The hand-embroidered medieval silk cap is finished! Sometimes worn as a base-layer under a hat or veil, but also sported alone, I wanted a cap that was both fancy and good for the hair, so I used real silk in a champagne color.
The shape is based on St Birgitta’s cap, an oft-copied style prominently featured in illuminations.
Some modern replications feature lacy designs around the edge or up the middle, so I took my own liberties with embellishment in six-strand floss.
I also took liberties with the thickness of the ties, positioning them very forward and thicker so that, with the right hat in the future, it could possibly be worn as a barbette. A barbette is a medieval chin-strap, and are not usually cute, but I love to have options.
The bulk of the embroidery was completed on long car-rides in March and April. I can’t read in the car, but I seem to be able to sew.
