Delving into the Stash

Photos of the hosen-in-progress still to come, along with shots of the cote that will go with them. I'm trying to be as authentic as I reasonable can, whilst creating a kit with a bit of a "wow" factor - mostly to go with those flames.

The cote will be cut from the same red wool as the flames on the hose. Unfortunately, I don't have quite enough for long sleeves, nor do I have quite enough buttons. So I'm going to create some "cheater" undersleeves - a set of undersleeves that tie into the armscye, giving the impression of an undertunic that isn't really there. It's also a comfort issue, since most winter events in our area are indoors. Two layers of wool would get a little warm.

I've also chosen to embroider the sleeves, hem, and collar. I used perle cotton - largely because it's cheap, its easy to work, and it makes a bold statement. This wool is much to furry to use stranded silk, or very fine wool. Heavy silk twist gets quite pricey. I took one of my favorite manuscript whitework patterns and adapted it into my embroidery. An example can be found at the Ritman Library, and is pictured above.

The undergarments are of a linen/rayon blend. I used Master Ranthulfr's instructions for creating the braies: www.randyasplund.com/browse/medieval/chausse1.html

The shirt is a simple St. Louis shirt, as drawn in Elizabeth Crowfoot's "Textiles and Clothing," one of the Museum of London books.

Yes, I know pure linen would be more correct - and likely easier to work. The blend was in my stash. In fact, at this point, let me explain the Fabric Stash to the unintiated. The stash has several components, though it can be an ever changing mass.

1. The Staple Stash - this includes those staples that you keep on hand at all times to spare yourself the aggravation of running out at 10 PM the night before the project needs to be finished. For most sewers, this includes interfacing, black thread, white thread, snaps, hooks and eyes, buttons, elastic, cotton broadcloth and muslins. The SCA stash also tends to include white linen, black wool, metal buttons, perle cotton, and a few other sundries. This is the most volatile part of the stash, and tends to have lost and not re-acquired whatever bit is needed NOW.

2. The "Waiting for Love" Stash - these are cuts of fabric that have a project they are intended for. However, they await the addition of another specific fabric needed for the project, and so accumulate over time. With enough time, these pieces can move into category 3:

3. The "What-the-hell-was-this-for?" Stash - a conglomeration of bits and pieces whose original purpose is unknown or abandoned. Frequently filled with fabric bought as a newbie, before we learn better. Often includes satins, panne' velvets, and poly blends of heat-stroke inducing natures. Most of this will end up in a silent auction of "generously gifted" to some unsuspecting newbie - to enter their stash.

4. The "I'll Find a Use for it Someday" Stash - this has two subsets. The first is fabric bought so cheaply, it gets free room and board until it finds a purpose in life. The second is fabric so lovely that it can stick around until an outfit is created around it. The most exquisite pieces in subsection 2 have a tendency to become so worshipped that they never leave the stash at all.

While my husband cannot identify the specific section to which stash items belong, he has the sense to steer clear of anything that is not OBVIOUSLY being retained for use in fighting kit.

Now... off to sort through the stash in search of something to line another garment with.... where was that red broadcloth, anyway?