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Author Topic: Early 15th century houppleande  (Read 8706 times)

scott2978

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Early 15th century houppleande
« on: 2014-12-02, 04:57:56 »
Last week I finished my latest project, a blue velvet houppleande for my lady Caren, made generally in the style of the effigy of William Willoughby c1410.

Here is my interpretation, with some modifications based on my lady's wishes, such as a shorter collar and shorter sleeves. It's made from about 8 yards of blue cotton velveteen. The feel and sheen of cotton velveteen is regarded by noted historical clothing expert Tasha Kelly as "...closer to something that probably existed in the period". The houppleande collar and sleeves are lined in medium weight linen.





« Last Edit: 2014-12-02, 05:02:02 by scott2978 »

Ian

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Re: Early 15th century houppleande
« Reply #1 on: 2014-12-02, 17:42:14 »
Wow!  Very nice!  Looks like it will drape very naturally and flatter whoever wears it.  Are they open-cuffed angel wing sleeves?  Excellent work Scott!

"...noted historical clothing expert Tasha Kelly..."  I'm sure Tasha would love to hear that that's how she is being referred to now :)

She most definitely is that, it's just funny because in my head that title conjures up an image of an old academic sitting Gandalf-like among dusty tomes of historical knowledge.  Anyone who's met Tasha will tell you she's a very down-to-earth, approachable, friendly and generous with her knowledge/expertise.  I just thought that contrast in my imagination was funny... ;) 
« Last Edit: 2014-12-02, 17:47:47 by Ian »
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Sir Rodney

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Re: Early 15th century houppleande
« Reply #2 on: 2014-12-03, 05:00:04 »
You’ve got some serious skills Scott!   8)

You know it is funny if you think about it.  When I was young, experts sat in a wood paneled office with floor to ceiling book cases, smoked a pipe, and spoke down to you through the television.  Nowadays, experts like Tasha, Craig Johnson, and Toby Capwell blow that old image away.  We're living in exciting times!
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Lord Dane

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Re: Early 15th century houppleande
« Reply #3 on: 2014-12-03, 21:28:47 »
This year's award recipient for "Medieval Tailor of the Year" goes to ... :)

Nice work Scott.
« Last Edit: 2014-12-05, 20:42:10 by Lord Dane »
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Re: Early 15th century houppleande
« Reply #4 on: 2014-12-03, 21:30:40 »
Once again, I highly approve of the color! Actually, that's a very pretty fabric all-around. It makes for a lovely houppleande. Very nicely done!

I wish I had had the chance to talk to Tasha at DoK. I met her very briefly during the Deed of Arms, but she's one of those people whose brain I would just love to pick.
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Sir James A

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Re: Early 15th century houppleande
« Reply #5 on: 2014-12-03, 23:34:51 »
Very nice, Scott!

Sir Douglas, I had no idea Tasha was at DoK. Argh!
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Re: Early 15th century houppleande
« Reply #6 on: 2014-12-04, 14:52:40 »

Wow, very nice!!!
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Re: Early 15th century houppleande
« Reply #7 on: 2014-12-05, 03:07:16 »
You are amazing!
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scott2978

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Re: Early 15th century houppleande
« Reply #8 on: 2014-12-07, 04:17:19 »
Quote
Are they open-cuffed angel wing sleeves? 

Yes! The cuff opening is 28 inches long, and on the wearer it was made for they hang down below the waist. They're also lined with linen like the collar.

Sir Robert

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Re: Early 15th century houppleande
« Reply #9 on: 2014-12-09, 19:04:17 »
Just a thought- You know this got me thinking- a few years ago I taught my cub scout den how to sew buttons and mend cloths, and I found out something rather weird- that most of the mothers had no idea how to sew, and had never been taught how to repair popped seams or replace buttons.  I had thought this was a pretty common skill that almost anyone would know, yet they did not and even more still as time moved on I realized that many had limited outdoors or basic home making skills.

Now most of that has to do with where I live to be sure (outside of Philadelphia) but it was still a interesting observation and one than challenges many old stereotypes. I will say that I have meet many gifted crafters, and you have done a wonderful job here.

scott2978

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Re: Early 15th century houppleande
« Reply #10 on: 2014-12-10, 00:45:06 »
Definitely my most ambitious sewing project yet, but with each project my confidence and knowledge increases.

Thanks everyone for the kind comments, they are truly appreciated.