Medieval Accessories: Making an Embroidered Pilgrim's Bag [CC]

IN WHICH our intrepid recreatrix frantically shuffles around projects in order to make this medieval embroidered pilgrim's bag much sooner than expected. Based on the miniatures in the Cantigas de Santa Maria, this lovely accessory, embellished with silk chain stitch, exists solely so that I might give it away to one of you to celebrate 1000 subscribers (and also 2000, since we passed that milestone last weekend as well!). Scroll down for rules.
Eowyn de Wever Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/EowynDeWever
2015 Project Blog Post 1: opuselenae.com/2015/11/27/can...
2015 Project Blog Post 2: opuselenae.com/2015/11/29/can...
GIVEAWAY RULES
To enter the Giveaway: leave a comment saying PILGRIM and telling me what your favorite kit accessory is.
GIVEAWAY ENDS IN ONE (1) WEEK, FRIDAY 9/11 at 11:59PM CST.
I will make a post announcing the giveaway winner in the community tab on Saturday 9/12, and we can figure out how best to get your COOL NEW THING to you after that.
Instagram: @opuselenae
Facebook: /opuselenae
Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/opuselenae
Music Credits
Teller of Tales
Folk Round
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
All other music from epidemicsound.com
Northern Sunrise by Nylonwings
By the Border by Lama House
Journey in the New World by Twin Musicom

[@Alex-Sews]

PILGRIM. I'm still assembling my medieval kit, but my fave 19th century kit piece is my handthrown ceramic mug. I do period cooking most of the time at events, so I'm right by the fire and is my mug full of coffee? Water? Shrub? Yes. It lost its handle a few years ago but it's still fantastic. Since we're usually stationary, my haversack has been reassigned to hold our first aid supplies. And congrats to Bran on his promotion!

[@OpusElenae]

I have a Norse repro ceramic mug without handles and I LOVE the way it feels in my hand

[@skdouglass413]

My favorite accessories are my hairpins, especially in this weather! Pilgrim

[@kyriea3112]

PILGRAM: I love love loooove my pockets! I've put pockets in just about every dress, skirt, and pair of pants I've ever made! I also LOVe your embroidery!

[@OpusElenae]

Thank you!

[@emmabruce4990]

PILGRIM! My favourite accessory is my leather belt, I wear it with modern skirts as well!

[@autumn7143]

You may be stitching forever, but it’s very, very pretty.

[@sarahhinds11]

PILGRIM My favourite has to be my emergency sewing supplies for any faux pas that may occur

[@marybeal1024]

PILGRIM my favorite part of my kit is my stockings. My feet are always cold so I have a huge collection of hose/stockings/socks whatever you wish to call them.

[@asilverfoxintasmania9940]

PILGRIM I had not thought of using chain stitch like that, to get a nice thick line. My favourite accessory is one I finished a few days ago, its a napkin/handkerchief that has drawn threadwork and needle lace. It took over 20 hours to do, but shows two new skills I have now learnt :)

[@SiriusFeanor]

PILGRIM I'm not quite sure if this counts, but my favourite accessory is my ceramic cup I have with me at events at all times. I wear it attached to a belt with my 14th century dress. Because when you browse the fair you never know where you might get some drinks :) I have a pair of those cups. They were made by my ex-roommate's girlfriend. So when he moved out he left them for me, and I am very glad to give them a caring home and a lot of use. That is I gave them a lot of use in a previuos life, when we were allowed to go outside :D

[@raevynwoods9403]

PILGRIM :) I haven't been sewing for very long (thanks covid for giving me the free time to really get going) so I don't really have a favourite kit accessory yet. However, I do have a leather thimble that I made myself and it's been such an amazing sewing accessory! (Plus, it's historically accurate, yay!)

[@rowanbean7197]

Pilgrim My current favorite accessory is my wool hood with a liripipe. I was lucky enough to inherit some Irish wool from my great grandmother that my mom had in her cedar hope chest for somewhere around 20 years recently and used it to make it. Love this color combo on the pilgrim bag - and not just because it's my barony's colors lol

[@OpusElenae]

I love hoods SO MUCH

[@sarahjacobs5626]

Pilgrim’s bags are a must for Faire and other events. I think I have 3, but you’ve inspired me to make another!

