Sky Above, Hills Around

This outfit, my first historical one, was created for a Renaissance festival. While not "historically accurate," I kept the appearance as correct as possible. I chose to make a 1490's kirtle because it seemed the least intimidating part of the Renaissance Era since it had simple lines and no supportive undergarments.

After deciding to focus on Germany, I researched pictures and writings to learn what was distinctly theirs. Kirtles had fitted sleeves and low, square necklines with guard stripes around the skirt, neckline, and vertically down the bodice front. Guards were universally black, but I opted for cream to upcycle a linen tablecloth. I adore cloaks, so I instantly knew I had to have a gollar (the shoulder-cloak) with the common high collar. The wulsthaube was an iconically German headdress. I made mine with a smaller size roll, which I found to be more flattering.

The blackwork embroidery designs are from the period, and everything except the birds are from German manuals. The kirtle recalls a bright summer sky with clouds and birds flying across it. The apron represents the hills with acorns, wind swirls, and flowers. The same flowers are echoed in smaller form among the vines in the band around the headdress.

I consider this outfit to be the farmer's wife's best dress. Like her, I can't afford silk or fur. Instead, I embellished inexpensively with embroidery and a matching, decorative apron. The 21 sleeve buttons, an excessive amount, give texture and interest but are made using scraps.