Cunnan - User contributions [en]

Rectangular cloak

2004-07-24T19:11:49Z

Jauncourt: spelling fix

This is the type of [[cloak]] worn by warriors in the [[Bayeux Tapestry|Bayeux tapestry]], and by various early period men and women. It is essentially a piece of rectangular wool that is pinned together to keep it on the body. If you have an old blanket, then no sewing is required.

Women and scholarly or elderly men generally wear full length (ie. to about the ankles) rectangles pinned at the neck with a pin or "[[penannular]]" (a nappy pin will work, but doesn't look very period - but can be hidden under the cloak). Try using a blanket - apart from some possible pin holes, it can be used as a blanket again, especially on your bed at night during [[camping event]]s. If your cloak is too long, fold the top bit over as a sort of collar, then pin it.

Warriors often wore shorter cloaks (just below the knees), pinned above their right hand shoulder to allow movement of their sword arm. This also works well for women trying to get stuff done.

If you don't have a pin, many pictures show draped fabric rectangles with no kind of fastening. It'll fall off unless you sit or hold it in place, but I'm told by someone who wore a blanket for 3 days this way, that it works quite well.

This cloak has no [[hood]], but you can pin it more loosely and drag a fold of the cloak up over your head as a hood.

A rectangular, belted cloak forms the early basis of the [[Scotland|Scottish]] [[Great-Kilt]]. The women's Earisaid (pronounced "air-sitch" and spelt in a multitude of variations) is a good example of this and still worn in this fashion.

User talk:Conrad Leviston

2004-07-16T08:35:31Z

Jauncourt:

<evil grin> Actually I did know the dragon was the natural enemy of the elephant. For the dragon is a serpent and the serpent did offer the fruit of the tree to eve. ;-)
Bet you didn't know 12th C dragons only had 2 legs though. :-)

Tiffany (just a little light bedtime reading :-) )

---

The serpent offering the fruit, huh? I suppose all those tales of dragons capturing fair maidens makes sense in that context. Especially if you're one of those nutty religious types who believes that the fruit is a metaphor for sex. The maid is captured by the rapacious and then rescued by the chaste.

I'm still not sure how the elephant comes into it though.

---

I think it's a red herring - actually a real observation of african snakes that could strangle large animals - a piece of factual information that slipped in by accident amoungst all that metaphor. I bet the early greek descriptions show dragons as just a large snake with no legs.

Tiff

----
Good work on the [[Line divisions]] articles. - [[User:Tobin|Tobin]] 21:30, 10 Jun 2004 (EST)

---

Yep, I did all that while I was at work (a quiet night on the door can be very productive). It was actually really easy to draw up the images. [[User:Conrad Leviston|Conrad Leviston]] 22:24, 10 Jun 2004 (EST)

== Special Chars ==

I think the missing special chars are my fault (in fact I'm certain they are my fault). They are still in the database but the software is having some trouble understanding them.

I'll try to fix this on the weekend. - [[User:Tobin|Tobin]] 01:34, 17 Jun 2004 (EST)
:Seems to be back in order now. Some pages changed since the problem started might still be messed up. - [[User:Tobin|Tobin]] 12:36, 17 Jun 2004 (EST)

== Categories ==
Hi Conrad, I notice that there is a heraldry category AND a devices category. Shouldn't a lot of the pages you are editing go in the devices category or should that one be removed? - [[User:Cian|Cian Gillebhrath]] 11:01, 15 Jul 2004 (EST)

:I'm guessing devices should be removed [[User:Conrad Leviston|Conrad Leviston]] 11:11, 15 Jul 2004 (EST)

:On second thoughts maybe devices should be used for things like [[Arms of the Kingdom of Lochac]]. [[User:Conrad Leviston|Conrad Leviston]] 11:15, 15 Jul 2004 (EST)

Thank you for fixingf my image link on the [[pennanular]] page. I could not, for the life of me, get it to work right, and I tried 2 or 3 times.

[[User:Jauncourt|Lady Marguerie de Jauncourt]]

Cunnan:Requested pictures

2004-07-15T20:07:50Z

Jauncourt:

If you think that there is an article that could be improved with an image but you dont can't find or get permission to use one, then list the artilce here along with what you think is needed. Some of [[Cunnan]]'s other users might have or might be willing to make the image you need. If you think that there is an important article missing from then you can leave a note on the [[Cunnan:Requested articles|Requested articles]] page.

* [[Device]] - Needs some example devices.
* [[Kingdoms]] - Needs a map of the [[Known world]]. Coats of Arms for each Kingdom would be good too.
* [[Illumination]] - Needs some examples.
* [[Embroidery]] - pictures of the different stiches would be nice.
* [[Weapon]]s - Pictures of different weapons (and plans for armour).
* Articles about people (e.g. [[Gwynfor Lwyd]], [[Delbert von Strassburg]], etc) would be more informative with devices.
* [[Maaseik Embroidery]] - an anonymous user asked about example images

Penannular

2004-07-15T20:06:26Z

Jauncourt:

'''Penannular''' is a popular [[SCA slang term]] for a [[penannular brooch]], or semi-circular pin.

Penannular means "almost circle" in [[Latin]].

A search for "penannular" in the online collections catalog at the British Museum website yeilds [http://www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk/compass/ixbin/hixclient.exe?%7BUPPER%7D%3Av2_free_text_tindex=penannular&_IXDB_=compass&_IXSPFX_=graphical%2Fsummary%2F&_IXFPFX_=graphical%2Ffull%2F&_IXNOMATCHES_=graphical%2Fno_matches.html&%24+%28with+v2_searchable_index%29+sort=.&_IXsearchterm=penannular&_IXspage=search&submit-button=summary this result]
[[Image:penannular.png]]

Penannular

2004-07-15T20:05:36Z

Jauncourt:

File:Pennanular.png

2004-07-15T20:04:42Z

Jauncourt:

simple pennanular brooch

Drawing made by Maura Folsom 7/2004 for the express purpose of displaying on Cunnan. Drawing is Copyright-free.

File:Pennanular.png

2004-07-15T20:03:18Z

Jauncourt: simple pennanular brooch

simple pennanular brooch

Penannular

2004-06-21T19:42:58Z

Jauncourt:

"Penannular" is a popular [[SCA slang term]] for a [[penannular brooch]], or semi-circular pin.

Penannular means "broken circle" in [[Latin]].

