14th century coin purse

A little purse inspired by one found in

Tongerere: Basiliek van O.L.-Vrouw geboorte
1. Textiel van de vroege middeleeuwen tot het concilie van Trente.
Title Series: Clenodia Tungrensis
Pub: Peeter Leuven 1988

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The original of this tiny purse (4cm wide) has aspects not normally associated with medieval work; namely the needle lace, which many place in the 16th century.

The fabric for my version is a lovely silk and linen mix brocade which was handwoven with an early medieval pattern; I was lucky enough to be given a small piece of this by a friend in Germany where it was commissioned.

The top edge is finished with a fingerloop braid; the drawstrings and handles are also made using this technique. The ends of the drawstrings have been finished with needlelace, needlelace also covers the small knot on the drawstrings.

The tassels either side are pompom style, with a padded knop covered in needlelace

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