Viking Style Fighter Shirt
		I made a simple shirt out of 100% cotton broadcloth to wear under my gambeson when armored. I used a blue “Country Classics” broadcloth from JoAnn’s ($2.99/yd x 2 yards was enough for me), which I selected for its light weight, its 100% cotton content, and its color. The color will perfectly match the twill I have selected for some other projects that will also be a part of my armor. The thread was your basic poly/cotton blend from Wal-Mart for $1.74/300yd, selected purely on the basis of color match and availability. So for a total investment of $7.72 + tax and a little time, I have a shirt. The pattern was modeled after the Viking Age finds at Hedeby and Birka, but with some changes. I chose the Viking style for its simplicity and economy. I made the gores under the arms ample enough to allow a full 180° shoulder flexion without the sleeves hiking up and yet there is no baggage there when I put my arms down. I broke from the Viking patterns in two ways: first, I used the tiny scrap I had left over (about 10"x10") to make my own bias tape and bias bound the neck opening for durability; second, I folded some of the scrap bias tape into a cord to make a sort of button and loop for the keyhole neck closure. Why did I do this? I wanted the shirt to look nice when I’m out of my armor, but mostly I think I just had too much free time on my hands. Besides, I just learned how to make my own bias tape and I was anxious to try it out.  Hopefully I will have more pictures loaded on here soon. Things I learned: (1) Always buy too much fabric. I thought I was buying a little too much and it turned out to be just barely enough! (2) When making a long sleeved Viking shirt, don’t cut an even taper from the shoulder to the cuff; cut a straight sleeve to the elbow and then taper to the cuff. That way your shirt has plenty of elbow room for mobility (especially for fighter gear!).           Grüße!                     Wilhelm
			Here is a picture of me wearing my new shirt and liripipe hood. Sorry for the poor quality. I will try to get a better scan posted soon!
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