A search for "penannular" in the online collections catalog at the British Museum website yeilds [http://www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk/compass/ixbin/hixclient.exe?%7BUPPER%7D%3Av2_free_text_tindex=penannular&_IXDB_=compass&_IXSPFX_=graphical%2Fsummary%2F&_IXFPFX_=graphical%2Ffull%2F&_IXNOMATCHES_=graphical%2Fno_matches.html&%24+%28with+v2_searchable_index%29+sort=.&_IXsearchterm=penannular&_IXspage=search&submit-button=summary this result]

Penannular

2004-06-01T17:39:14Z

Jauncourt:

"Penannular" is a popular [[SCA slang term]] for a [[penannular brooch]], or semi-circular pin.

Penannular means "broken circle" in [[Latin]].

Penannular

2004-05-31T19:18:12Z

Jauncourt:

"Penannular" is a popular SCA slang term for a [[penannular brooch]], or semi-circular pin.

Penannular means "broken circle" in [[Latin]].

Penannular

2004-05-31T19:14:49Z

Jauncourt:

"Penannular" is a popular SCA slang term for a [penannular brooch], or semi-circular pin.

Penannular means "broken circle" in [Latin].

User talk:62.234.126.233

2004-04-27T14:21:47Z

Jauncourt:

thanks for fixing my typos, whoever you are. :)

[[User:Jauncourt|Jauncourt]]

User talk:Taryn

2004-03-31T09:11:12Z

Jauncourt:

Hey good to see you've found the new server! Just to let you know that a quirk of the PediaWiki software is that there are no subpages. So [[Rapier/case]] case should probably just be [[Rapier case]] or if you feel like making it sub-page-like then use [[Case (rapier)]] which gets slightly different treatment. - [[User:Tobin|Tobin]]

:For these it would probably be best to use [[Rapier case]], etc. The use of (subject) is probably best left for pages with ambiguous titles. Pages can be easily moved using the "Move this page" link in the left menu bar (in case you haven't found it yet). Also, feel free to tell me I'm making bad policy here! Its a wiki so everyone can help out with this kind of planning.- [[User:Tobin|Tobin]]

:No its just adds more stuff to my "Talk" page. They are just a normal wiki page that has been kept seperate from the articles by putting "User talk:" in front of them e.g. [[User talk:Tobin]] links to my talk page. Feel free to reply to things on your talk page on your own talk page, although this conversation should probably have been moved to [[Cunnan_talk:Naming_conventions]]. I'll whip up some info on the namespaces later tonight. - [[User:Tobin|Tobin]]
----
I'll move the current discussion to the faux pas talk page (to try and keep things neat :-) - [[User:Tobin|Tobin]]
----
Since you've been helping out on the FAQ and policy pages I've made you an admin. You now have the power to delete/restore pages, ban vandals and access the database directly (though this should never be needed). Take a look at [[Special:Specialpages]] and you should see some new stuff near the bottom. - [[User:Tobin|Tobin]] 10:15 8 Jul 2003 (EST)
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Wow! Good work on the mead articles! - [[User:130.194.13.104|130.194.13.104]]

:Thanks - I like making the stuff and thought I might as well share the experience... there is never enough mead around that there couldn't be more :) [[User:Taryn|Taryn]] 10:12 22 Jul 2003 (EST)
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Taryn - could I get you to add stuff to [[Brewing]]? I've done a little reorganisation - There's now a history of brewing section. Cheers. [[User:Morgant|Morgant]] 16:24 23 Jul 2003 (EST)
----
Nah - just add what brewing stuff you feel is necessary. I'll add some more when I get some time. [[User:Morgant|Morgant]] 11:29 7 Aug 2003 (EST)

----

Hi! left a question for you on the talk page for [[whorler]]. I am curious where you found the term used in period. Thanks! [[User:Jauncourt|Jauncourt]]

Talk:Whorler

2004-03-31T07:03:51Z

Jauncourt:

Source for "whorler," please? I understood the term "spindle" to be a period term for what has, since the spinning wheel became popular, been called a "drop spindle." I have been studying textile production in period for some years and have not previously come across this term.

Thanks!

[[User:Jauncourt|Jauncourt]]

Half circle cloak

2004-03-31T02:22:44Z

Jauncourt:

Half circle cloaks (also called mantles) were a popular choice throughout much of the SCA period. Numerous survivng examples exist today, from the coronation mantle of Roger II of Sicily to the much more humble Bocksten mantle.

Half circle cloaks were pretty much the norm from about 1100 on, although scattered survivals of the earlier [[rectangular cloak]] (mostly among poorer or isolated peoples) continued on for some time. The more extravagant 3/4 and [[full circle cloaks]] seem to have evolved as weaving technology became more efficient, just like the rest of the world's fashion did.

== On the wearing of half-circle mantles ==

At least one surviving example (the manto belonging to Fernando de la Cerda, at the Museo de las Telas Medivales in Burgos, Spain) has two ties, one on either side, which are rather farther down than you would expect. This matches this author's experience of wearing one, and actually helps to 'fit' the garment to the body so that it stays put. Also, when worn with pins or ties in this location, half-circle mantles hang in a manner that strongly resembles simialr items seen in 2 and 3-d depictions from period.

Personal anecdote of how simple half-circle mantles behave when worn:

"My heavy, fulled wool, winter mantle is a pure half-circle, calf-length, and is worn opening at the front, clasped with a heavy double pin (bridged by a chain of approximately 6 inches). It does not tend to slide down the back, but that is because the double brooch is pinned at shoulder level, /after/ arranging the cloak so that the extra cloth wrinkles up at the back of my neck (nice and cozy in cold weather). This is usually about 16-18 inches down from the crease when the cloak is folded in half.

My summer mantle, being a little shorter and of finer wool, can be pinned to my gown with lighter brooches and doesn't wrinkle up much at the back of my neck because the lighter fabric drapes more easily across my shoulders. It is light enough that it can be comfortably pulled over my head (in the veil/mantle manner) if I need to do so." - Lady Marguerie de Jauncourt

== On decorating mantles ==

Nearly all of the surviving cloaks from period (And yes, I mean the whole 1000+ year stretch) that we have are decorated in *some* way. Some, like the 'Sternenmantel' and the coronation mantle of Roger II of Sicily are elaborately embroidered with designs that stand out from the base fabric, some are only 'trimmed' with embroidery (the Mammen cloak). The cloaks from the Burgos collection are decorated in that they are made of elaborately patterned textiles of Moorish origin.

Due to artistic (and some archaeological) evidence of undecorated cloaks, iy is safe to venture that lower classes wore them. It is also likely that these would be unlikely to have survived as they were ideal candidates for recycling into other things (and also because the richer garments were given into the care of the Church after a period of secular use, which helped to preserve them).

