Here, guests will find a warm welcome, and a hostess who enjoys sharing her knowledge and interests.
Welcome, and enjoy!
Bliaut Class Handout: The bliaut is my favourite medieval fashion, because it's just so beautiful. This is the short version of the plan, enough for those who just want directions, and hopefully a good start for those who want to read anything about this lovely gown.
Cotehardie Class Handout: My second favourite medieval fashion is the cotehardie, quite possibly the single most elegant gown ever designed.
Chartres Trim Patterns: Many of the Chartres statues showing people in bliauts were carved with such detail that the trim patterns are still visible today. I haven't managed to sketch them all out and I can't promise that I drew them with any level of accuracy, but this should get you started!
The Well-Dressed Society Child, part I: Infants and Small Children: The presence of children at medieval events can make or break the "magic" of the moment, depending in large part on how the child is dressed (although there ARE other variables!). Here are some helpful hints on helping your infant or toddler dress the part.
The Well-Dressed Society Child, part II: Toddlers and Preschoolers: The class continues, now focusing on a more active and involved age group.
The Silkworm Class: This is the handout for a class I've done on growing silkworms, complete with live specimens and a take-home kit for those who want it. If you're interested in growing silkworms, you'll probably find this useful, but I'm only giving out starter kits to people who can get to me in person!
Box Loom Plans: I don't like inkle looms for aesthetic reasons, so I designed and made my own loom for tabletweaving. It'll work just as well for rigid heddle weaving.
Making Silk: A short history of silk manufacture and use, with suggestions for the modern recreationist.
The Silkworm Diary: This is the diary of my first start-to-finish exercise in cultivating silkworms in order to harvest and use their silk. While the process is time-consuming, it is definitely interesting and has a great end result!
© 2001 Grace Payne