So much can be learned from the study of historical craft techniques. I am interested in exploring different aspects of historical textile production through the processing of fibres, spinning, dyeing, weaving and sewing. My goal is to successfully emulate different styles of European cloth and clothing from the Medieval Period and earlier, which were often of exceptionally fine quality. This pushes me to further develop my own skills and has increased my appreciation of historical textile production.
Hand spun wool 2/1 diamond twill, dyed with madder, weld, and indigo, photographed by David Hudson
“Rippenköper” weave in linen, natural and pomegranate-dyed stripes. This cloth structure is discussed in “Textiles, Cordage and Raw Fibre from 16-22 Coppergate” by Penelope Walton
“Wagengewebe” in linen. This cloth structure is discussed in “Textiles, Cordage and Raw Fibre from 16-22 Coppergate” by Penelope Walton
Handspun wool in 2/2 twill, weft dyed with woad. This cloth structure in wool has been commonly produced in Europe for thousands of years.
Handspun tabby wool with stripes in extended tabby, colours in weft stripes from lac and cochineal. Inspired by textile finds with weft-faced bands discussed in “Textiles and Clothing: Medieval Finds from Excavations in London, c.1150- c.1450 by Elizabeth Crowfoot, et al.
Partially fulled tabby weave dyed with madder, handspun wool
handspun madder detail
Hood loosely based on Greenland finds, handwoven 2/2 twill, weft dyed with weld, fustic and iron
Hood detail
Greta Pepper 