Creating medieval dresses had never really been on our to-do list. But when we were thinking about going to the “Phantastischer Lichter Weihnachtsmarkt” (a medieval Christmas market) in Dortmund last summer, it quickly became clear that we would need medieval costumes to wear on that day. In this Taixtile podcast episode, we talk about the two winter medieval dresses that we made for that occasion. Enjoy!
Welcome back to a new episode of the Taixtile Podcast!
In Episode 11, we talk about our Land Girls projects: blouses based on historical patterns, half-brioche knitted vests, and corduroy trousers with authentic details. We also share what it was like to wear the garments at the Epochenfest 2025 and discuss ideas for future projects.
Enjoy!
The Event
We made our outfits for the Epochenfest, a historical fair in Jülich where different reenactment groups represent a wide range of historical periods. While some portrayed the First World War and others the Allied side of the Second, our group chose to represent the British Women’s Land Army.
The Land Girls, active from the First World War until several years after the Second, played a vital role in british agriculture but were never officially part of the military. Often referred to as the “Cinderella Army,” they were underpaid compared to women in other wartime services. Still, many former Land Girls later described their service as the best years of their lives, valuing the independence and freedom it offered them.
From Head to Toe
Accessories and Blouses
We began with hairstyles and accessories. We styled our hair corresponding with the style of the 1940s and used simple headbands as an extra detail.
For blouses, Nany used a 1941/42 pattern (Weldon’s So-Easy Pattern No. 86), originally designed to save fabric. It required some adjustments but resulted in a well-fitting garment. She paired it with a crocheted tie and a Land Girls badge for extra detail.
Clara opted for a reproduction blouse from The Seamstress of Bloomsbury, a British brand specializing in vintage-inspired clothing.
Knitted Vests
Since the event took place in June, Nany and Clara decided to knit vests instead of full sweaters to stay cool. Clara designed a simple half-brioche vest pattern, calculated to each person’s measurements using a spreadsheet. Both Nany and Clara used the Supersoft yarn from Holst, in the colourways “Cossack” and “Clover Leaf”.
Land Girls Pants
Nany drafted a sewing pattern for corduroy trousers based on a historical example. The design features wide hips, tapered legs, and very large pockets. Both Clara and Nany sewed their own versions, experimenting with different fabrics – 100% cotton for Nany and a poly-cotton-blend for Clara. Nany’s lighter cotton corduroy proved less durable, so she add leather patches afterwards.
Socks and Accessories
To complete the outfits, knee-high socks were needed. Nany first used storebought socks, but as the fit wasn’t great in the end, she decided to knit her own. She used undyed sock wool and a knitting pattern taken from “Weldon‘s Knitting Series 14, Service Woollies for Women”.
Clara used an existing pair of knee-high socks that she had in her wardrobe. As a last-minute experiment, she dyed them in a beige tone to better match the rest of the outfit.
Reflections
Wearing the outfits at the event was an enjoyable experience for us! Despite being less extravagant than others wearing 18th-century gowns or elaborate uniforms, our matching Land Girl costumes somehow stood out and sparked curiosity among other visitors.
It was great fun to approach the making of our outfits it as a group project. In the end, it was both rewarding and motivating! We are already considering future ideas for more historical crafting projects, so stay tuned!