09-14-2013, 04:00 AM
Brandon and Graham (and everyone else),
I'd like to ask you guys a few other questions please -
I'm trying to figure out how a paludamentum and a sagum are positioned when you wear them, and how they're cut and shaped.
I was told by someone that with both a sagum and paludamentum, the longest dimension is always the vertical dimension - correct? I was told that a sagum is basically a large rectangle (maybe 60" x 3 yards) - the 3 yard length would be vertical and then folded in half, so it ends up being close to a square. The folded edge is the top edge - running horizontally. You would then wrap that folded, top edge around your neck with the cloak hanging over your left shoulder, and then secure two middle sections of that folded edge on top of your right shoulder. Alternatively - you could grab two middle sections of that top, folded edge and secure them to both shoulders from behind, so the sagum hangs straight down behind you and centered.
I was told that with a paludamentum, again - the long sides run vertically. You gather together the middle section of the shorter edge on the top, and then pin that to your left shoulder. So the paludamentum has its long dimension falling down from your shoulder towards the ground, and you have the option to then pass it forward under your left armpit and throw it outwards over your left arm (carrying it). And if the paludamentum is too long for this, you can partially fold it vertically before your pin it to your shoulder. Is this correct and how you wear it, Brandon?
My other question is - if it's cut as a half octagon or half circle, is that cut along the long dimension? So it's an elongated half-circle or half-octagon? Brandon - from your description, I'm assuming this is the case - you mentioned that you wear the long edge closest to your neck, with the rounded edge facing away from your body on the left. But I'm wondering Brandon - do you grab your paludamentum in the middle of its long, straight edge - and then attached that point to your shoulder? So it's basically folded in half lengthwise, and the middle point is attached to your shoulder?
As I mentioned, I'd really like to be able to wear my cloak three different ways, with different outfits - either pinned to my left shoulder like a typical paludamentum in a parade or dress situation (and probably under the armpit and wrapped over my left arm), but also - I want to wear it like a sagum where it's over my left shoulder and pinned on the right shoulder. And also - wear it sometimes centered in the back, pinned to both shoulders (as I often see when worn by commanders or generals in movies, Caesar, etc., out on campaign and worn over their armor). I'd like to probably make mine with rounded corners and perhaps one long, straight edge, but I need to figure out exactly how it's folded and worn for these three different styles so I can be sure mine will work alright for all of them. Or - would you recommend I just stick to a rectangular design and do you think that's more versatile and practical for me? I want it to look very flowing, elegant and dressy, so I like the idea of rounded corners without the sharp angles and visible corners. Thank you again so very much for your help with these questions.
Adam
I'd like to ask you guys a few other questions please -
I'm trying to figure out how a paludamentum and a sagum are positioned when you wear them, and how they're cut and shaped.
I was told by someone that with both a sagum and paludamentum, the longest dimension is always the vertical dimension - correct? I was told that a sagum is basically a large rectangle (maybe 60" x 3 yards) - the 3 yard length would be vertical and then folded in half, so it ends up being close to a square. The folded edge is the top edge - running horizontally. You would then wrap that folded, top edge around your neck with the cloak hanging over your left shoulder, and then secure two middle sections of that folded edge on top of your right shoulder. Alternatively - you could grab two middle sections of that top, folded edge and secure them to both shoulders from behind, so the sagum hangs straight down behind you and centered.
I was told that with a paludamentum, again - the long sides run vertically. You gather together the middle section of the shorter edge on the top, and then pin that to your left shoulder. So the paludamentum has its long dimension falling down from your shoulder towards the ground, and you have the option to then pass it forward under your left armpit and throw it outwards over your left arm (carrying it). And if the paludamentum is too long for this, you can partially fold it vertically before your pin it to your shoulder. Is this correct and how you wear it, Brandon?
My other question is - if it's cut as a half octagon or half circle, is that cut along the long dimension? So it's an elongated half-circle or half-octagon? Brandon - from your description, I'm assuming this is the case - you mentioned that you wear the long edge closest to your neck, with the rounded edge facing away from your body on the left. But I'm wondering Brandon - do you grab your paludamentum in the middle of its long, straight edge - and then attached that point to your shoulder? So it's basically folded in half lengthwise, and the middle point is attached to your shoulder?
As I mentioned, I'd really like to be able to wear my cloak three different ways, with different outfits - either pinned to my left shoulder like a typical paludamentum in a parade or dress situation (and probably under the armpit and wrapped over my left arm), but also - I want to wear it like a sagum where it's over my left shoulder and pinned on the right shoulder. And also - wear it sometimes centered in the back, pinned to both shoulders (as I often see when worn by commanders or generals in movies, Caesar, etc., out on campaign and worn over their armor). I'd like to probably make mine with rounded corners and perhaps one long, straight edge, but I need to figure out exactly how it's folded and worn for these three different styles so I can be sure mine will work alright for all of them. Or - would you recommend I just stick to a rectangular design and do you think that's more versatile and practical for me? I want it to look very flowing, elegant and dressy, so I like the idea of rounded corners without the sharp angles and visible corners. Thank you again so very much for your help with these questions.
Adam
