Linen and Needle

22/08/2026

Anyone interested in these silk fabrics?

09/08/2026

New things for ARM.
Can be done in 2 or 3 colours of your choice.
For an extra charge a motif can be added to the back.

07/08/2026

Another happy customer

A week ago I was setting off to West Sussex to take part in the Lammas Fayre 1462 event as a medieval minstrel.

Early music in a reenactment setting is a relatively new feather I have added to my musical cap and it brings together my love of history (I have a BA and MSc in Archaeology) and music and dressing up.

As it was an immersive event I couldn't take any photos while on site but here's one of me in costume on the morning of the second day before I lugged a wicker basket backpack and harp up to the market square of the Weald and Downland Living Museum.

Shout out to Janet from Linen and Needle for making my (three layers) of costume!

Massive well done to Black Knight Historical (especially Ian and Molly) for putting together a fantastic event, all the reenactors for doing an amazing job bringing the past to life, and my fabulous fellow minstrels Cathy and Clare Goodall - Storyteller and Musician for being such a joy to perform with and listen to.

Despite the blazing temperatures (with an amber heat warning on the final day), all the feedback I've seen from visitors has been massively positive and I'm both proud and honoured to have been a part of this event. Here's to more reenactment events showcasing the every day domestic lives of our forebears!

20/07/2026

Was asked about how to wear and what century the Torque represents.
Well, this is a simple explanation.
Like most headwear, Torques were often mentioned in wills. You did not want to look like your grandmother, so altering the position and adding accessories etc, was a great way of changing the look of the headwear. Fancy pins and brooches were often used to do this.

15/07/2026

What are Tippets.
In the 14th Century they are fashion accessories that showed of peoples wealth.
They are peices of fabric normally attached to the arm showing off you had enough money to waste on fabric that did absolutely nothing.
In stock now on linenandneedle.co.uk

11/07/2026

More pictures of Unisex Hood.
£60 / £65 depending on dagging detail.

10/07/2026

Just trying to up date the website.
Just finnished the ladies Hennie and Harts headwear.
Black velvet fillits and hat bands now back in stock.

07/07/2026

Things to do when its too hot to think and there is no breeze to disturb the fabric .
Another veil cut out ready to hem.

29/06/2026

I was asked today how to put a veil on a Hennin hat.
So here are a few ways of wearing a Hennin.
Using veils, pins, velvet fillet and velvet hat bands .
There are sure to be others.
Please send me others and I can add to my collection

27/06/2026

Customer in his new jacket with heraldry.