You must have seen these huge brooches on the kilts and sashes in Braveheart. These Celtic cloaking devices are the precursor to the safety pin; quite ingenious technology for medieval period garb. I was introduced to these pins when I became associated with the Society for Creative Anachronisms.

The SCA holds gatherings both small and large, each attempting to recreate an event (whether a baronial birthday or an all out war) with the most authentic gear possible. This Society has developed a world wide movement of medievalist and renaissance period re-creators that will (at the drop of a hat) construct a Faire at the corner of a parking lot, a duel in the commons or a Grand Ball in a local Grange.

Upon my first SCA Event, I was requested to produce a Penannular not of the normal shape but a piece that would fit into Medieval Scotland, and functional: like the real ones! Hence, my first creation was the Knot Work Penannular. A free-form knot shaping the C part of the brooch and the classic knotted spear for the pin head.

Following the first Penannular Brooch, I then developed other themes that were not period: grapes, sea horses, stars and more.

I wanted to introduce the Penannular to folks who only attend a renaissance fare one a year (if ever), thus I created a video that demonstrates the use of these Brooches now posted in my website. There you will see the Brooch in action as it is placed on a Plaid!

Penannulars may be used to clasp capes, cloaks and scarves. The pins I place on the larger versions are stout: designed for the heavy, loose woven fabric like wool. I also make lighter versions for finer cloth: like jackets. I have specially made Brooches for leather as well. The smallest Penannulars are for very light pieces and shirts, skirts and the like.

Whether they are simple or ornate, Penannulars make a great way to tack a loose scarf or cover an emergency missing button, making it look like you did it on purpose!

As always, if you want something specially made for you, just ask, I create everything in my site and only too happy to create it for you.