Hans Holbein the Younger was a German-Swiss artist and Lucas Horenbout
was a Flemish artist. Both artists were employed by King Henry VIII in
the English (Tudor) court in the 1530s until their deaths in the
mid-1540s.
Katherine Willoughby was the sole surviving child of William Willoughby
and Maria de Salinas. When her father died, she became a ward (and later
the 4th wife) of Charles Brandon, 1st Duke of Suffolk.
When looking up information about Katherine on Wikipedia, I noticed a
discrepancy. There was a miniature portrait of her that was credited to
Hans Holbein the Younger. However, the original miniature is with
Grimsthorpe & Drummond Castle Trust, which states that the portrait
was painted by Lucas Horenbout.
It's difficult to study 16th century blackwork embroidery in Tudor England without also learning about the various people who may have worn it.
For example, when learning about Katherine of Aragon, King Henry VIII's first wife, you also learn about Anne Boleyn, his second wife.
Usually tied with Anne's downfall is the name Jane Boleyn (maiden name Jane Parker). Jane was also tied to Katherine Howard's downfall, who was Henry VIII's fifth wife.
However, when learning more about Jane herself during her lifetime, it seems that she may have been the victim of being a scapegoat as part of a PR (public relations) plot
on behalf of Elizabeth I to rehabilitate her mother's image
Do you think Jane was a scapegoat? Or perhaps jealous? Vindictive? A victim?
Here are some of the embroidery and pattern books in my collection that I
would recommend, especially to someone starting out with historical
embroidery. Some of these books provide more information on the history,
while others provide information on technique and/or provide various
historical patterns.
Learn about the expected table etiquette during the Tudor era, as well
as suggested meals and fasting days. What did the Sumptuary Laws dictate
regarding the number of dishes allowed for your meal? What time of day
were the meals scheduled for?
With Twelfth Night upon us and the Christmas season is coming to a close, follow along as I explain the religious reasons of what and why the
Tudors did what they did before, during, and after Christmas.
When singing Christmas carols in today's world, did you know that there
are many historical references in these songs? For example, when singing
about the 12 Days of Christmas, during the Tudor era, people celebrated
Christmas for twelve days from Christmas to Epiphany (Twelfth Night).
Learn about how pin cushions evolved over the centuries. In which
centuries did women wear their pincushions and why? What were pin
pillows filled with in the 18th century? What is up with the tomato in
the Victorian era?
Join me as I explore various historical paintings with examples of
different types of pin pillows. Did you know that Queen Elizabeth I of
England was gifted an embroidered pin pillow in 1561 as a New Year's
gift?
In Tudor times, pins were used to help hold clothing items, such as
sleeves and women's headwear, together with other items (like sleeves
being pinned to a kirtle). In modern times, pin cushions are used to
hold pins for sewing.
I originally recorded this video about 3 years ago. I have added some
more information to this video.
My son received a scroll for completing a level in Page School, while my
husband and my brother in law each received a Purple Fret for service.
So, when Her Royal Majesty, Queen Jalida, said let's finish out the
family and called me forth, I was stunned. The other 3 had had their
names put forth on social media ahead of time, calling them into my
court. However, my name was not on that list.
To hear the words, "we beg a boon" brought tears to my eyes! To have
friends that I have known for over 20 years come up and speak on my
behalf was very heartwarming! And then, to hear what Her Majesty said
about her conversation at the Pennsic War with the King of the East (HRM
G. Emerson True) - that he wanted to make sure that I was Laureled for
my blackwork, so much so that if he had the authority he would have
Laureled me right then and there, giving me his own medallion. I was at a
complete loss for words.
I am still processing all of this... I don't know if you notice this in
the video, but a little background: This Court was at the Fall 2024
Royal University of the Midrealm (RUM). I am the landed Baroness of the
Barony hosting the event. I am also the new Chancellor for the Royal
University. I was handed the wheel to drive RUM (starting in March 2024)
with the out-going Chancellor over-seeing everything and giving advice
where needed. So, by the time Court started (around 6:30pm EST), I had
sat down for a total of about 20 minutes since 7:45am on that day. If
you visit the Royal University of the Midrealm YouTube channel, you will
find 15+ classes that have been added and/or will soon be edited and
added from this day of classes. It had been a very busy day with over 50
classes taught at the event! I am excited, nervous, happy,
shell-shocked... you pick the emotion and I've probably experienced it
at some point with this drive-by of becoming a member of the Order of
the Laurel.
My biggest emotion in all of this: appreciation. Thank you to everyone!
Especially thank you to the King of the East who spoke with Her Majesty
(Her Highness at the time) on my behalf. 😊
