Habit Forming

Current mood, very happy. I just placed the order for my XVe century girdle (wide belt) for my habit. No, not a nun's habit, my historical riding habit. This is a typical wide belt worn by ladies over their gowns during that time period.

The design I've chosen is based on Rogier Van Der Weyden's portrait of Isabella of Portugal. It will be created by Gina B, a wonderful woman who is a member of the silk women of Soper Lane. These ladies specialise in the weaving of silk as it was done in the 15th century.

Mine will be a lovely checkerboard pattern in red silk. The color is almost like scarlet lake. A red that leans more toward the cool end of the color spectrum. I am currently sourcing the buckle and strap end for this lovely belt. It will be based on a buckle design of another Van Der Weyden painting, "Portrait of a Lady".

The finished example will look something like this example on Gina's web site, except for the color of course, and the fittings will be different.