Asking on behalf of a friend…
“I’m going to the Pennsic War (a two week long camping renaissance fair) later this summer. I’m trying to be as historically accurate as possible when creating a constume for a Scottish Lowland woman from around the late 1100s to early 1200s. I found evidence of a medium length tunic but I’m not sure how accurate this is. Any suggestions? Thanks.”
Thanks guys. If anyone happens to have pictures of any styles from this period, you can email them to me.
–Ava
Scotland was not neatly divided into Highland and Lowland until around the 14th Century, but rather into six kingdoms, but no matter. By the 12th century clothing was getting more elaborate for women, it had been unisex before that!
Married women wore a head covering consisting of a cloth under the chin called a barbette and a hat-like circle worn on top called a filet. The barbette was common, but it wasn’t always worn.
Women wore a long under-gown similar to a slip with sleeves. This was called a kirtle. The term kirtle is sometimes used to refer to an over-garment, perhaps because the sleeves and hem of the kirtle were often very much on display.
Trisha, Wales…but bred in Edinburgh
Renaissance in the 12th and 13th century? Ain’t that a bit premature?
PC
Hi Beth
If you are still looking try this site and the link on the page to Ireland 5th - 10th century.
http://www.reconstructinghistory.com/scottish/medievalscot.html
I see you got your new concertina. Is it cocobolo?
Frank is working overtime to fill orders! He is coming regularly to our sessions now.
MarkB
Nope, cherry/mahogany.
Tisk Tisk, Ava,
how un- PC of you!
Don’t you know it isn’t A.D. anymore?
You might frighten an atheist by not using the new C.E. (Common Era)designation in your date.
:roll:
I’d like to see pictures of the final get-up though.
Aaron
Beth, I was going to suggest that you contact the local branch of the SCA, but if she’s going to Pennsic, she is in the SCA and should have access to the resources.
BTW, way back when I went to Pennsic V…as the second qualified woman fighter in the Middle Kingdom. Back when I was young and unbreakable.
Actually, Aaron, Ava wouldn’t frighten an atheist, we don’t care. You might offend a devout Jew, Muslim, or any other religious group who don’t consider Jesus Christ to be their king/lord (as in Anno Domine = In the Year of our King/Lord).
The reconstructing history site you’ve already been given is great. They have an Irish gown that is really intresting www.reconstructinghistory.com/irish/making.html
also www.virtue.to/articles/#Hats is good, I’ve used this whole site when I’ve needed to make medieval hats,and the instructions are very good.
Other good sites are- www.costumes.org/pages/medievalinks.htm#Women’s%20Dress
www.milieux.com/costume/garb.html
http://moas.atlantia.sca.org/topics/clot.htm
I have used Period Patterns to make Houppelandes and was happy with the results. In my research I found that these patterns were highly recommended as being the most historically accurate however they do require that the seamstress be quiet experienced in clothing construction.
I also found that a problem that you run into with Scottish clothing of that period is that there is relatively little information available. Other lands had painters who captured the famous folk of the day and we have their portraits or paintings as a guideline.
If your friend wants to just go with basic garb, there are lots of free patterns to be found doing a search. Plus, the earily clothing is so basic , pretty much anyone that can sew could look at some pictures and design a pattern and make it themselves. I made a bunch of tunics, sideless surcotes, chemises, and coathardies like that. Heck, that was half the fun , figuring out how to make them. I had to break down and buy the patterns when I moved forward in time to a houppeland though.
Good luck , it’s great fun!!!
Or try to find some other people who now about this, if she really want authentic stuff. Many branches of SCA are not that interested in getting historic details correct. Of course, I am only speaking of some European branches I know of, so if the local SCA is good, search there, but be warned! 
Yup, Kass McGann really knows her stuff.
BTW, I’ve made that dress for my wife. 23 gores with three full-length quills each. Then gather the whole thing up. Bloody thing took forever to make. 