[Elfsea] Merryn's cap/coif class at WarLord aka Biggins 101

Randal Mars rkmars at sbcglobal.net
Sun May 20 20:13:19 PDT 2007


Since several people have expressed interest, I am making a clarification concerning the class I will be offering through the auspices of the Gracious and Charming Hadassah, and Steppes children's A&S:

 The class I am teaching at WarLord is definitely for everyone, not just children. Adults wishing to attend the class on their own do not have to assist a young person unless they want to do so. 

For those who happened to have noticed the Very Charming cap that the Lovely Lady Elspeth was wearing at Tor Defender, this is the cap we will be making. Anyone who has lace trim they wish to use on their own cap is certainly welcome to bring it. I do have several different types of lace and will be bringing them to the class for "cap makers" to choose from.

 I am bringing the necessary supplies( handkerchiefs, white gros-grain ribbon, needles, thread, pins, and assorted lace trims ) for approx. 25 caps. Any Ladies who wish to help with the machine sewing portion by bringing a sewing machine to the class will be most appreciated! (So far we have 3 machines definitely promised available for use by Adults and by those assisting our younger participants.) The class is booked and listed for Saturday, from 1pm to 2:30pm. and due to the fact that we will need to plug the machines into wall sockets, I assume that we will be in the Main Building. The time allotted should be more than enough for everyone to complete their lovely new cap and proudly wear it for all to admire. :)

 I have printed up a 2 page handout with drawings and pattern suggestions for each participant.The handout includes illustrations for other possible Biggins styles as well as the version I have chosen for the class. I will also have several of my own Biggins/coif variations on display so participants may see what the other style possibilities look like.  The cap we will be making in class is the simplest variation (worn by women and girls) and is made from a Man's handkerchief with lace trim ( optional )  and ribbon ties added on.

 Second source documentations available in various drawings and illustrations indicate that a Biggins-style cap was worn by European females of all social classes from the 11th century through the 16th century.( I believe there is a sketch by Hans Holbein of Anne Boelyn wearing a biggins cap/coif.)

 For those who wish something light and easy to wear that is machine washable, this cap is a definite winner! Lady Elspeth admitted that unless someone complimented her on the cap,( and many did!) she tended to forget it was even on her head. The cap can be worn with or without ribbon ties in the event that you are someone who Lothes having something tied under your chin. When I made mine I placed  button holes on each of the 2 corners of my cap for a ribbon tie and used *gasp* a Non-Period piece of elastic at the back to make the cap fit more snugly if I choose to wear it without the ribbon.   If you think you might want to use elastic, please keep in mind that elastic is *Definitely Not Period*...and therefore please bring your own 6 inch long piece of 1/2 " width white elastic band to class.  (I am striving/attempting to teach what passes for a "reasonably Period" appropriate cap to the class.)

There is no cost for participants, the supplies are being paid for by Steppes. Anyone wishing to donate funds to defray costs are, of course, most welcome to see Hadassah and do so! 
 

Come one, come all! The more the merrier!!
~Merryn~
 aka "The Mad Hatter of Elfsea"  :))
 
...The only thing that makes growing older bearable for a woman is having earned the right to truthfully speak her mind... ~Cecily Neville, Duchess of York, 1483~
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