[@LibertyElaine]

Pilgrim! By far, my sewing kit is the best trip accessory. Mine also includes some Bluetooth headphones (because those don't get tangled in with my thread). On especially long road trips, I try and handsew for most of the time as reading makes me carsick now that I'm older.

[@OpusElenae]

Same! It's usually me and my partner (who is usually driving) and I am sewing while we listen to audiobooks or sing.

[@larasta68]

PILGRIM My favorite accessory is a the fastening for the cape I embroidered last year. It is in the shape of a Celtic fox. 🥰

[@lisadianeetheredge5215]

Pilgrim. I feel you on infinite summer in Texas! I always break down and shift to iced dragonwell 🐉 green tea by August! My favorite accessory is my penannular broach

[@rachaelcavanagh3370]

Pilgrim! My current favorite accessory is my first coif! I am new to the SCA and was given one! I can’t wait to wear it to an event once the plague has passed

[@OpusElenae]

Welcome to the Scadian family!

[@rachaelcavanagh3370]

@@OpusElenae thank you!

[@elyssadougherty8255]

I bought the same embroidery thread in red and black for fingerloop braiding at gulf wars in 2019 and couldn't remember where it was from. Now I can get more! Yas!

[@OpusElenae]

Glad to help! I love her threads

[@warsandrij]

Just wanted to pop on and say I really appreciate you having CC. I watch everything with subtitles even though I can hear just fine but it really helps especially when my husband is clattering in the kitchen. Thanks!

[@augustwogsland3309]

Seconded on this! My migraines keep me from turning the volume up very high, so CC is a life saver. Some youtube channels, I just can't watch because they don't have CC and talk too quietly for KZbin to auto generate anything useful.

[@OpusElenae]

Of course! I'm slowly working my way back through my back catalogue adding CC.

[@sygirl101]

Pilgrim. It’s likely anachronistic, but I received a square bag from kimono fabric as a gift in Japan. I use it to transport my projects when I’m out and about. It’s light and practical for sewing al fresco.

[@OpusElenae]

Trade routes were expansive!

[@blktauna]

I have a similar sling bag I made years ago with my device on it. But I think the top accessory is the set of byzantine gloves I made. Pilgrim

[@mieljolie847]

PILGRIM - Great bag! My favorite accessory hasn't actually showed up, yet. Getting a custom penannular brooch made (with special multi-function alterations). ;) I got to see the progress pics just yesterday from the blacksmith, and it's looking great! So exciting. Never had anything like this commissioned. :)

[@andrewmizener7470]

PILGRIM My answer is: hats. More people should pay attention to headgear. Love a good hat.

[@hlpagel]

Pilgrim! My favorite item in my kit are the knitting needles my grandma gifted me. She inspired me to start making things and I'm grateful to her for it.

[@inarigitsune]

It looks great! I have my own bag already in progress, so good luck to those entering the giveaway! My current most used and favorite kit accessory is a leather thimble. For events? My walking distaff. I'm learning the chain stitch with both needle and hook in my Traditional Russian embroidery class now. Small thing we were taught to make it easier for the needle version is to pin it to pillow (or a little stand with a tiny pillow called a "shveika" - literally meaning "stitcher"- that works like the third hand things for hand sewing). It helps with tension and makes the work go faster and easier, a sanity saver. A pillow or tailors ham works well for this too, An option should you, or anyone else reading, choose to try. :)

[@OpusElenae]

Oh thank you! I have a weighted pillow but never thought to use it for this.

[@inarigitsune]

@@OpusElenae I'm glad the info might be useful! A lot of Russian folk older embroidery was done without hoops with this method to tension. Makes work very portable but much faster than just in hand as is.

[@ingerteodora5413]

PILGRIM My favorite kit accessory is my basket. There's something about carrying my stuff around in a basket that changes the feel of what I'm wearing from costume to clothes.

[@melissabebak1513]

Pilgrim. So mine is a bit of a weird one. I love my belt. It's just a plain leather ring belt, no embellishment or anything, but I hang EVERYTHING off it and could not do without it. Not just my pouch, either. It holds my parasol, my mug, and I keep a bunch of ties in my pouch so I can hang my shopping off it too. I've even tied on a bag of kettle corn before.

[@laurenlaker]

I am absolutely loving your content. Thank you 😊 oh and PILGRIM

[@OpusElenae]

Thank you!

[@l.m.2404]

PILGRIM My favourite accessory is my hand made leather thimble. I use it constantly.