== Extant half circle mantles ==

Three richly decorated semicircular mantles are shown in The Pictorial Arts of the West 800-1200 by C.R. Dodwell. The pieces mentioned are: fig 23, p 25, "The so called Corontaion Robe of St Stephen from Szekesfehervar. Presented in 1031. Budapest, Magyar Nemzeti Muzeum"; fig 25, p28, "German: The 'Sternenmantel' of Henry II c.1014. Bamberg Cathedral Treasury"; fig 26, p 29, "German: The so-called Great Mantle of Kunigunde. c. 1012. Bamberg Cathedral Treasury."

Interestingly, the "great mantle of Kunigunde" is decorated along the front edge with a band of tree-of-life embroidery that has been cut into at some later date to form a cope-style neck indentation (sort of a low, rectangular neck hole). The band of embroidery clearly predates the alteration, and probably indicates that it was altered for liturgical use.

There are two extant mantles shown in Museo de Telas Medievales Monasterio de Santa Maria la Real de Huelgas by Concha Herrero Carretero. These are both undecorated, technically, excepting that they are made of rich lampas-weave silk. These pieces are the Manto (cloak) belonging to Fernando, hijo de Alfonso X, and the manto that is part of the suit of clothes belonging to Fernando de la Cerda, which are all made of the same polychrome heraldic metal-brocaded silk.

== External Links ==
*The coronation mantle of Roger II of Sicily, which is held by the Kunsthistoriche Museum Vienna: http://www.khm.at/homeE/homeE.html You will need to select collections-> Treasury -> Holy Roman Empire. The mantle is the sixth exhibit.
*The Mammen Cloak, shown here, in a reconstruction: http://www.vikinganswerlady.com/embroid.htm
*The Bocksten Cloak, described here: http://www.personal.utulsa.edu/~marc-carlson/cloth/bockclok.html and shown here in a reconstruction, demonstrating how the neckhole was used: http://www.personal.utulsa.edu/~marc-carlson/cloth/bckclk2.html
* a reconstruction of the Sknurmantel is described here: http://www.personal.utulsa.edu/~marc-carlson/cloth/miscclok.html

== Note ==
This article is based on a much shorter original article previously published by Lady Marguerie de Jauncourt. A copy of the original can be found at http://jauncourt.i8.com/mantle.htm

Half circle cloak

2004-03-31T02:22:15Z

Jauncourt:

Half circle cloaks (also called mantles) were a popular choice throughout much of the SCA period. Numerous survivng examples exist today, from the coronation mantle of Roger II of Sicily to the much more humble Bocksten mantle.

Half circle cloaks were pretty much the norm from about 1100 on, although scattered survivals of the earlier [[rectangular cloak]] (mostly among poorer or isolated peoples) continued on for some time. The more extravagant 3/4 and [[full circle cloaks]] seem to have evolved as weaving technology became more efficient, just like the rest of the world's fashion did.

== On the wearing of half-circle mantles ==

At least one surviving example (the manto belonging to Fernando de la Cerda, at the Museo de las Telas Medivales in Burgos, Spain) has two ties, one on either side, which are rather farther down than you would expect. This matches this author's experience of wearing one, and actually helps to 'fit' the garment to the body so that it stays put. Also, when worn with pins or ties in this location, half-circle mantles hang in a manner that strongly resembles simialr items seen in 2 and 3-d depictions from period.

Personal anecdote of how simple half-circle mantles behave when worn:

"My heavy, fulled wool, winter mantle is a pure half-circle, calf-length, and is worn opening at the front, clasped with a heavy double pin (bridged by a chain of approximately 6 inches). It does not tend to slide down the back, but that is because the double brooch is pinned at shoulder level, /after/ arranging the cloak so that the extra cloth wrinkles up at the back of my neck (nice and cozy in cold weather). This is usually about 16-18 inches down from the crease when the cloak is folded in half.

My summer mantle, being a little shorter and of finer wool, can be pinned to my gown with lighter brooches and doesn't wrinkle up much at the back of my neck because the lighter fabric drapes more easily across my shoulders. It is light enough that it can be comfortably pulled over my head (in the veil/mantle manner) if I need to do so." - Lady Marguerie de Jauncourt

== On decorating mantles ==

Nearly all of the surviving cloaks from period (And yes, I mean the whole 1000+ year stretch) that we have are decorated in *some* way. Some, like the 'Sternenmantel' and the coronation mantle of Roger II of Sicily are elaborately embroidered with designs that stand out from the base fabric, some are only 'trimmed' with embroidery (the Mammen cloak). The cloaks from the Burgos collection are decorated in that they are made of elaborately patterned textiles of Moorish origin.

Due to artistic (and some archaeological) evidence of undecorated cloaks, iy is safe to venture that lower classes wore them. It is also likely that these would be unlikely to have survived as they were ideal candidates for recycling into other things (and also because the richer garments were given into the care of the Church after a period of secular use, which helped to preserve them).

== Extant half circle mantles ==

Three richly decorated semicircular mantles are shown in The Pictorial Arts of the West 800-1200 by C.R. Dodwell. The pieces mentioned are: fig 23, p 25, "The so called Corontaion Robe of St Stephen from Szekesfehervar. Presented in 1031. Budapest, Magyar Nemzeti Muzeum"; fig 25, p28, "German: The 'Sternenmantel' of Henry II c.1014. Bamberg Cathedral Treasury"; fig 26, p 29, "German: The so-called Great Mantle of Kunigunde. c. 1012. Bamberg Cathedral Treasury."

Interestingly, the "great mantle of Kunigunde" is decorated along the front edge with a band of tree-of-life embroidery that has been cut into at some later date to form a cope-style neck indentation (sort of a low, rectangular neck hole). The band of embroidery clearly predates the alteration, and probably indicates that it was altered for liturgical use.

There are two extant mantles shown in Museo de Telas Medievales Monasterio de Santa Maria la Real de Huelgas by Concha Herrero Carretero. These are both undecorated, technically, excepting that they are made of rich lampas-weave silk. These pieces are the Manto (cloak) belonging to Fernando, hijo de Alfonso X, and the manto that is part of the suit of clothes belonging to Fernando de la Cerda, which are all made of the same polychrome heraldic metal-brocaded silk.

