FOUNDATIONS REVEALED COMPETITION ENTRY
Helga Hufflepuff | 11th Century Witch
(click images to to enlarge)
Other Credits
Dustin Nimegeers - photographer and Husband
Outline the story …
Helga Hufflepuff, founder of Hufflepuff house at Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry, was hard working, patient, just, and loyal. She made her house accepting of all who displayed these traits and turning away none. To create the image of Helga I first had to research what women of her region and era might have worn. Being that this time was known as the dark ages where much history is lost to us... this poses many challenges to creating a full dress of the era. I turned to research books for ideas and looked at current wizards/witches robes described in the novels. I then came up with the sleeve design, colours, and basic fit. From there my design started and was refined with lacing placement, hems, and the accessories as my research took me deeper into the world of 11th century women's dress. I was like many of us in 2020... unemployed with some time on my hands. I started a youtube channel and once the theme came out I got to work. Some time after that I went back to work full time and this project slowed down significantly. With fears of not having anything complete, I cut some garments out and focused more on my main three garments and accessories.
Outline the construction…
I started with the chemise that was made from white linen and self drafted using the fabric from under the arms as side gores from waist to hem to allow extra volume. This item is hand sewn. Second item is a wool under dress that was suppose to be yellow but once arrived it came as a tan colour. I was unable to return it or afford replacement. This one was self drafted also with longer sleeves and cuffs complete with wood button closure and 4 waist to hem gores (front, back, sides). Final garment is a wool black over dress with side and back lacing (hand sewn eyelets), 4 waist to hem gores (front, back, sides), embroidery along a keyhole neckline, wool yarn braided sleeve accents, and long sleeves lined in yellow linen. Both under and over dresses had modern finishings due to time issues. Made of the same yellow linen was the headband and hair ribbons. I made a loom to be able to tablet weave the belt. The loom was made from scrap wood from my garage. The weave took 20 hours alone! Made from a dowel and hot glue was the wand used for casting my spells. I had many more ideas to add to this ensemble but ran out of time like more embroidery, shoes, leggings, cape, and headscarf. Resources: Dress in Anglo-Saxon England by Gale R. Owen-Crocker. Weave pattern: Ferns 834 CE from tablet weaving in theory and practice.
Aaahhhh. This is great!! So amazing! And the ribbon and braids – fantastic!! Fabulous. LOVE it
You made a loom?! That is awesome! This whole look is just amazing!
Yes I made the loom 🙂 Made from scrap materials around my garage. 2x4s and 1” dowels. The stain was old so it didn’t take as well but it works great. I built it for inkle and card weaving purposes. If I had more time I would have made a hem braid and neckline with it.
The details look great! Great job❤
Time was surely challenge, but I can’t tell that you rushed anything. It looks great! I love it.
Wow this is so good, Kayla you are amazing your entry is very inspiring. i keep my fingers crossed 😀
Wow- very well done- very inspiring !
Love this!! You made your vision happen perfectly!! Great work!
I love this! Good luck from a fellow Hufflepuff!
That woven belt is stunning. Beautiful pieces and I love that you had all the layers included and followed her house colors as well.
Oh my….this is simply beautiful! very well done. Thank you!