Introducing “The Lucet Compendium”: a book about history and craft

As I sit down to write these words, I feel a sense of disbelief. The book I’ve been working on for months, chronicling the history of the lucet, is now in the hands of its first readers. It’s a surreal moment, one that marks the culmination of a journey that began long ago.

In many ways, this adventure traces back to 2015, when I first dipped my toes into the world of lucet knitting during a living history event. Little did I know that this seemingly simple act would spark a deep curiosity within me. As an archaeologist by training, I couldn’t resist delving deeper into the debates surrounding the tool’s historical authenticity – even amidst my current career in coding.

Fast forward to 2022, and I found myself publishing a blog post detailing my initial findings. It was a thrilling experience, diving into museum collections, consulting with esteemed experts like Beatrix Nutz and immersing myself in the realm of experimental archaeology. The positive feedback I received was heartening, but little did I know it would lead to even greater opportunities.

One such opportunity arose when I stumbled upon the occasion to contribute to Living Medieval magazine‘s second issue. Without hesitation, I submitted a proposal outlining my research into the origins of the lucet – and to my joy, it was met with genuine curiosity and acceptance.

But perhaps the most pivotal moment came when I connected with Daniel Craig Phelps, author of “The Lucette Book.” Our collaboration was born from a shared passion for the subject, and together we embarked on the ambitious journey of compiling our research into a cohesive narrative.

The cover of “The Lucet Compendium: a historical exploration and practical guide”, book by Sara Rossi and Daniel Craig Phelps about the history of the lucet with practical guidance for modern crafters.

The journey was filled with fascinating discoveries and, even though my conclusions don’t write down a final word (for now, at least), I really enjoyed all the process, and won’t stop there either. Each find added depth to our understanding of this ancient tool, fueling my passion to share knowledge with others.

I was able to unearth the first written testimony of the word “lucet“ in the textile crafting context, in a text from the 1630s. I analysed a miniature from the mid 15th century depicting a supposed lucet (spoiler: in fact, it was not).

I found the most exquisite 18th century lucet, made of gold and mother-of-pearl, part of a precious sewing kit. I also stumbled upon a bone flute with two prongs, and example of the ancient habit of repurposing items and giving tools new functions.

And while busy with all of this, I tried to keep my blog post up-to-date: I don’t want to leave it behind, I believe in the sharing of knowledge, and that’s the main reason why I stepped into this writing and researching adventure.

After meticulous revisions and a peer review process, by Christmas 2023 “The Lucet Compendium” was finally ready for print.

And now, as it makes its way into the hands of readers, first of all the subscribers of the “Compleat Anachronist” series, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. This project has been a labor of love, blending my interests in crafting and history in a way that feels truly fulfilling.

So, to all who embark on this journey with me, I extend my deepest gratitude. Your support and feedback mean the world to me, and I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on “The Lucet Compendium”. If you read the book, please share your thoughts in the comments below! I can’t wait to receive your feedbacks!