== External Links ==
*The coronation mantle of Roger II of Sicily, which is held by the Kunsthistoriche Museum Vienna: http://www.khm.at/homeE/homeE.html You will need to select collections-> Treasury -> Holy Roman Empire. The mantle is the sixth exhibit.
*The Mammen Cloak, shown here, in a reconstruction: http://www.vikinganswerlady.com/embroid.htm
*The Bocksten Cloak, described here: http://www.personal.utulsa.edu/~marc-carlson/cloth/bockclok.html and shown here in a reconstruction, demonstrating how the neckhole was used:
http://www.personal.utulsa.edu/~marc-carlson/cloth/bckclk2.html
* a reconstruction of the Sknurmantel is described here: http://www.personal.utulsa.edu/~marc-carlson/cloth/miscclok.html

== Note ==
This article is based on a much shorter original article previously published by Lady Marguerie de Jauncourt. A copy of the original can be found at http://jauncourt.i8.com/mantle.htm

User talk:Jauncourt

2004-03-28T08:02:16Z

Jauncourt:

Welcome Jauncourt! I hope you'll stay for a while and keep contributing. Remember if you get stuck you can ask for help on the [[Cunnan:Village pump|Village pump]] or on any talk page. - [[User:Tobin|Tobin]]

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Hello Jauncourt, good work on [[To participate in the SCA on a small budget]] (I'll probably point a few newbies at that article). The attribution at the bottom is O.k. (needed in fact as the article was published previously) but the form for attribution we normally use look like the following:

"This article is based on an original article previously published by Lady [[Marguerie de Jauncourt]]. A copy of the original can be found at ''xyz''"

Its fine for the ''xyz'' to link to the first copy you added to cunnan or to your website (and the link to your own name can be an e-mail address, your contributions page, you user page, an article in cunnan about you persona or anything else you can think of). We do this because it makes an article look less like an individual is responsible while making sure previously published work is noted as such. I was going to change the attribution to this form but thought I should explain why I was doing so first. Let me know if this worries you in any way, so we can discuss the change, otherwise I'll make the change sometime soon. - [[User:Tobin|Tobin]]

---------
I went ahead and made the attribution change, and added the attribution line to another article I submitted [[half circle cloaks]], which is basically a copy of a short note on semicircular mantles on my own site.

Would it be possible to have this form added to the how-to section of the site? I had looked for one wehn submitting the articels, but was not able to find it. Thanks!

MdeJ

Half circle cloak

2004-03-28T08:01:50Z

Jauncourt:

User talk:Jauncourt

2004-03-28T08:01:02Z

Jauncourt:

Welcome Jauncourt! I hope you'll stay for a while and keep contributing. Remember if you get stuck you can ask for help on the [[Cunnan:Village pump|Village pump]] or on any talk page. - [[User:Tobin|Tobin]]

----
Hello Jauncourt, good work on [[To participate in the SCA on a small budget]] (I'll probably point a few newbies at that article). The attribution at the bottom is O.k. (needed in fact as the article was published previously) but the form for attribution we normally use look like the following:

"This article is based on an original article previously published by Lady [[Marguerie de Jauncourt]]. A copy of the original can be found at ''xyz''"

Its fine for the ''xyz'' to link to the first copy you added to cunnan or to your website (and the link to your own name can be an e-mail address, your contributions page, you user page, an article in cunnan about you persona or anything else you can think of). We do this because it makes an article look less like an individual is responsible while making sure previously published work is noted as such. I was going to change the attribution to this form but thought I should explain why I was doing so first. Let me know if this worries you in any way, so we can discuss the change, otherwise I'll make the change sometime soon. - [[User:Tobin|Tobin]]

---------
I went ahead and made the attribution change, and added the attribution line to another article I submitted [[half circle cloak]], which is basically a copy of a short note on semicircular mantles on my own site.

Would it be possible to have this form added to the how-to section of the site? I had looked for one wehn submitting the articels, but was not able to find it. Thanks!

MdeJ

To participate in the SCA on a small budget

2004-03-28T07:55:19Z

Jauncourt:

You may hear people saying that the SCA is an expensive hobby. That can be true, but it can also be a great hobby to enjoy on a budget. Many people are poor students, with low end jobs, some fabric remnants, a basket, and perhaps a wooden cup when they start out in the SCA. Yet they still manage to participate. What've you got? I bet you can make it go farther than you think ;)

== Bargain hunt! ==
*If you look, you can find all kinds of things for very very little.
*Haunt sale sections and charity shops for things you need, like used wooden bowls and baskets.
*Early on, you can get away with spending relatively little on garb and feast gear.
*Many people on a budget recycle old fabric and try to buy fabric when they have a little extra cash.
*Save up and buy the reference books you cannot live without, or spend spare time in your local library.

== Pack a picnic. Really.==
*A good low-cost way to feed oneself is to bring simple food with you to events - bread, cheese, apples.

== Barter your time and skills for room/board with established households. ==
*One can often trade work for food (wash dishes for dinners at camping events, for example)
*Bake bread (which is fairly simple and inexpensive to do, but is very time-costly) or make some other dish as your contribution to your groups food for the weekend.
*Ask freinds to let you 'room' with them in their spacious pavilion or large tent until you can afford a tent of your own.
*Get rides with freinds to events, in exchange for gas money.

== Use your time instead of your money.==
*Make your own simple jewelry, and keep an eye out for medieval looking things in unexpected places.
*Make your own garb from bargain-priced or recycled cloth.
*Go to libraries after class or work and research there.
*Save things that will be useful in making reasonably period looking other things.
*Spend time doing it (whatever 'it' is) yourself, if you can. Nearly all of your kit can be reasonably authentic (or at least reasonably medivaloid), if you take the time to try.

== Dress simply and comfortably to start with.==
*Simple garb is often cheaper and easier to sew when you are just starting out.
*Patterns and instructions are easily available on the web.
*It's very easy to be authentic with an undertunic, a tunic, trews, and a cloak, or an undergown, overgown, veil and a cloak.
*you can make a small wardrobe of three or four pieces and layer them appropriately to the weather for comfort.
*Nearly all the most long-lasting starter garb is 'simple'. You may find you like it that way.

== Borrow what you do not have, and be honorable about returning it.==
*"Oldtimers" often have assembled a large amount of clothing and gear over the years and have things to loan to new people starting out. Ask who is willing to take you under ther wing.
*Often you can borrow garb and sometimes other things from your group.

== Be willing to learn and willing to share what skills you already possess. ==
*Ask where to shop and share your own thrifty tricks and techniques
*Teach others how to do things you already do, like sewing, dancing, juggling or singing.

== Be social!==
*This is a social activity, and often it's one's freinds who take you to the first event. Don't be afraid to ask them for help if you want to do this more often!

