[Steppes] Fw: Merryn's cap/coif class at WarLord aka Biggins 101

[Steppes List Admin]

>  -------Original Message-------
>  From:  Randal Mars <rkmars at sbcglobal.net>
>  Subject: Merryn's cap/coif  class at WarLord aka Biggins 101
>  Sent: 20 May '07 21:13
>  
>  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~