by commercial factors. Sheep breeds common of the medieval period are all considered rare breeds today due to the gains in popularity of the ‘more superior’ Merino sheep breeds that emerged from Spain during the late 16th and early 17th Centuries.
"Wool in Medieval Britain, Part 1: Sheep"Continue reading
From the wealth of archaeological evidence in textile fragments and other finds, we can say that the Viking Age was a colourful period in woollen textiles. I refer to woollen textiles here as plant-based textiles such as flax and hemp linens are extremely rare finds due to their faster and easier decomposition.
"Wool in the Viking Era, Part 3: Dyes & Dyeing"Continue reading
The importance of spinning and weaving in Nordic society is reflected in its integration into Norse mythology; from the Norns of fate spinning destiny to the practice of Seiðr. The word ‘Norn’ itself is derived from the proto-Germanic for ‘twine’, while the idea of the smørkatt or snakkur, a small magical creature which steals milk is depicted in Norway and Sweden as a ball of yarn, and as a spindle with yarn in Finland.
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Introduction Nålebinding is one of the oldest forms of meshing yarns, and is a precursor to modern knitting and crochet. The naalbinding technique has been used as far back as the Paleolithic period. Nalbound items include a great variety of knitted fabrics from fishing nets have been found dating back to 6500BC, hats in the...
"The Use of Nålebinding in the Viking Era"Continue reading
Wool was as much, if not more the key to the success of the Vikings as their ships. Without wool they would not have had sails for their ships, clothing to keep their sailors both warm and dry, and a product with which to trade.
"Wool in the Viking Era, Part 1: Sheep"Continue reading