== Note: ==
This article is based on an original article previously published by Lady Marguerie de Jauncourt. A copy of the original can be found at http://jauncourt.i8.com/hints.htm#newbie

To participate in the SCA on a small budget

2004-03-28T07:48:53Z

Jauncourt:

You may hear people saying that the SCA is an expensive hobby. That can be true, but it can also be a great hobby to enjoy on a budget. Many people are poor students, with low end jobs, some fabric remnants, a basket, and perhaps a wooden cup when they start out in the SCA. Yet they still manage to participate. What've you got? I bet you can make it go farther than you think ;)

== Bargain hunt! ==
*If you look, you can find all kinds of things for very very little.
*Haunt sale sections and charity shops for things you need, like used wooden bowls and baskets.
*Early on, you can get away with spending relatively little on garb and feast gear.
*Many people on a budget recycle old fabric and try to buy fabric when they have a little extra cash.
*Save up and buy the reference books you cannot live without, or spend spare time in your local library.

== Pack a picnic. Really.==
*A good low-cost way to feed oneself is to bring simple food with you to events - bread, cheese, apples.

== Barter your time and skills for room/board with established households. ==
*One can often trade work for food (wash dishes for dinners at camping events, for example)
*Bake bread (which is fairly simple and inexpensive to do, but is very time-costly) or make some other dish as your contribution to your groups food for the weekend.
*Ask freinds to let you 'room' with them in their spacious pavilion or large tent until you can afford a tent of your own.
*Get rides with freinds to events, in exchange for gas money.

== Use your time instead of your money.==
*Make your own simple jewelry, and keep an eye out for medieval looking things in unexpected places.
*Make your own garb from bargain-priced or recycled cloth.
*Go to libraries after class or work and research there.
*Save things that will be useful in making reasonably period looking other things.
*Spend time doing it (whatever 'it' is) yourself, if you can. Nearly all of your kit can be reasonably authentic (or at least reasonably medivaloid), if you take the time to try.

== Dress simply and comfortably to start with.==
*Simple garb is often cheaper and easier to sew when you are just starting out.
*Patterns and instructions are easily available on the web.
*It's very easy to be authentic with an undertunic, a tunic, trews, and a cloak, or an undergown, overgown, veil and a cloak.
*you can make a small wardrobe of three or four pieces and layer them appropriately to the weather for comfort.
*Nearly all the most long-lasting starter garb is 'simple'. You may find you like it that way.

== Borrow what you do not have, and be honorable about returning it.==
*"Oldtimers" often have assembled a large amount of clothing and gear over the years and have things to loan to new people starting out. Ask who is willing to take you under ther wing.
*Often you can borrow garb and sometimes other things from your group.

== Be willing to learn and willing to share what skills you already possess. ==
*Ask where to shop and share your own thrifty tricks and techniques
*Teach others how to do things you already do, like sewing, dancing, juggling or singing.

== Be social!==
*This is a social activity, and often it's one's freinds who take you to the first event. Don't be afraid to ask them for help if you want to do this more often!

== Note: ==
This article originally appeared on my personal web site, in another form (mostly in that it was written from my point of view, not to a general audience) and I hold that version's copyright. However, I think it would behoove the general newbie population if it were a live article to which people could easily contribute new advice, so here it is.

Please add things to this article, but leave this note, so nobody gets wound up about it (mostly) being here!

Lady Marguerie de Jauncourt

To participate in the SCA on a small budget

2004-03-26T09:06:50Z

Jauncourt:

You may hear people saying that the SCA is an expensive hobby. That can be true, but it can also be a great hobby to enjoy on a budget. Many people are poor students, with low end jobs, some fabric remnants, a basket, and perhaps a wooden cup when they start out in the SCA. Yet they still manage to participate. What've you got? I bet you can make it go farther than you think ;)

== Bargain hunt! ==
*If you look, you can find all kinds of things for very very little.
*Haunt sale sections and charity shops for things you need, like used wooden bowls and baskets.
*Early on, you can get away with spending relatively little on garb and feast gear.
*Many people on a budget recycle old fabric and try to buy fabric when they have a little extra cash.
*Save up and buy the reference books you cannot live without, or spend spare time in your local library.

== Pack a picnic. Really.==
*A good low-cost way to feed oneself is to bring simple food with you to events - bread, cheese, apples.

== Barter your time and skills for room/board with established households. ==
*One can often trade work for food (wash dishes for dinners at camping events, for example)
*Bake bread (which is fairly simple and inexpensive to do, but is very time-costly) or make some other dish as your contribution to your groups food for the weekend.
*Ask freinds to let you 'room' with them in their spacious pavilion or large tent until you can afford a tent of your own.
*Get rides with freinds to events, in exchange for gas money.

== Use your time instead of your money.==
*Make your own simple jewelry, and keep an eye out for medieval looking things in unexpected places.
*Make your own garb from bargain-priced or recycled cloth.
*Go to libraries after class or work and research there.
*Save things that will be useful in making reasonably period looking other things.
*Spend time doing it (whatever 'it' is) yourself, if you can. Nearly all of your kit can be reasonably authentic (or at least reasonably medivaloid), if you take the time to try.

== Dress simply and comfortably to start with.==
*Simple garb is often cheaper and easier to sew when you are just starting out.
*Patterns and instructions are easily available on the web.
*It's very easy to be authentic with an undertunic, a tunic, trews, and a cloak, or an undergown, overgown, veil and a cloak.
*you can make a three or four pieces and layer them appropriately to the weather for comfort.
*Nearly all the most long-lasting starter garb is 'simple'. You may find you like it that way.

== Borrow what you do not have, and be honorable about returning it.==
*"Oldtimers" often have assembled a large amount of clothing and gear over the years and have things to loan to new people starting out. Ask who is willing to take you under ther wing.
*Often you can borrow garb and sometimes other things from your group.

== Be willing to learn and willing to share what skills you already possess. ==
*Ask where to shop and share your own thrifty tricks and techniques
*Teach others how to do things you already do, like sewing, dancing, juggling or singing.

== Be social!==
*This is a social activity, and often it's one's freinds who take you to the first event. Don't be afraid to ask them for help if you want to do this more often!

== Note: ==
This article originally appeared on my personal web site, in another form (mostly in that it was written from my point of view, not to a general audience) and I hold that version's copyright. However, I think it would behoove the general newbie population if it were a live article to which people could easily contribute new advice, so here it is.

Please add things to this article, but leave this note, so nobody gets wound up about it (mostly) being here!

