One of the greatest investments any Society member makes is in fabric for garb, especially in wools and silks. No one wants their fabric (or garb) to become motheaten, or to develop must or mildew.

Proper storage for fabric or garb, then, is critical. One ideal way to store valuable garb or fabric is by hanging it in a cedar-lined closet, or in a cedar chest. Cedar (Cedrus spp.) has been used since ancient times to repel moths, who prefer to lay their eggs in the fibers of wool. Keeping an open can of sea salt or silica (available at most craft stores) in a closet can help absorb any excess moisture that might encourage the growth of must or mildew. This is especially valuable in damper parts of the Knowne World, and works pretty well in tents, too!

For those of us who must make do with hanging our garb in our closet and storing fabric in boxes, there is still an easy way to keep insect pests out of our valuables - the herbal sachet. By using a combination of herbs known for their insect-repellant abilities, which are placed into small muslin bags for easy use, we can practically ensure that our fabric and garb will stay fragrant and insect-free. It's easy!

Sew up approx. a dozen small (3" by 5") muslin or cotton sacks. Figure one per box of cloth or for every third piece of garb as a good ratio. Use a permeable fabric so the essential oils of the herbs can imbue the garb or fabric without staining your cloth.

Next, combine at least three of the following herbs together in a large, non-metal, bowl:

• cedar chips or tips (Cedrus spp.)


• laurel leaves (Laurus nobilis)


• tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)


• wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)


• sandalwood (Santalum album)


• myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)


• frankincense (Boswellia thurifera)


• orris root (Iris florentina)

Use equal proportions (1 ounce, or 1/2 cup is good) of each herb. These herbs are the most effective in warding off moths and other insects.

Next, add in - to your personal taste - at least 2 (but not more than 4) of the following herbs (again, approx. 1 ounce or 1/2 cup measure):

• anise seed (Pimpinella anisum)


• cloves (Caryophyllus aromaticus)


• cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)


• ginger (Zingiber officinale)


• juniper berries (Juniperus communis)


• lavender (Lavandula vera)


• pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegiodes)


• rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

These herbs, combined with the insect-fighting herbs, add a pleasant fragrance to your sachet mixture. You can tailor the scent to your personal preference. Please note that all the herbs listed were known in period, and will literally add to the "air of authenticity" of your garb!

Lastly, combine all these herbs with approx. 1 cup of either sea salt, silica, or dry rice. This last ingredient will serve as a desiccant, and help keep your garb or fabric moisture-free.

Fill the small muslin bags with the sachet mixture and sew them shut. Use them in your fabric boxes, garb chest, or on the hangers you place your garb in. They should last for 2 years.

Our medieval forbearers placed a high value on fabric and garments, and developed means of warding off insect pests and the hazards of must and mildew. Why re-invent the wheel? If it worked back then, it'll work for us too! Enjoy!

SOURCE BOOKS:

• THE HERB BOOK by John Lust, Bantam Books (New York, c 1974)


• HERBAL TREASURES by Phyllis V. Shaudys, Garden Way Publishing (Pownal VT), c 1990