Queen Philippa's squirrel suit?

[frualeydis]

I have a memory that there should be an article with that name, possibly by SM Newton, but I come up with nothing in my searches. Have I dreamt this or have you heard of it too? I'm currently working with the trosseau of Philippa Bruce from 1293 and I thought it would be neat to read the article.

Yesterday I finished the applique on the bedspread and cut (well, tore) the pieces for the yellow wool that is going to make borders around the red wool. They will be sewn on today, since it was too late to use the machine yesterday. Instead I darned and washed my mittens. It is so nice to see them now, cream white again and without any holes. Now I can put them away until next autumn with a good conscience. Today I plan to clean mine and the kids' winter boots before putting them away for the season (or forever, their feet grow so fast!).

Comments

[pinque.livejournal.com]

I've only heard Maggie mention the ensemble of 10,000 squirrels.. is this the same?

I think I got the number right.. it was for gown and robes.

[frualeydis.livejournal.com]

Yes it's the same, and I'm quite sure there is an article about it, maybe in "Textile History".

Eva

[sismith42.livejournal.com]

The article is in Costume, from 1980 or so. (I don't have the citation on hand, sorry). The outfit is mentioned in Fashion in the Age of the Black Prince, but I don't remember hearing that they embroidered that many squirrels...? (or am I thinking of a different Queen Phillipa's squirrel suit? The one I'm thinking of is early/mid 14th century, made for her after her son was born, and donated to the Cathedral at Ely.. I still need to IIL the origional article, though)

[frualeydis.livejournal.com]

Aha, I thought it was about this Phillipa and all the squirrels that got killed to make her trosseau. Apparently not. Well, hte good thing is that I don't have to find it then.

Eva

[sismith42.livejournal.com]

I don't know about this other Phillipa, can you tell me more, please? How odd that there are two with bizarre squirel outfits!

[frualeydis.livejournal.com]

OK, I got the nam wrong, probably it's the title of the article that has messed up my head It's _Isabella_ Bruce, who married the Norwegian king in 1293 (I think) and her outfit really isn't bisarre, it's just a great many clothes lined with vair (=squirrel fur). But there are some gorgeous things in her trosseau. You can find it here (http://www.dokpro.uio.no/perl/middelalder/diplom_vise_tekst.prl?b=16346&s=425&str=)


Eva