Saturday, December 4, 2010

MEETING BETTINA: A RENAISSANCE CHARACTER

This post is for everyone of course, but especially for local historian, Jennifer Marquardt-Leach because she loves costumes and sewing. 
Jennifer (left) at Hart Square not so far from my home.

 Jennifer I thought of you when I spoke at the North Carolina Association of Independent Schools a few weeks ago.After our presentation, Carol Baldwin and I spent some time in the exhibit area

where I met Bettina

I was taken by her gregarious personality.
And also by her Renaissance era clothing which she makes herself.

And that includes hand-sewing each little bead!



And in the spirit of the Renassaince era which is generally defined as being from 1450 - 1600 I give you my favorite YA books from the period!



and these masterpieces by Katherine Sturtevant. Katherine's website is a great place to learn more about clothing of the era.

And Eras of Elegance is too!

6 comments:

  1. Wow! That costume is something. This post makes me think of The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. If you haven't read it, you should.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ah, yes - did read the Charlotte Doyle a long time ago. Amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for thinking of me! It's rare that adults get to dress in costume with out people thinking "strange" things about them.

    I like costuming and making other clothes because it gives me an appreciation for how others used to dress, how lucky we are today to have a sewing machine. Not to mention I feel all warm and fuzzy when something turns out the way it's supposed to (if not better).

    ReplyDelete
  4. An Jennifer - you're so good at making them. I was enjoying your pics on Facebook this week.

    I don't love to sew or do detail work at all but I love it that other people do.

    I do remember taking home ec in high school and learning to sew. I made quite a few of my own clothes at one point but I'm over that now!

    I tend to feel a little shy about wearing costumes. But you really do have the perfect job for you, don't you!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks, Carol! Isn't that an awesome costume?

    ReplyDelete