[@meamela9820]

Oh, this solved a problem for me! Are currently sewing a dress (kirtle) to an upcoming small event and was wondering where I would keep all my stuff. Now I am going to make my own pilgrim's bag!

[@aukjevankolck1017]

PILGRIM My favourite accessory from my dancing outfit is either the fan or the handkerchief, because they allow for great theatrics. From my medieval kit, it has to be either a leather belt purse bag thing (because always having my meds at hands is necessary, but a cute purse thing makes it so much better) or my cute little damask knife (because it's cute and beautiful, as well as incredibly sharp and handy)

[@laurenthomas6267]

Pilgrim! My favorite accessory are my little snip snips! They're very anachronistic but they were a graduation gift from my grandma and they're very sharp :)

[@tls8688]

Well done! It never ceases to amaze me how much hand stitching cosplayers put in to their kits. Definitely a labour of love. As a PILGRIM, my fav accessory is a huswife, or a chatelaine.

[@michelehays1974]

My favorite accessory is a beautiful hand carved bone needle that I was gifted a few years ago. I use it mostly as a gravoir, but it can be used for any sewing project, really. Oh, and PILGRIM....naturally :)

[@GraciePattenSewing]

I really like the colors you chose for the bag! I also appreciate the historical information about pilgrims' bags.

[@susannekalejaiye4351]

Pilgrim. Current favourite accessory, one of my drop spindles, and my belt book (psalter). I like your filming, explanations and the music you use. Very nice experience.

[@OpusElenae]

Thank you! I love my drop spindles too.

[@beatriceandersson7810]

Alternatively : hide all your stuff in your sibling’s bag before leaving for the event, then put on your most innocent demeanor when they notice it. But, I mean, making your own bag is cooler 😄 (PILGRIM : my favorite kit accessory is a red hood with the longest lirepipe known to man)

[@lias.hyperfixation]

I don’t feel right entering, but I gotta say, that thread from Eowyn de Weaver actually IS my favorite part of my (sewing) kit! I use it on EVERYTHING! IT BEHAVES SO WELL!

[@PinkythePinkDemon]

PILGRIM I think my favorite kit gear is either my beloved wooden mug, because it was one of the first "expensive" things I bought waaay back when I was in high school and it made me feel like a real, authentic, medieval/renaissance person (despite it being wildly inaccurate) or my tortoise brooches because I just love the look of them. And of course, great video! Pilgrim's bags are great projects, especially when you want to practice a technique or are just starting out :)

[@KacyBurchfield]

What a beautiful bag!

[@OpusElenae]

SO'S YOUR FAAAACE

[@darklymoonlit]

PILGRIM My favorite accessory is, inevitably, whatever fan I'm carrying at the time. I used to do my local Faire and live in the south so it was a lifesaver! (Anachronistic, but a lifesaver.)

[@chastitysenek7499]

Pilgrim. My favorite accessory is a flat cap for my Ravenclaw 16th C. Outfit.

[@OpusElenae]

Ravenclaws forever!

[@janineheiney7124]

Pilgrim My favorite is probably the Spanish pocket I wear at work.

[@sophisteacated]

Pilgrim! Can my favourite kit item be my entire sewing basket?? Haha. But otherwise it's probably my embroidered purse or my cap & veil. 🧵💜💜

[@OpusElenae]

Congratulations, you've won! Email me at opuselenaeATgmailDOTcom and we'll work out the details of getting it to you.

[@sophisteacated]

@@OpusElenae ahhhh what!! Thank you so much!!!!! 😍😍😍

[@rachelboersma-plug9482]

I used your instructions for constructing the bag to make one out of a scrap of dark red linen. I cut it to waste as little fabric as possible and although I didn't plan it that way, the dimensions were nearly the same as yours. No embroidery, alas. I may add some later. Thanks for this useful, stash-busting and very doable project.

[@OpusElenae]

Fantastic! If you post it on social media tag me so I can share it!

[@naomirodgers8973]

PILGRIM . I love these little bags, my husband is always using mine xx I will definitely be making a new one and taking ideas from this THANK YOU 💕

[@OpusElenae]

I can't want to see what you make!

