[EKStationers] Re: Vade Mecums, Was Beginnings of this List

[Heather Gray]

Thanks for the book reference and the folding instructions, Aidan. I knew
they were folded up kind of like our modern travel maps, but finding actual
examples has been a bit of a challenge of me -- also, haven't had a lot of
free time for this particular project until this year, to be honest.  But
I've been hoping to start producing and carrying some new accessory items
and these are far more fascinating to me than purses and such, so I figured
it was time to get serious about the research.

The best part of doing the pouches has been introducing people to the
concept of the 3rd string -- a hanger for the pouch that isn't one of the
drawstrings, so you can get things out of the pouch without it grabbing
you -- we've been getting that tidbit of  info out to folks who visit our
tent, even if they already have a purse, since it's not only medieval, it
makes your life just a little bit easier. I believe some of them have taken
up the suggestion of adding it to their own purses. Merchanting for us is
sort of another venue for teaching, and makes for some great conversations
at events.

> Brown, Michelle P., _Understanding Illuminated Manuscripts_, Getty
> Publications, Los Angeles, Ca, 1994, ISBN: 0-89236-217-0
>

-Elwynne