I’ve joined the ranks of many re-enactors who have decided to make a replica of a London Hood — complete with a silly “liripipe” tail!
This project kept me busy with a number of different skills, so I might break this down into sections, with more detail in additional posts.
I initially drafted this post last year and failed to publish it as I fussed over making a “Series” out of it. Bah! Out with it already!
Jess
- Making a pattern based on historical (extant) finds
- Construction walkthrough
- Detail: Buttons and button holes
- Detail: Tablet woven edges
How about we skip ahead right now to the eye-candy?
Liripipe! 
Lovely shape when down 
Front view, buttoned 
In profile — very medieval! 
Worn with face open 
Worn folded back 
Buttoned up snug 
Detail: buttons and button holes
My main goals for this project (apart from finally having my very own adorable hood) were to have an item that provides:
- good rain protection,
- warmth in windy conditions,
- reasonable sun protection for my eyes (autumn / winter / spring), and
- reasonable visibility.
This hood ticks all these boxes!
First up, it’s comfortable in all but the rainiest of conditions. The wind can get inside the face of the hood a bit unless I button up tight. With my Birgitta’s Cap underneath (at an event) or a woollen beanie (at home) I am super snug.
What about rain protection 🌧️? Surprisingly good! I’ve worn this as I walked to work (about 25 minutes) in heavy rain, with my orange coat. I only got wet in my inner clothing at one shoulder where the cape of the hood directed water down a seam line in my coat.
Downside? The linen lining got very wet, wicking up from the cape hem. If I had my time again I wouldn’t line with linen! It took ages for the lining to dry (at work, on our coat hook) and made it unpleasant to wear back to the train station at the end of the day. But the wool outer was merely damp!
My main happiness with this hood is that the face opening keeps its shape: this means it doesn’t flop in my eyes, even in light rain! The visibility is pretty good, as a result — with no sun in my eyes.
I have to peek out when I’m crossing a road, though!
The buttons are somewhat adorable (my daughter says they are like “little pompoms”), and are not too awkward to button up. It was initially quite weird, but I’ve now got the hang of buttoning down from the chin without ending up with an odd button hole at the bottom!
I wear this hood everywhere. Since I drafted this post, I’ve worn this hood to work, every day, for about 6 months (autumn, winter and spring). I get a few funny looks, but mostly I can’t wear this anywhere without at least one passer-by saying:
“Oh my god, I love your hood!”
Simple Crafty Life 