Winningas

I just received an order of 3 pairs of Winnigas (Viking leg wraps) from Micheleshats Shop on Etsy. Absolutely love the quality of the fabric and am looking forward to trying them on, as they’re a bit longer than the pair I already have.

Reyna’s Belt Pouch

After a great deal of knitting and some patience, I’d like to present the belt pouches I’ve made. They’re both of worsted weight yarn, ordinary red heart stuff. Both use the Linen stitch, though, which I think looks nice and medieval. The small white one has already been equipped with a small sewing kit, which I’ll show off in a later post when I’m less in a hurry (I have pants to make for Paul yet).

Reyna’s Kirtle Dress

I’ve officially finished my dress for the Reyna garb. I spent 6 straight hours sewing, ironing and otherwise working on it, but it’s done. The pattern used was from an SCA handout that you can still find online for a viking kirtle. A viking woman would have shorter sleeves without the little gap so that they could be longer and I could still fit my arms in and would wear this under an apron dress (which Reyna will not be doing). Reyna will wear it with an assortment of belts, cinches, scarves and other things at various times depending on … Continue Reading…

Reyna’s Minifigure & Shawl

One of my role play buddies, a fellow northwoods Longfang (and player of Reyna’s cousin), has little Lego Minifigures for each of the characters. Based on my descriptions of Reyna and my personal tendencies he designed a figure to be Reyna, before I’d even completed any Garb. Pretty cool, isn’t it? It gave me a pretty good starting point, and I decided that I would based my initial garb (loosely) on it. It’ll have a little bit less of the extreme color variations shown here, but I like what’s there to start with. So, this means that I’ve got yards … Continue Reading…

Trim Test: 14ct Fabric

longfangtrimtestSo far, the only definitive things that have been learned is that 14 count fabric works poorly and it would look much nicer using a colored fabric rather than trying to 2 color (though that second one might change with a better fabric count… so maybe that second one isn’t as definitive as I’m pretending).

The testing is at least underway now, and sooner rather than later I’ll be able to figure out the details of what’s up with the projects and what it’ll take to really start creating usable trim. And maybe I’ll be able to find instructions for how to set the cloth up in such a way that the ends can be made more finished without fraying. So far I’m failing at that. But I do have some spare fabric to play with, and should be able to run a few tests to work out how best to flip under and finish the ends. I suspect a nice effect can be had by simply folding the edges and sewing through 2 layers on the turning rows on the outside edges. Hopefully the next section will be a nicer result, with cleaner edges and in the proper fabric count so the gaps go away.

Semi-final Longfang Trim Embroidery Pattern

LongfangBorderI think the trim is done, though I can’t finalize the pattern as of yet. I need to get materials and test, of course, before I finalize the template for use and post instructions and finished examples. If you use this pattern on your own (it’s intended for the Pattern darning stitch) I’d love to see your work, and have you tell me how it worked out. I’m not sure I’ll be able to get a test piece underway prior to Christmas…

Old Coats…

I should do a post about the coats I’m going to be turning into other things… One is furry and one is leather and both are going to become awesome garb someday.

Reyna Garb Shopping List

This is my initial garb shopping list for the Reyna character, one that I will potentially be making additional versions of later. Clothing Dress (5-6ish yards of fabric, buttons, zippers, thread, etc) Done, ATM. Didn’t use the pattern I’d planned, though. Used a different one that’s more viking. Overdress (3-4ish yards of fabric, Notions, etc) Doneish, again. I did a corset and scarf for a skirt, but it worked. Head-cloth (to match overdress. Make it out of that stuff) Done. Cloak (Not sure yet how I’m going to make this for sure… Maybe GoT style?) Pants (Not sure how much … Continue Reading…

The GoT Northman’s Cloak

I recently found a rather nice pattern for a Northman’s Cloak ala Game of Thrones. You have to excuse the person who made it thinking Ned’s full name is Neddard, but other than that it’s mostly good. I’d just like to add a few notes concerning this tutorial. DONT form the semi-circle the first way listed. It might save fabric, but those seems will not only be hideous, but they’ll make it so the cloak doesn’t flow and look good in the pictures your group takes. Just don’t do it. For an extra 1/3rd of a yard, you can make … Continue Reading…