Classes/Papers

Current Classes  

Note: I am adding info to my current classes regularly and am now adding version numbers.   If you've taken v3.1,  v3.2 will have minor new bits but a v4 will be significantly changed class from its v3.1 predecessor.

Islamic Influence on Italian Textiles v 1.75  (last taught Royal Meridies University 2022)
A discussion of some of the ways the Islamic World influenced textiles and clothing styles that have come to be known as "Italian".

Basic Italian Hemstitch 3.0 (last taught Royal Meridies University 2022)

Instructions for the basic drawn thread hemstitch and a variation as well as examples of its use from 15th & 16th-century art. 

Older Classes

These are not being actively updated and may contain links that are no longer valid or information that I have since rethought or techniques that I have improved or discarded entirely.

Online Resources for the Independent Researcher v 3.2  (last taught April 2020)

This class presumes that you know how to undertake basic research and evaluate sources, but do not have access to a college/university library or decent local library to do research. (and/or that like me, you prefer to do your research in your pajamas at midnight, in the comfort of your own home.)

The goal of the class is to present some resources on the Internet that I've found in my web wanderings and personal research to aid you in your own research rabbit holes.  I hope at least some of the sites are new for each of you. 

My personal focus is 16th and early 17th century Venetian and Ottoman textiles, clothing and material culture, but I think the majority of sites will be useful for a variety of rabbit holes.  

How to Make Thread Woven Buttons (last taught Gulf Wars 2019)

A tutorial on how to make thread woven buttons, a style suitable for 16th-century clothing. European and Ottoman.

The Two-hour Tarpuş  (last taught Fools War 2018)

The tarpuş was a necessary part of the well-dressed 16th century Ottoman lady’s ensemble.  A brief history of the tarpuş and learning how to make one with minimal sewing involved. 

Note: while the research in this class is solid, the goal of the tutorial is to create a fast and easy "found objects" peri-oid tarpuş with minimal sewing involved.

How to Make Çaprast Closures from Fingerloop Braids (Last taught War of the Wings 2017)

Have you ever admired the rows of “marching band" style trim on the front of Ottoman kaftans and Safavid Qaba? These are called çaprast and this class will give you a brief history and teach you how to make them from finger loop braids. Knowledge of finger loop braiding helpful but not necessary.

How to Make Sekanjabin Syrup (last taught Fools War 2017)

A brief history of Sekajabin in the SCA and instructions for making it with several variations.

A late 16c shirt with puncture-resistant gussets for rapier combat   (Last taught Baronial A&S Night 2017)

Instructions for cutting and constructing a shirt based on pattern #9 from Janet Arnold's Patterns of Fashion 4 with underarm gussets altered to provide puncture-resistant protection suitable for SCA Rapier Combat.

A&S Entries

Household Artifacts: European Sewing Tools 1150-1600 in Practical Use

Discussion of hand sewing tools 1150-1600 and their modern reproductions/adaptations with the goal of creating a historically accurate sewing basket for practical use.