The green hose were made
years and years ago, from thin tabby wool, but being stitched with
the wrong kind of thread, has been re-sewn and all seams felled with
unbleached, waxed linen thread, my usual choice for 14th
century sewing.
The soles wore out last summer, so I sewed on new
ones in thicker greyish wool on top of the old - I think the look of
the contrasting soles is rather nice.
As I wrote about last year, I made a new pair of short hose, from melton wool left over
from making Tobias' tunic. I did manage to sew them together on the
morning of the event, but not to stitch down the seam allowances.
I've now done so, but as the fabric doesn't fray, I've left the top
of the hose raw. As I had a big belly in the way at the time, I didn't manage to make these fit as well as the green pair, but never mind. Should I ever attend a cold event I would probably be able to wear these over the green ones...
Both pairs of hose are cut
on the bias and are held up by garters under the knees. As the
garters are not to be seen, they are simple things made from wool
finger loop braid. The fact that the braid is a bit stretchy make it
very good for garters as one would not wish to have the circulation
cut of.
I also finished my pattens
quite a while ago, probably close to two years. They are likely
nothing a patten maker who had any sort of professional pride would
have sold, but rather what a clumsy amateur or apprentice might have made. Wood work is not my best talent. I don't think
the wood (pine?) is the best choice for pattens, but like so many
times before, I've had to make do with what have been at hand.
I've never tried their
usefulness, as the events I've attended since finishing them has been
sunny and dry for the most part, except for one, and then I forgot to
bring them. Ah well. I think they might be a tad too low to offer
good protection though.
And even if it rains I'm not sure I'll dare
to use them as long as I have a baby to carry, it's likely
to be very slippery with these on. On the other hand, so are leather soles... Hm. If I ever make new pattens I'll make them higher and with the "heels" closer together for ease of walking, but for now, these will do.