sewing – thelifeandtimesofcate

I set off on Friday (19/6/25) one the next step in my journey back to 1553.

I’ve had to learn so much before hand, Tudor history, how tutors worked, ate, spoke. I have to be honest, I’ve truly enjoyed the planning.

I’ve made so many things now, or bought them where I couldn’t possibly make them. As well as the clothes there are lots of extras. I bought a knife, a bowl, a plate (most recently).

I want to have my rosary with me (I’m catholic) but it’s an Anglican time with Edward vi on the throne (just, he’s about to die sadly and won’t be seen at all this month but still…). A rosary didn’t really exist as it does now mostly referred to a paternoster, a string of beads with one decade of the rosary, alternatively it could be a ring. I bought a ring of beads. These will be hidden in a small woollen drawstring bag hidden in my kirtle.

Then there are pockets. Tudor clothes didn’t include pockets so they had them in the firm of leather or maybe linen pockets hanging from their belt alongside the knife. I have two. One holds my comb and spoon, the other my handkerchief, some bone dice, coin (and my campervan key..I need a little luxury!) I also made a scissor holder and have Tudor style scissors, or snips.

In my basket (borrowed currently but will be replaced with my own) will hold my knitting, spinning, sewing, cup, bowl, plate.

My knitting. Most people who know me know I love to knit. For my Tudor life I’ve spun some Cotswold fleece, old breed available at that time, having brass needles made, double pointed to make stockings. I’ve also made a linen bag to put it all in. I’ve knit a cap (two actually as the first was far too small!) and then felted it.

Spinning. I spin a lot but on modern wheels. In Tudor times it would be a wheel with a spindle, no treadle and no flyer. I’ve had a brief lesson on one so hopefully I’ll be ok. I also have a spindle whorl that’s 500 yrs old that I will be using..last used by a Tudor! Another pouch needed!

Sewing. As with knitting and spinning, almost everyone did these as well as sewing their own clothes. I’ll have spare linen in my basket with thread and needles. Idle hands are the devils work! I’ve also been making a linen doll with my scraps!

Then there’s the need for a stool. I found a 3 legged one in an antique shop..painted with white gloss but a great shape. After my lovely hubby removed 3 (I think) layers of paint with a little help from me, then some wood stain, it’s perfect!!

Food. I’ll be eating pottage, anything cooked in a pot, lots of seasonal veg, barley, maybe oats, salt, pepper and fresh herbs cooked in a huge pot to feed everyone. Bread is huge too..no pasta, rice or potatoes then! Any meal that has those, replace with bread. Cheese and bread made fresh daily in the dairy and bakhouse. There’s also a brewery so, lots of mead???

All in all quite a journey to get to this point. Now just two days away from setting off for the finale!

I’ve been quiet for some time as I’ve been very busy and doing a lot of planning.

Now it’s all go! In June I’m going to live, work and eat as a Tudor! Seriously!

In August last year I found out about a Tudor mansion, moated no less, that holds events throughout the year that are living history events. A couple of hundred (or more) people volunteer to do this. Amazing or what?

Anyway, this year, midsummer (20/6) onwards I’m going to be one of them. To begin you have to be interviewed and a decision is made re your position. I’m going to be in the wool shed, obviously. Next you need a name, a back story, and then the work REALLY begins.

Lots of pennies later and I have metres of wool fabric, natural and white linen, shoes, hats, basket, knife etc etc..the list is endless. I have to make my outfit.

two shifts..undergarments – looks a bit like a long nights shirt – made of linen

a kirtle – a dress that’s laced up the front (no underwear then) – lined bodice with linen. No sleeves

sleeves- these are pinned on to the partlett when leaving to go outside

a partlett – looks a bit like a sailors collar, black wool with linen lining, sometimes just linen – covers the shoulders and bosom which is unseemly

a coif – linen bonnet/hat to cover the head/hair

stockings/hose – wool, over the knee held up with woven garter

hat – knitted then felted..never leave home without a hat. Alternatively it could be straw

jacket – wool with natural linen lining

Then there’s everything else..shoes, basket, knife, belt, leather pouches to hang on belt, wooden plate, wooden bowl, wooden spoon, mug, pins, knitting needles (essential for me) brass or wood..the list is endless!

However, the planning and making is, and has been, part of the experience. I’m almost ready to go, almost all items finished.

While I’m there I can’t take pictures..no phones and no watches! I’m hoping people do and tag the hall so I can see them.

So, if any of you want to enjoy a fabulous, very full, day out, get some comfortable shoes on and spend the day at Kentwell Hall in Long Medford, Suffolk. You won’t regret it and may learn something as a bonus! I’ll be there from 21 June.