Partlet Getting Personal

This black velvet partlet I have had for many years. It’s my first one that I made following the Tudor Tailor pattern. Though at the time I didn’t have knowledge to properly finish it. For two reasons which I will explain.  So now after 12 or so years it is lined in a light linen and edged in black and white linen cotton blend twist.

The extended time in finishing this is partly due to my temperature sensitivity, I get hot and cold easily. Just by touching something too warm or too cold it makes my temperature change. Teased for years I was cold bloooded but was wondering if I was possibly correct. Plus it is typical of me to pick a time period that happens in a mini ice age and we are now living in global warming modern day.

Getting back on topic. Since finding out I have Rynauds Syndrome, it makes sense why I have had a life long struggle to maintain a regulated body temperature. It’s basically an extreme reaction to a survival setting in the central nervous system. If I am too warm I become overheated easily and heat stroke is an issue. Or if I get too cold then hypothermia can set in quicker than an average person. Now those are extremes, though even subtle changes in temperature piping hot food or ice cold drink can trigger a response. In my work office I have blankets fans and various sweaters and extra deodorant for the changes since I can’t regulate the settings for the building.

Though the temperature changes effects my digestive system. I have irritable bowel as well which I believe the two are linked. It’s pops up and causes upsets when changes in temperature occur. Not as much food related but weather related jump in temperature changes. So seasonally I can guarantee I won’t be comfortable for a few days. That’s without odd jumps that Mother Nature likes to throw in for fun. So now you know how I stay thin, not able to digest as much as I should. Which can cause low blood sugar so one thing leads to another.

Now what does all this have to do with a partlet. Well layers regulate body temperature and since in  Tudor times there are so many in clothing. I have to be careful how many to put on or can easily take off while still being properly dressed. So I have made other partlets in silk organza and will be making some inlinen eventually

Now for someone with my condition central air and heat when properly monitored is helpful. Though in the Sca we don’t always have the luxury.  As you may notice I do not do many camping events not only for the wardrobe cleanliness but also the temperature issues. Nature’s elements are not my friends. Which sucks I do like being outside in nature but have extra planning when being outdoors for extended period of time.

So after many years of Tudor and Elizabethan I am finding ways of making my wardrobe friendly for my condition. Plus making sure that technique wise it is executed properly.  Now there is no real treatment for Rynauds Syndrome or cure and IBS is treatable with dietary only thing I won’t give up is caffeine so I will take the discomfort for my tea and coffee.

This got a little personal though now you know something more about me and how I select events. For a positive note I have pictures of the finished partlet for your enjoyment.

Not letting life get me down,

THL Marrin O‘Kealy