No, I haven't forgotten about this blog - or about the series I was writing about the 14th Century bust. I haven't just been somewhat consumed by work and by modern projects (lots of knitted Christmas presents) and now by Christmas itself.
However, this lady's page was just too inspirational not to share. In particular, her headdress interpretations here, her St. Brigitta caps and her AMAZING step-by-step photo-guide showing how she arranges her veils. (I particularly love seeing a fellow uberlong-haired lady demonstrating how the hair itself has the potential as a base structure for the fantastical headdress structures).
There is also an interesting series of headdress interpretations here.
I often feel headdresses are an underrated, underappreciated part of medieval dress. Far too many people ignore or forget headdresses, either out of ignorance of ways to wear them, fretting about them being "uncomfortable" or because they let modern sensibilities and/or politics tell them that "it looks stupid/ugly" or "it's anti-feminist".
Personally, I don't see the point of going to all the effort of making a beautiful, accurate outfit only to ruin it by missing out the crucial accessories or by wearing the wrong accessories with your outfit (clue: a large, plain oval veil is not appropriate for all eras or all classes!). It is not that difficult to make a basic veil appropriate for your era. It only takes experimentation and practice to make it comfortable (or, at least not uncomfortable). As for them being ugly - well, men's hose, codpieces or the pregnant look of the 'gothic slouch' are pretty ugly to most modern eyes. Finally, whatever your opinions on veiling in a modern context, I think it does our forbearers (for-mothers?) a disservice to ignore what was a critical part of their dress and their everyday life.
Well, enough ranting from me for tonight. Happy holidays, all. I shall see you in the New Year.
