[Northkeep] Clothing (was linen sale)

[Marc Carlson]

I believe the prevalence of linen is due to the fact that while many people now know that Linen is a "period" fabric, few are willing to risk the linen/wool combo.  This is their misfortune, since while wool is warm in the summer in Texas and Oklahoma, so is bare skin.  I have found that in general wool moderates heat fairly well, even when it's very hot out.  Admittedly, it helps to have a bit of a breeze, but we do tend to have those around here.

The only new research, such as it is, would suggest that *commoners* wore linen rather than wool, probably because it was cheaper (and in fact remained so until the late 19th/early 20th century).  I believe that for those who wear earlier stuff, you take a look at the "Kings Mirror" (you may find a copy of that online here: http://www.mediumaevum.com/75years/mirror/ although the distinction between "apparel" and "linen"  should make it clear that they are referring to outer and undergarments.  In other areas they discuss "blackened" linen for armor, which is a topic of some disagreement...).

The Jerkin I frequently wear is linen, since it is based on a tradesman's doublet found in a wall in Reigate (see http://www.concealedgarments.org/)

I think as more people actually take the risk to try wool and linen, they will discover the wonderful properties, and realize that cotton, though cheap, is not any cooler to wear.

But that's my opinion.

And welcome to Northkeep, your Grace.

Marc/Diarmaid

> From: willowdewisp at juno.com
> Date: Fri, 24 Jul 2009 11:51:58 +0000
> To: northkeep at lists.ansteorra.org
> Subject: Re: [Northkeep] linen sale
> 
> Thank you for the info on Linen. I want some Ansteorra gold linen. 
> I find the whole "linen" fad to be interesting. Many years ago I took to wearing linen like fabrics because they were cooler. I had misread some of the costuming books. I was corrected by many Laurels. Linen was worn as under garments in most of the medieval European cultures. Wool and Silk worn as over garments. Info on early period is still in question. Of course while the first written evidence of cotton was a report of a "Viking" in Paris sporting a multicolored cape of cotton in 912 , cotton was a very special fabric and was not used much in Europe until after our period. They thought my cotton/linen over dresses to be out of period. 
> Well to say I find it interesting that many of those same Laurels are now wearing 100% Linen as their overdresses.. I don't know if  "new" research has come to life or they finally discovered that Ansteorra is hot. Or the fad came from outside the kingdom. 
> I am glad for the "fad" but I want to know is how they are keeping their linen from wrinkling. 
> willow
>  
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