Silk and iron

My name is Rosalin and I am a living history enthusiast. I am able to portray several periods from 200AD to 1650AD mostly based in the low countries.

In normal live I am a chemistry teacher, but as a kid I was always interested in history as well. My chemistry degree helps my understand some processes from the medieval period in a more scientific way. Historical dyeing is just applied chemistry and dyeing blues is a perfect example of a redox-reaction. (many processes even become exam questions in the Netherlands)

I started living history at a group doing the late 13th century because I could combine sword-fighting and living history. In that group I also found out I enjoyed textile crafts from that period. Hence the name Silk and Iron was born. At the moment the military part is getting less of my attention though.

I will be mostly blogging about natural dyeing with dyestuffs available in the western medieval world, historical fashion and sewing, historical cooking, chainmail and daily activities. (yeah, mostly everything I find interesting and that is a lot)

At this moment I am not part of a group, but I love doing demonstrations at re-enactment and living history events. For more information about what I can offer check the contact page.