[@augustwogsland3309]

I love how this turned out! The mustard and the purple look so great together! I am too new to this to have a favorite accessory since I don't even have a full kit yet. Getting into historical costuming and events during COVID was not the best idea I've ever had, but oh well. I'm glad you have gotten so many new subscribers so quickly. I know I found your great channel through CoCoVid and I have really been enjoying the calming, yet informative nature of your videos. Thank you! PILGRIM

[@asilverfoxintasmania9940]

its kinda a great time to get involved, because even though events aren't a thing, you at least have some time to find something you like and make it, without the pressure of OMG there is an event in three weeks and I have to make all the layers and i don't know what I am doing! At least this way you don't have that time pressure so your first items will probably last you much longer! And there are now so many new channels doing costuming stuff as well!

[@lynnwales2937]

You've used my favorite shade of yellow :) It's a lovely PILGRIM bag! My favorite kit accessory is usually jewelry in any form lol

[@RoseMorgan3491]

PILGRIM My favorite kit accessory is my haversack my husband bought for me. It currently holds a couple projects I'm working on. And trying to keep my children using it to hold their stuff too.......

[@carmenpaulson5145]

You are very talented young lady.

[@OpusElenae]

Thank you.

[@joanelizabethhall9455]

Pilgrim. My current favorite accessory is a tall 13th c. Spanish toca (hat). It's cream silk with silk embroidery and pearls.

[@OpusElenae]

Hats are SO IMPORTANT

[@stoneypotterson]

Pilgrim! My favorite accessory is my new belt from Fettered Cock Pewters. The pewter studs and buckle are great!

[@lajoyous1568]

Congratulations on reaching 2,000 subscribers. The bag is beautiful!

[@sarahrosen4985]

You just know that if you needed a cat to intentionally walk across something to get perfect paw prints for a project that they would never EVER walk across it.

[@scottandjennie]

Pilgrim I don’t have one yet I am still working on my dress I just fished my under dress.

[@agypsycircle]

I like that tank top style shirt while you’re doing the chainstich! Did you make it? It looks incredibly comfortable for a non stretch top! And the bag is amazing!

[@OpusElenae]

Thank you! It’s actually a tank dress by a designer called Ryu. I didn’t make it but I made a dress based on it: instagram.com/p/B_Oj0SWH7nd/?igshid=1302p7kpge7z

[@nizarahdragon3973]

I like the hood I don't belong to scan so I don't have a kit but I live in Alabama at the moment and understand eateral summer

[@OpusElenae]

it just... NEVER STOPS

[@nizarahdragon3973]

@@OpusElenae nope but it rains alot some mouths

[@kioryn6002]

Yay! Another approachable project to try out! Out of curiosity, what are the dimensions of the bag and length of the strap?

[@OpusElenae]

In the video I mention that the bag is 8x10.5”. The strap used the full width of the fabric, resulting in a 59” strap.

[@kioryn6002]

@@OpusElenae Thank you so much! I completely missed that, guess I need to pay more attention.

[@OpusElenae]

Kioryn No worries! It was an off hand remark anyway, I probably should have mentioned it more deliberately

[@DanielleStJohn]

Okay, that bag is cute as h*ck. And you are 5000% correct about summer in Texas. I don't even know how you managed to sit outside in long sleeves during that one shot... Question about the embroidery thread. Was the color purple not as big a deal in earlier centuries as it was around the Renaissance?

[@OpusElenae]

It's harder to achieve, because it takes a bit more of a process and more dips in a dye pot, but honestly brocades and cloth of gold were the status symbols. Also using a tiny bit of silk thread vs having a whole garment made from purple is much less expensive.

[@WoofyMcDoodle]

Beautiful work! Do you perhaps know if bags like these were also worn by men or was it more in line with women fashion? I would like to construct one of them.

[@OpusElenae]

Men wore them too! My exemplar from the Cantiga manuscript shows men wearing decorated bags, so have at it!

[@CraftyInTheory]

I'm attempting a version of this bag. If you recall, how long did you make the strap? I think mine may be a bit short.

[@OpusElenae]

It's the full width of this fabric, so about 59" after seams.

[@Giraude]

Gretings! Your description still has the word "POCKET" and the other instructions from your last giveaway, not PILGRIM/description of favorite accessory for this one.

[@OpusElenae]

I just noticed and changed it! Thanks for the heads up!

[@TheGenFem]

How does she cut so straight?!

[@OpusElenae]

I follow the grain of the fabric; it’s easier with linen than cotton.