Lady Marguerie de Jauncourt

To participate in the SCA on a small budget

2004-03-26T09:06:14Z

Jauncourt:

You may hear people saying that the SCA is an expensive hobby. That can be true, but it can also be a great hobby to enjoy on a budget. Many people are poor students, with low end jobs, some fabric remnants, a basket, and perhaps a wooden cup when they start out in the SCA. Yet they still manage to participate. What've you got? I bet you can make it go farther than you think ;)

== Bargain hunt! ==
*If you look, you can find all kinds of things for very very little.
*Haunt sale sections and charity shops for things you need, like used wooden bowls and baskets.
*Early on, you can get away with spending relatively little on garb and feast gear.
*Many people on a budget recycle old fabric and try to buy fabric when they have a little extra cash.
*Save up and buy the reference books you cannot live without, or spend spare time in your local library.

== Pack a picnic. Really.==
*A good low-cost way to feed oneself is to bring simple food with you to events - bread, cheese, apples.

== Barter your time and skills for room/board with established households. ==
*One can often trade work for food (wash dishes for dinners at camping events, for example)
*Bake bread (which is fairly simple and inexpensive to do, but is very time-costly) or make some other dish as your contribution to your groups food for the weekend.
*Ask freinds to let you 'room' with them in their spacious pavilion or large tent until you can afford a tent of your own.
*Get rides with freinds to events, in exchange for gas money.

== Use your time instead of your money.==
*Make your own simple jewelry, and keep an eye out for medieval looking things in unexpected places.
*Make your own garb from bargain-priced or recycled cloth.
*Go to libraries after class or work and research there.
*Save things that will be useful in making reasonably period looking other things.
/*Spend time doing it (whatever 'it' is) yourself, if you can. Nearly all of your kit can be reasonably authentic (or at least reasonably medivaloid), if you take the time to try.

== Dress simply and comfortably to start with.==
*Simple garb is often cheaper and easier to sew when you are just starting out.
*Patterns and instructions are easily available on the web.
*It's very easy to be authentic with an undertunic, a tunic, trews, and a cloak, or an undergown, overgown, veil and a cloak.
*you can make a three or four pieces and layer them appropriately to the weather for comfort.
*Nearly all the most long-lasting starter garb is 'simple'. You may find you like it that way.

== Borrow what you do not have, and be honorable about returning it.==
*"Oldtimers" often have assembled a large amount of clothing and gear over the years and have things to loan to new people starting out. Ask who is willing to take you under ther wing.
*Often you can borrow garb and sometimes other things from your group.

== Be willing to learn and willing to share what skills you already possess. ==
*Ask where to shop and share your own thrifty tricks and techniques
*Teach others how to do things you already do, like sewing, dancing, juggling or singing.

== Be social!==
*This is a social activity, and often it's one's freinds who take you to the first event. Don't be afraid to ask them for help if you want to do this more often!

== Note: ==
This article originally appeared on my personal web site, in another form (mostly in that it was written from my point of view, not to a general audience) and I hold that version's copyright. However, I think it would behoove the general newbie population if it were a live article to which people could easily contribute new advice, so here it is.

Please add things to this article, but leave this note, so nobody gets wound up about it (mostly) being here!

Lady Marguerie de Jauncourt

Half circle cloak

2004-03-26T08:33:52Z

Jauncourt:

Half circle cloak

2004-03-26T08:32:36Z

Jauncourt:

Cloak

2004-03-26T08:17:18Z

Jauncourt:

Cloaks come in several varieties. They keep the rain off, and in period have detached hoods more often than not. Cloaks provide some protection form the cold, however an extra undertunic (thermals suffice until you can make enough) is often warmer, as cloaks blow open. Some tabards and surcoats (especially fur lined ones) are also good garments to wear for warmth. Cloaks are, however wonders in the rain, as a good wool cloak, even without waterproofing, can take a long time to soak through, and can be easily discarded when you go indoors.

Cloaks can also be used as picnic blankets, bedrolls and full circle cloaks can be large enough to shelter a friend too.

== material: ==
cloaks generally take a lot of fabric. Although other fabrics work, wool is a great fabric, and a cheap source of large lengths of pure wool is salvation army op-shops where blankets sell for $10-$15, often in matched pairs for the larger cloak. (cheap compared to buying 6m of fabric at about $6/m)
Remember that many cloaks were worn to keep the wearer warm and dry. Furs are warmest as a lining, rather than on the outside (although in some cases fur on the outside might be symbolic), velvet wasn't invented till middle period, and was an expensive fabric mainly used for court garments, and shinny crushed velveteen synthetic fabric panne will mark you as a newcomer (but if you are, you'll be nice and warm still).

== Making cloaks: ==
Cloaks range from very simple to make to moderately hard.
Some early period "[[rectangular cloak]]s" are basically draped blankets and can be made with no sewing. Also [[poncho]]-like cloaks, requiring little sewing, were worn, chiefly by women at this time.
As time progresses, [[full circle cloaks]] and [[half circle cloaks]] developed. Late in period some [[fitted cloak]]s developed.

see also: [[hoods]]

Newbie

2004-03-26T07:49:17Z

Jauncourt:

"Anyone who has been in the SCA less than 10 years" *tongue in cheek*

A newbie is technically anyone who has been to less than 3 [[event]]s. In some areas, they can get in to events at members prices, or - depending on the event and circumstances - for free.

Fortunately for most new people, it is quite possible [[to participate in the SCA on a small budget]].

Society for Creative Anachronism

2004-03-26T07:47:41Z

Jauncourt:

The '''Society for Creative Anachronism''' (or SCA for short) is a hobby organization devoted to studying and re-creating the [[Middle Ages]] and [[Renaissance]], primarily in Western [[Europe]] but also other regions such as the Middle East and Japan. It could be considered a [[historical reenactment]] or [[living history]] organization, but, unlike most such organizations, the SCA does not concentrate on a narrowly-defined time [[period]], let alone a specific war or other event. The SCA also does not have a minimum standard of authenticity. The activities of the SCA have more to do with
re-creation (and recreation) than with re-enactment. Some SCA participants describe the SCA as a large group of people with interlocking hobbies.

At a typical SCA event, you will see a wide range in the quality of re-creations and reenactments. Some individuals may do some aspects of re-creation well (say, [[music]]), while simultaneously doing others poorly (say, [[clothing]]). Still, there is one standard that all participants of official SCA events are held to: participants should try to dress in period (i.e., pre [[17th century]]) garments.

The relatively low requirements to participate are also one of the strengths of the SCA. For example, they make it possible [[to participate in the SCA on a small budget]]. As long as you are genuinely interested in medieval or Renaissance life, there is a place for you in the SCA. If it was a job or a hobby in Period, most likely someone within the SCA practices it, sometimes to an excellent degree. Excellent practitioners are awarded a SCA [[peerage]] (SCA-wide, highest level award) known as the ''[[Order of the Laurel]]''.

