Hello everyone,
I received a commission for a Romano-Briton ridge style helmet. I've spent an hour and a half so far, and already finished the browband:
and formed and fitted two of the four top plates:
It's getting easier to make these things, so it's taking less time. I'm working more on it tomorrow, and hopefully I can get a good amount done, since I have finals in a week.
Until then,
Good day,
In the last week, I started work on a leather pouch similar in shape to one found in Hedeby, Denmark. Instead of the 9" diameter of the original, I made mine 14", as I need to be able to fit a cellphone within it.
Here's all the leather remaining of the original seven square feet. It's now down to about three.
Then I cut out the circle, decreasing the remaining leather to about two.
I then poked holes around the edge (squint and you can see them); also shown is the awl I used.
And a closeup:
Then came the hard part. I soaked the leather for a couple of minutes, and threaded string and wire through the holes. I pulled the pouch shut, and worked the folds into shape. I forced the edges as flat as possible. Then, I opened it up and took the back end of my awl, and flattened all the folds manually. Then I closed it back up to dry.
It took about 36 hours for the open parts to dry, and about 72 for the folds, once I opened them up to the air.
More later as I add the belt strap and drawstrings.
Finally, another project. That's what comes from having little homework.
These trousers aren't based off of any extant piece in particular, but I did use this pattern for the general idea.
First off, here's the fabric I chose to use. It is 100% wool flannel.
Here I cut out the pieces, and already pinned one ready for sewing.
Here's the completed leg seam, from the inside,
and the outside.
I will sew all the seams thus, although it's quite difficult, really.
Next comes the other leg.
Hello,
My Viking shield is finished. Here are the pictures:
This is the back of the shield:
And this is the front.
Until next time.
Hello,
I continued working on my shield. Unfortunately, I neglected to take pictures for every step, but I kind of replicated the necessary parts.
First up, here's the canvas I got:
I cut out the canvas, and glued it onto the shield. I then painted it; pictures of that will come last, as that is the best part.
Then, I added the rawhide edging. Instead of nailing it on, I sewed it with hemp twine. Here's the rawhide pre-stitched:
And post:
As you can see, the twine on the right side is damp. This is because I stitched the first of three on most of the way yesterday, but had to soak the remaining part for the work I did today. Luckily, my water-based paints suffered none.
Until next time,
