mandie_rw | (no subject)

I went to That Medieval Group Thingy's meeting today, and from what I've gathered (though it was a short and not-very-explanatory meeting) it's a bit more "medieval" than Really Really Historical, but I think it'll probably still be fun. At the meeting, we were cutting the shape of shields out of fabric (for some activity thinger, I think), and since they told us to bring scissors for cutting fabric, I had my fabric shears. Thus, I admit to a bit of giggling (mentally, not out loud) at the sight of people trying to cut fabric with paper scissors. Hee.

And one more question...yes, it's a little more specific this time! Is Norris completely unreliable in Medieval Costume and Fashion? Cos I've had that book for a while, and cleverly actually flipped through it yesterday, but I don't want to be getting totally cracked-out info from it. ~~Yes, Tudor Costume and Fashion with the whole "attifet" nonsense, I'm looking at you. Yep, I read attack_laurel .~~ (And the 1100-1200s have pretties.)

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Is it the SCA?

What are you looking for? A General Book? The problem with Norris is that he doesn't cite his sources -- and they're redrawings.

Are you looking for construction? (The Medieval Tailors Assistant)-- actual research (Woven into the Earth). Gail Owens-Crockers "Dress in Anglo-Saxon England" is another good one.

Thankee thankee thankee; I just needed somewhere to start that *wasn't* Norris! :D

Depending on the time frame, another good source is books on Illuminated Manuscripts.

Oh, and it's not SCA-affiliated...I get the idea the SCA cares a little more about their research! Of course, I've only been to one meeting...so I may be judging a little prematurely!

That's one of those things that really depends on the individual rather than Corporate Policy (tm). You can be as much or as little as you want (or can afford).

No Norris is not completely unreliable, but unless you know the field well, it's hard to determine where he's reliable and where he's making stuff up in order to tell a "comprehensive story". :-S

If you're looking for general overview type books I like _History of Costume_ by Blanche Payne, anything by Margaret Scott (hard to find, though), the extensive pictures in Milla Davenport's History of Costume (old, but affordable on the used market - all black and white pictures) ...um, there are lots more too...

Fashion in the Age of the Black Prince