MEDATS part the third - Latvian Archeological Textiles, 7th-13thc

Continuing my writeup of notes...

Latvian Archeological Textiles, 7th-13th centuries
Hilary Davidson, Museum of London

Reference text ISBN: 9984-653-25-0
Beautiful full-colour book documenting finds and providing reconstructions; text is in Latvian

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Welcome to Latvia - info site aimed at visitors

Lots of other links off the Wiki entry at top.

Reduce reuse recycle - refashioning medieval clothes

In search of a pleasant way to follow the 3Rs, I've decided to only sew (and knit) from my stash of fabric and yarn, for the forseeable future.

I'm aware that my hobby consumes a lot of material resources, as well as my time, energy and money.  

I'm fairly happy continuing to commit my own time, etc. to this hobby.  But I'm hoping to use fewer raw components (fabric, yarn, embroidery stuff, beads, C&I supplies, wood, tools, etc) by using those  that I already own, before aquiring any more.

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Of course, I am allowing myself a little bit of leeway:
- I can buy fabric to finish an existing project (so looking for gold silk brocade and linen for the Cranach gown at the reenactor fair this weekend is just fine. My conscience is clear. Really.
- Buying white linen for chemises and linings doesn't count.
- I can buy something to make for someone else, though I get bonus points for figuring out how to make the gift from my own stash. (Bonus points, unfortunately, cannot be turned in for cash, only additional smugness.)
- I can accept gifts: turning down gifts would be churlish, really.
- I can buy books, particularly to expand my knowledge and skills. Teaching a man to fish, and all that...

I'm rather excited, actually. Until now, making new has always been more fun than repairing old. But the idea of creating new from old (vs just mending!) is far more attractive.

Anyone want to join me?

MEDATS part the fourth - Dress and Textiles from Sweden's Royal Armoury

Like the talk about Irish textiles, this was a 'survey' of specific items and collections in Sweden: a pleasant introduction to major Swedish finds, and a colourful slide show of pretty things.

Dress and textiles from Sweden's Royal Armoury in Stockholm
Henrik Andersson, "Bibliotekarie", at Livruskammaren 

The Royal Armoury started as s true armoury, where armour was stored ready for distribution to troops. However, its purpose changed when Gustavus Adolphus (1594-1632) donated the clothes he wore during a decisive battle, 'as a perpetual memorial'. After that, the armoury became more of a historic collection, and now holds clothing, armour and artifacts from 15th century onward. Its 'hallmark' is the collection of "blood-stained costumes preserved to bear witness to royal valour" (text from English website).

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There's just a handful of photos on the Livrustkammaren website. A bit disappointing - possibly more on the Swedish site, not sure.
However, my friend terafan posted some pictures from a trip to Uppsala Cathedral and its treasury; includes pics of the golden gown, and some medieval wall paintings.