I have figured something out. Well, no, not exactly. This has actually been on my mind for quite some time. I realised I had ‘abandoned’ the Skjoldehamn project for a while now and most of the time when I do that, it is because there is something off. Grab a coffee, you might want to hear this if a) you are a Scadian, and b) you want to recreate historical clothing.

We need to take into consideration the person the clothing was found on. And although I knew of course this was a thing, I never connected the dots. Yah, I know, this is silly. Big time silly.

So, when it comes to the Skjoldehamn clothing, the person the clothing was found on, was either a minor or a very small person. Whatever I am making, it can never be the same size. Also, I need (and so should you!) take into consideration that not only the size but also the style might not fit you. Simply making the outfit big enough so that it fits you, might give you a carbon copy of the original, but are you going to wear it?

What I mean in this case is the neckline of the undershirt. A high neckline, like the one that was found in Skjoldehamn works:

a) if you are living in a very cold climate

b) if you have a slender frame

Now, I neither live in a cold climate and the slender frame happened in the last century… a high neckline simply looks very odd on me. Not everything is going to be flattering on everybody’s frame.

I have therefore decided that I am going to make some much needed alterations to the undertunic so that it will look better on me. The high collar has to go and the flap will be removed as well. I need a V-neck the way I am built. The undertunic will not look like the Skjoldehamn find anymore, but this is part of the dynamic hobby that is recreating historical clothing. You learn a lot and alterations are necessary to make an outfit that is good for YOU, to make sure you are comfortable wearing your garb at events.