The SCA is worldwide in scope. There are active groups all over the [[United States|USA]], [[Canada]], [[Europe]], [[Australia]], and [[New Zealand]] with scattered groups elsewhere. The ''[[Known World]]'' is divided into [[Kingdoms]]. Each Kingdom determines its King and Queen by combat in a crown [[tournament]].

To prepare for tournament and wars, some groups hold 'fight practices' where a unique full contact martial art is practiced. The fighters wear armor (often of their own making) and strike each other with sticks primarily made of [[rattan]] and made to resemble [[sword]]s, [[pike]]s, [[spear]]s, [[axe]]s and other medieval weapons. This '[[Hardsuit]]' or '[[heavy fighting|Heavy Weapons Fighting]]' is interesting among [[martial arts]] for its lack of formalized training, which allows new-comers to add to the game in unpredictable ways. SCA Heavy Weapons Fighters practice many-on-many engagements called melees or wars.

Some groups practice fencing with modified rules that largely disregard [[Olympic Games|Olympic]] fencing rules. As SCA fencing is supposed to recreate courtly dueling, fencers neither recognise right-of-way nor are they forced to stay within a lane, instead fencing "in the round". SCA [[Fencing]] is based on Renaissance fencing manuals and includes two weapon, sword and cape and sword and shield styles.

Some SCA groups hold regular dance practices where [[Renaissance Dance]] and [[English Country Dance]] is taught.

''See also:'' [[Live-action roleplaying games]]

== External Links ==
The SCA website - http://www.sca.org/

How to survive as a newbie on a budget in the SCA

2004-03-26T07:45:58Z

Jauncourt: moved to "To_participate_in_the_SCA_on_a_small_budget"

#REDIRECT [[To_participate_in_the_SCA_on_a_small_budget]]

To participate in the SCA on a small budget

2004-03-26T07:43:04Z

Jauncourt:

You may hear people saying that the SCA is an expensive hobby. That can be true, but it can also be a great hobby to enjoy on a budget. Many people are poor students, with low end jobs, some fabric remnants, a basket, and perhaps a wooden cup when they start out in the SCA. Yet they still manage to participate. What've you got? I bet you can make it go farther than you think ;)

== Bargain hunt! ==
*If you look, you can find all kinds of things for very very little.
*Haunt sale sections and charity shops for things you need, like used wooden bowls and baskets.
*Early on, you can get away with spending relatively little on garb and feast gear.
*Many people on a budget recycle old fabric and try to buy fabric when they have a little extra cash.
*Save up and buy the reference books you cannot live without, or spend spare time in your local library.

== Pack a picnic. Really.==
*A good low-cost way to feed oneself is to bring simple food with you to events - bread, cheese, apples.

== Barter your time and skills for room/board with established households. ==
*One can often trade work for food (wash dishes for dinners at camping events, for example)
*Bake bread (which is fairly simple and inexpensive to do, but is very time-costly) or make some other dish as your contribution to your groups food for the weekend.
*Ask freinds to let you 'room' with them in their spacious pavilion or large tent until you can afford a tent of your own.
*Get rides with freinds to events, in exchange for gas money.

== Use your time instead of your money.==
*Make your own simple jewelry, and keep an eye out for medieval looking things in unexpected places.
*Make your own garb from bargain-priced or recycled cloth.
*Go to libraries after class or work and research there.
*Save things that will be useful in making reasonably period looking other things. *Spend time doing it (whatever 'it' is) yourself, if you can. Nearly all of your kit can be reasonably authentic (or at least reasonably medivaloid), if you take the time to try.

== Dress simply and comfortably to start with.==
*Simple garb is often cheaper and easier to sew when you are just starting out.
*Patterns and instructions are easily available on the web.
*It's very easy to be authentic with an undertunic, a tunic, trews, and a cloak, or an undergown, overgown, veil and a cloak.
*you can make a three or four pieces and layer them appropriately to the weather for comfort.
*Nearly all the most long-lasting starter garb is 'simple'. You may find you like it that way.

== Borrow what you do not have, and be honorable about returning it.==
*"Oldtimers" often have assembled a large amount of clothing and gear over the years and have things to loan to new people starting out. Ask who is willing to take you under ther wing.
*Often you can borrow garb and sometimes other things from your group.

== Be willing to learn and willing to share what skills you already possess. ==
*Ask where to shop and share your own thrifty tricks and techniques
*Teach others how to do things you already do, like sewing, dancing, juggling or singing.

== Be social!==
*This is a social activity, and often it's one's freinds who take you to the first event. Don't be afraid to ask them for help if you want to do this more often!

== Note: ==
This article originally appeared on my personal web site, in another form (mostly in that it was written from my point of view, not to a general audience) and I hold that version's copyright. However, I think it would behoove the general newbie population if it were a live article to which people could easily contribute new advice, so here it is.

Please add things to this article, but leave this note, so nobody gets wound up about it (mostly) being here!

Lady Marguerie de Jauncourt

To participate in the SCA on a small budget

2004-03-26T07:40:26Z

Jauncourt:

You may hear people saying that the SCA is an expensive hobby. That can be true, but it can also be a great hobby to enjoy on a budget. Many people are poor students, with low end jobs, some fabric remnants, a basket, and perhaps a wooden cup when they start out in the SCA. Yet they still manage to participate. What've you got? I bet you can make it go farther than you think ;)

== Bargain hunt! ==
*If you look, you can find all kinds of things for very very little.
*Haunt sale sections and charity shops for things you need, like used wooden bowls and baskets.
*Early on, you can get away with spending relatively little on garb and feast gear.
*Many people on a budget recycle old fabric and try to buy fabric when they have a little extra cash.
*Save up and buy the reference books you cannot live without, or spend spare time in your local library.

== Pack a picnic. Really.==
*A good low-cost way to feed oneself is to bring simple food with you to events - bread, cheese, apples.

== Barter your time and skills for room/board with established households. ==
*One can often trade work for food (wash dishes for dinners at camping events, for example)
*Bake bread (which is fairly simple and inexpensive to do, but is very time-costly) or make some other dish as your contribution to your groups food for the weekend.
*Ask freinds to let you 'room' with them in their spacious pavilion or large tent until you can afford a tent of your own.
*Get rides with freinds to events, in exchange for gas money.

== Use your time instead of your money.==
*Make your own simple jewelry, and keep an eye out for medieval looking things in unexpected places. Make your own garb from bargain-priced or recycled cloth. Go to libraries after work and research there. Save things that will be useful in making reasonably period looking other things. Nearly all of your kit can be reasonably authentic (or at least reasonably medivaloid), if you take the time to try.

