Festival Prep #2
So the progress...
Half way done with the new kirtle. I ran out of black thread and deeded to buy more.
Half way done with the new cap.
2 new chimeses that all the need is the seams to be neatened.
I finished making a lovely 15th c. brass buckle for my over gown. It measures 4 x 11 cm. I had to make one for myself because i couldn't find any being sold that were wide enough for the style i'm attempting to achieve. I must thank D for linishing part of it for me, seeing as i was so deturmined that i had to put it together the slow way by filing it all into shape. If i had done so, i would still be shaping it, but i'm always abit iffy about power tools, especially with delicate work. I actually told him not to linish it because i wanted an even finish, but he would then proceed to ask me to go get something, and as soon as I left the workshop, I would hear the linisher start! :P Very cheeky, but all for the best.:) Now I have to make the bucle plate and belt end and buy my belt blank, and I'll be set! :P
D and I also decided to try something a little different, we're making horsehair padding for my new helm. It's alot of work, but it's period, and its so soooo cushey! :D But you do end up covered in hairs for the next few days afterwards! :P We didn,t have enough of the biody hair to finish it, so we're waiting for more. But If you have the chance and are able to source horsehair, i highly reccomend a period horsehair liner for your helm.
Today was also a big day because the Sallet is finally ready for use!! It still needs a couple of rivets over the ocular to hold in the leather strip that the horsehair liner will be sewn onto later, but we didnt have the right washers for that at the ti me. But i gave the new helm a spin today, along with me new gorget and "sports kit" setup of kidney belt with a plastic breast protector. The kit looks awesome, and works a beautifully. The kidney belt is only mostly done, it still needs to have lacing points put inthrough the padding and into my gambeson, but it felt great and didnt bind on anything.
Today's training went exeptionally well. I tried out a new shield style, i went for a square... And i loved it! I think i might move to a square sheild for a while, the extra corners are awesome, it encourages an active style, but still gives you a good amount of protection. My leg defense was much better and i was actually turning into the blocks rather than just moving my arm around. I've also moved to a longer sword. It's probably about 5 inches longer than the length i usually use, and that too is working really well. Overall an awesome day!