My first Italian gown...

   So the East Kingdom hosts a large event every year known as Birka, named for the Viking trading town from the middle ages. The event hosts a huge merchant area filled with the most wonderful fineries, a bear pit and fencing tournament where heavy list fighters and fencers test their mettle (and metal). After court is held there is also a ball, and a hafla. Not to mention there is an Arts and Sciences exhibit, and classes for people to take part in. The event has a little something for everyone.

   Our household, House Strangewayes strives to dress our best at this event every year. We pick a household theme, and each of us create attire based in our chosen time period.Our household's chosen time period run the gamut from early period Viking, to late period Italian. We have a little bit of everything. Below, is a wonderful family photo taken by our household member, and my friend Heather. Her SCA name is Bianca Angoussola.

Photo Credit: Heather Fitzpatrick

From left (Back Row): Lady Syele von Heidelberg, Lady Simona bat Leon, Lord Thothreker Ogaefa, Erdene Qadajin, Lord Fearghas MacGreggoure, Lord Hermankyn, Master Ekk, and Hongo Ryotaro Mitsuyoshi
Front Row, from left: Lady Cecily Windham, Lady Bianca Angoussola, Maestra Julia Agriccola, Lady Fortune St. Keyne, Lady Elvira Violante Ballesteros, and Lady Lysken die Waeyer.
Front (with the awesome hat): Jacquemine Van Bel

   What you're looking at is a late period Italian gown with detachable sleeves. A white linen chemise underneath. Accessories are a black snood with pearls and gold beading, a circlet adorned with a bee. Earrings and necklace both made by me. The earrings are a pearl drop earring with a gold cap on them. The closures aren't quite period, but I was working with what I had. The necklace was a redesign of a previous blog post I had done. I changed the sizing of the pearls, and I adjusted the spacers. The belt was a chain belt made from long bronze clearance necklaces at Charming Charlie, and a bee pendant I found last minute at Michaels.

   If you look closely you can see a cross hanging from my belt as well. This was semi common during this time in Spain and Italy. My persona is more attuned to the religious side of things so I felt it appropriate.

A great side view of the dress. Photo credit to Jason Taylor.

   Here you get a little glimpse of the cording I had made for the side lacing. This was done via finger loop braiding and serves the same basic purpose as lucet cord. I have to redo this part, and add more rings but I was quite pleased with this. At each end of the cord is an aiglet sewn onto it. They're gold colored aiglets, and add a little shimmer (and who doesn't love that?).

   I certainly have quite a ways to go in getting that perfect dress but believe me when I say I've come a long way, baby. Hopefully next Birka will be even fancier!

   Thanks again for reading!