== Dress simply and comfortably to start with.==
*Simple garb is often cheaper and easier to sew when you are just starting out.
*Patterns and instructions are easily available on the web.
*It's very easy to be authentic with an undertunic, a tunic, trews, and a cloak, or an undergown, overgown, veil and a cloak.
*you can make a three or four pieces and layer them appropriately to the weather for comfort.
*Nearly all the most long-lasting starter garb is 'simple'. You may find you like it that way.

== Borrow what you do not have, and be honorable about returning it.==
*"Oldtimers" often have assembled a large amount of clothing and gear over the years and have things to loan to new people starting out. Ask who is willing to take you under ther wing.
*Often you can borrow garb and sometimes other things from your group.

== Be willing to learn and willing to share what skills you already possess. ==
*Ask where to shop and share your own thrifty tricks and techniques
*Teach others how to do things you already do, like sewing, dancing, juggling or singing.

== Be social!==
*This is a social activity, and often it's one's freinds who take you to the first event. Don't be afraid to ask them for help if you want to do this more often!

== Note: ==
This article originally appeared on my personal web site, in another form (mostly in that it was written from my point of view, not to a general audience) and I hold that version's copyright. However, I think it would behoove the general newbie population if it were a live article to which people could easily contribute new advice, so here it is.

Please add things to this article, but leave this note, so nobody gets wound up about it (mostly) being here!

Lady Marguerie de Jauncourt

Newbie

2004-03-26T07:01:53Z

Jauncourt:

"Anyone who has been in the SCA less than 10 years" *tongue in cheek*

A newbie is technically anyone who has been to less than 3 [[event]]s. In some areas, they can get in to events at members prices, or - depending on the event and circumstances - for free.

[[how to survive as a newbie on a budget in the SCA]]

User:Jauncourt

2004-03-25T08:55:54Z

Jauncourt: Who is "jauncourt"

For those of you wondering who I am, I am Lady Marguerie de Jauncourt of the Barony of the Steppes in the Kingdom of Ansteorra. Some people call me the bliaut lady, but really there are several ladies who could answer to that. Mundanely, I'm a graphic designer, fiber artist and mom.

My websites are:
http://jauncourt.i8.com
http://bliautlady.50megs.com

Bliaut

2004-03-23T05:32:00Z

Jauncourt:

Conventional usage of this word in the sca refers to a garment known from the 12th century (actually possibly dating back to about 1060, and forwards to about 1210 in remote areas). This garment differs from the [[t-tunic]] that preceeds and accompanies it in several ways. It appears to have been a court garment, ie used on special occasions by those who could afford special garments used on days when not doing any physical labour.
The body section of the garment (hips to underarms) was much tighter than the normal t-tunic, for the most fashionable kinds of bliauts, the sides of the garment were laced up with spiral lacing, to get a tighter fit. Women wore a bliaut with moderately full ankle length or lower shirts. Men wore garments that came to just above the ankle, but had less fabric in the skirt and were slit up the side to nearly the hip to allow free movement. A wide range of sleeve types were worn with this dress, from tightly fitting sleeves, to sleeves that flare out into a dangling cascade from anywhere between the elbow and wrist. Such sleeves might be knotted if especially long.
Women tended on average to have longer sleeves than the knights and princes depicted in this type of clothing.
A large variety of sub-styles existed within this broad definition, depending upon country, exact time period, rank and personal preference.

== Finding more Information ==
You will be able to find plenty of medieval pictures of this kind of garment if you look for books under the topic romanesque art, but there are no excellent books on how to construct this kind of garment. Many costume books are based on the victorian idea of this kind of garment and are of dubious value at best, downright confusing and wrong at worst (even some which are great for other periods).

== Meanings of the word bliaut ==
The word bliaut can be used to refer to many things:
*It can refer to this broad style of clothing, as above
*It can refer to a specific french sub-style of this clothing, as depicted in the statuary at Chartres cathedral
*In Medieval french texts the word is possibly used to describe all outer garments (tunics, dresses, not cloaks), despite whatever style they are cut in. This usage appears to last until the 14th century.

== External Links ==
Excellent sites on how to construct such a garment can be found at:
*http://bliautlady.50megs.com
*http://www.chateau-michel.org/bliaut_class.htm

The other site previously listed (jauncourt.i8.com) has been updated and moved to the first URL above.

And an email group for this kind of garment can be found at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/12thcenturygarb

Bliaut

2004-03-23T05:31:30Z

Jauncourt:

Conventional usage of this word in the sca refers to a garment known from the 12th century (actually possibly dating back to about 1060, and forwards to about 1210 in remote areas). This garment differs from the [[t-tunic]] that preceeds and accompanies it in several ways. It appears to have been a court garment, ie used on special occasions by those who could afford special garments used on days when not doing any physical labour.
The body section of the garment (hips to underarms) was much tighter than the normal t-tunic, for the most fashionable kinds of bliauts, the sides of the garment were laced up with spiral lacing, to get a tighter fit. Women wore a bliaut with moderately full ankle length or lower shirts. Men wore garments that came to just above the ankle, but had less fabric in the skirt and were slit up the side to nearly the hip to allow free movement. A wide range of sleeve types were worn with this dress, from tightly fitting sleeves, to sleeves that flare out into a dangling cascade from anywhere between the elbow and wrist. Such sleeves might be knotted if especially long.
Women tended on average to have longer sleeves than the knights and princes depicted in this type of clothing.
A large variety of sub-styles existed within this broad definition, depending upon country, exact time period, rank and personal preference.

== Finding more Information ==
You will be able to find plenty of medieval pictures of this kind of garment if you look for books under the topic romanesque art, but there are no excellent books on how to construct this kind of garment. Many costume books are based on the victorian idea of this kind of garment and are of dubious value at best, downright confusing and wrong at worst (even some which are great for other periods).

== Meanings of the word bliaut ==
The word bliaut can be used to refer to many things:
*It can refer to this broad style of clothing, as above
*It can refer to a specific french sub-style of this clothing, as depicted in the statuary at Chartres cathedral
*In Medieval french texts the word is possibly used to describe all outer garments (tunics, dresses, not cloaks), despite whatever style they are cut in. This usage appears to last until the 14th century.

== External Links ==
Excellent sites on how to construct such a garment can be found at:
*http://bliautlady.50megs.com
http://www.chateau-michel.org/bliaut_class.htm
The other site previously listed (jauncourt.i8.com) has been updated and moved to the first URL above.

And an email group for this kind of garment can be found at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/12thcenturygarb