Robin Hood Shirt
The Staff and the Squid
Little John sighed. “Quarterstaffs on the footbridge again, Robin? You’ll just get another ducking, like always.”
“Not this time, I think,” said Robin cheerfully. They walked toward the stream. “And how are you doing on your ABC’s, John? Enjoying Marian's classes?”
“Can’t see the point.” said John. “Here we are—take your place!” They stood at opposite ends of the bridge, staffs at the ready.
“Why, learning is a useful thing,” Robin replied. “For instance, d’ye know what a cephalopod is?”
“Nay. And you’re stalling.” John swung the staff at him to open the contest.
“It’s a curious sort of creature,” Robin continued, blocking John’s staff and countering with a jab. “Marian caught one. Playful thing, and smart as a whip. Amazing what she’s managed to teach it. Calls it Sid. Sid the Squid.”*
“Are we talking, or playing?” John demanded, and came on in earnest. The men exchanged rattling blows. Robin was knocked off balance, and John laughed, raising his staff to tip him into the water. “I’ll give you squids, lad!” he roared.
Robin smiled as a long, leathery arm rose like a snake behind John, twined about his ankle, and pulled. The mocking laughter was quenched by a splash.
“You see, my friend,” said Robin, as John rose gasping and goggle-eyed at the creature floating beside him, “I had a feeling our game would end differently today. Ah, learning: such a useful thing!”
Broadcloth.
Shown with; Robin Hood Pants; Child's Belt; Robin Hood Hat.
Cleaning instructions: Throw into squid-infested water. Garment is clean when tentacles stop thrashing.
Retrieve with quarterstaff; drip dry on greenwood tree.
Select the size that you usually prefer. However, we strongly suggest that, in the "Comments" section of the order form, you state your child's chest and waist size, and arm length from shoulder to wrist, to help us ensure the best fit. Child sizes are not standardized, so the size you are used to ordering may not match ours.
*Sid is the only known reference to a fresh-water squid in English legend. However, some say he was actually a lesser relative of the Loch Ness Monster. Marine biology in Robin's day was a very inexact science.
Broadcloth: Cotton/polyester blend, shirtweight. Does not wrinkle, shrink or fade. Permanent press (warm wash, tumble dry low heat, remove promptly). Black, red, burgundy, navy, hunter, brown.
Brocade: Cotton plus various synthetic fibers, with same-color woven patterns, which will vary. Sturdy weight. Dry clean. Blue, hunter, burgundy.
Canvas: Also called Duck Cloth. Stout cotton fabric with a coarse weave. Black, white, red, brown, or hunter green. Will fade like jeans. Cold wash, tumble dry low heat or line dry.
Fleece: Synthetic with velour-like drape; popular for outerwear. Good, practical substitute for wool. Black, burgundy, hunter green. Check for color availability before ordering; can vary with season. Washable, but dry cleaning is recommended to preserve the shape of capes.
Muslin: Garment-quality, 100% cotton (not coarse utility muslin). Cold wash, line dry recommended. White or natural.
Poplin: A cotton/polyester blend that does not wrinkle, shrink or fade. Heavier than shirtweight. Permanent press (warm wash, tumble dry low heat, remove promptly). Black, red, burgundy, navy, hunter.
Suede Cloth: A heavy, woven suede-like cloth of 100% polyester. Dry cleaning recommended.
Wool: A natural fiber from sheep; wool blends include man-made fibers of various kinds. Holds colors well. Dry cleaning is recommended, but may be hand washed in cold water and dried flat. Do not wring. Never use hot water or a dryer. For seasonal storage, clean first and use the moth repellent of your choice.
