Blog hiatus over / Gambeson

My deepest apologies to all of my readers and followers; it's been over a year since I've posted anything of substance here. School, work, and of course my ever-increasing involvement in historical European martial arts (shameless plug: NY Historical Fencing Association / NYHFA Blog) have all conspired to keep my embroidery progress slower than a snail's pace.

I have nearly completed a rather large project, however: a gambeson based on an extant 14th century piece, but with modern amenities such as zipper and velcro closures. I say nearly complete, because it is actually functionally complete (and I've already worn it for the 2012 Longpoint longsword tournament) but there's some detail work I have left to do. The most significant of these is a hand-embroidered "TZ" monogram that will be appliquéd on the back, between the shoulder blades.

I have to give a great deal of credit and thanks to Tasha Kelly McGann of La Cotte Simple, who got me started by tailoring a pattern for me. Besides her research into grande assiette sleeves, she's also got an interest in aumônières and has pictures of a wonderfully embroidered one on her site. Just go check out her website, it's full of interesting things!

Inspiration: The Charles de Blois pourpoint

As I work on, and certainly after I finish, the embroidery for the back of my gambeson I will post new pictures! Stay tuned, and be well!