I had dreams of sewing Jake a very traditional Viking tunic. Something long, loose fitting, and functional. When I found several yards of sombrella fabric with a visible weave and stiff hand on clearance, I thought it had the perfect rough look if you ignore it’s forever fade-resistance. Jacob had other ideas.
He is more fond of the sensationalized television version of Viking clothing. Sharp, masculine, and probably not entirely what ancient pillagers actually wore. Suddenly my simple garment project became a lot more complicated now that it needed a full lining and an oversized pleather lattice-work neckline, the bias tape all made by hand, of course. That’s probably why it took me all summer to finish between other obligations.
Nor can I use a pre-fabricated pattern for his clothing because he is insistent upon high, articulated shoulders, despite the age we’re pretending at. Having run into these same or similar requests with each costume I craft for him, this time, I made a master pattern. From white muslin I now have a blocks from which to craft all future costumes which solves all the mysteries of the neck, shoulders, chest, which plague me in each men’s garment project I undertake. I am not an experienced or formally trained drafter. I can draft patterns for myself because I’ve been sewing for so long and I myself have never changed size. Patterning for a different human of a different size and shape has always involved a lot of trial and error.
Challenges surmounted, I am happy with this garment. It has pockets, and the lining worked out smoothly (always the biggest challenge is getting the lining and shell both smooth when paired). Shown on my petite women’s dress form it looks very long, but hits Jake above the knee, with slide slits as deep as the pockets will allow for mobility. Being the double-layered beast that it is, I think it will be good for fall and winter.
