SCA Viking: Herringbone Linen

 Several months ago, I purchased the most beautiful fabric from a friend who was cleaning out her stash: it’s 100% linen, light gray, in a herringbone weave. I’d always wanted a herringbone or twill weave in my viking wardrobe. 

I dyed the linen a deep intense blue, with Rit’s “Indigo” dye. It actually didn’t turn out all that well the first time, but I made the dress anyway and then dyed it again and this time it came out beautifully. 

I applied a handwoven tablet weave trim (from Etsy) to the top front of the dress, and used very thin loops for the straps. Here is the finished product on the mannequin: 

As a bonus, I used the remaining herringbone yardage to make the shawl: I picked out the weft threads on two ends of the piece to make a fringe, and knotted it.  Just a little lightweight something to wrap up in on breezy evenings. 

Now I have three whole dresses I can wear to events this fall. (All the dresses I made last year sadly are already too small; but I’m working on that).  The “agave” dress I made in January (I’ve changed the trim on the top), and a dark teal one (“apatite” from Fabric-store.com), and now this. Time to start working on accessories and camp things.  

Regency: Blue Open Robe

 To go over my white round gown, I made this pale blue open robe: 

This robe is also from the American Duchess for Simplicity pattern S8941. Like the round gown, I added some length to the skirts. I shortened the train quite a bit, adding only an 8” train instead of a fuller train. I just don’t like tripping over all that fabric, but I did want a little puddle on the ground. Just a little one. 

I also altered the sleeves: I lengthened them so that the cuff would hit me about my knuckles instead of my wrist, and adjusted the elbow seam to compensate. For the dress and this robe, I made a size 22 from the pattern, but for some reason on the robe the sleeves were way too wide, and I had to narrow them quite a bit. I could have done more narrowing, but I didn’t want to push my luck. 

The fabric is Fabric.com’s Kaufmann linen in Paris Blue. The bodice is self- lined. I finished out the front with three covered buttons; I added a pair in the back, too, although I’m not sure it looks right without a belt or sash there to anchor them visually. I may rethink that.  Overall I really love the way this open robe came out, and I'll definitely use this pattern again.  

But first - accessories!