CCC: Month One

So it's almost the end of October, but the first snow is falling. It makes me glad that I looked forward to January and planned for wool. October's pieces went right on schedule. The first layers are done!

The first step was the undergown outof undyed, medium weight linen. All seams were handsewn and enclosed.

The second step was making my stockings. I knew that it was likely that stockings were going to be one area where I may have to deviate from historical accuracy. The nerves in my feet are often very sensitive and irritation can cause spasms. It's the area with the worst circulation, so I need to be very careful to avoid any restriction, especially because I can be prone to edema with temperature fluctuations. And because of the paralysis, my feet do not do the exceptionally helpful "point and flex" thing that makes putting on socks and shoes easier.

To see what socks existed during the Viking period, found a wonderful paper written by Hilde Thunem. http://urd.priv.no/viking/hose.html#ev-york

It seemed like many options had a seam running down the sole of the foot. I didn't really want to attempt those as I was worried the seam would become irritating after awhile. I liked the style of two vent and front flap stockings from Bremen, Bocksten and most of the Herjolfsnes hose, and having made a pair similar to those before, I knew that they would be comfortable to wear. I also knew that I wanted them to end below the knee, to prevent any bunching behind the knee as my legs are always bent.

I chose to use the same pattern I had used previously, drafted from "The Medieval Tailor's Assistant". This ended up being a little bit challenging because I had drafted the pattern and last used it over ten years ago. In the meantime, pieces had gotten lost and the book was partially eaten by a Newfoundland puppy.

To attempt to remember how to assemble the pattern, I made a mock up in linen.

After some trial and error, I had a mockup.

With a few minor adjustments, I pulled apart the mock up and cut out of my brown wool flannel.

I handsewed all the seams and tacked the seam allowance down with contrasting thread.

After repeating for the second stocking, I had a finished pair!

The heels look a little baggy but fill out nicely when my feet are flexed.

So now on to the next layers. November's goals include dying the trim threads with walnut and madder, sewing the gown, and hopefully acquiring my loom!