All exhibitors and participants were required to dress in appropriate Renaissance costuming. I had never attended an event of this sort before, so I consulted our About guides who are knowledgeable of this period of history.

Flax and wool were common and cotton was an expensive fabric, imported from India or the Americas. A womans outfit would be a long skirt, covered with another skirt or apron, a shirt(long sleeved (usually linen) no collar or buttons, a bodice(tight-fitting vest), a hat or snood and shoes. Men's outfits are breeches (pants), jerkin (vest), shirt, hat and shoes.

For my costume, I found a had a long white skirt that was suitable for the underskirt. Luckily I have a white, long-sleeved linen blouse. I visited our neighbourhood 2nd hand store and located a silk 3/4 length skirt which I overdyed with Logwood dye, creating a muted lilac shade. I also found a damask-weave vest in the 2nd hand store.

Throughout the days at the Festival we were entertained by wandering minstrels, jesters, and gypsies. Shakespearean actors from the Ontario Renaissance Festival led the festivities along with local theatrical figures. The evening entertainment included an interactive dinner theatre of Midsummer Nights Dream and MacBeth.

Lucet
Celeste Colbourne gave a demonstration on using a Lucet to make flat braiding.

Looking for some Renaissance revelry? Here are a few links to upcoming fairs:

• Oregon Country Fair
  
• Renaissance Faire
  

Next page > Renaissance Faire Photo Gallery