I am a college student at UNL pursuing a degree in history, another in Medieval and Renaissance Studies, a minor in the classics, a minor in Latin, and a specialization in historical clothing design.
I love to sew. I learned how to sew on a treadle sewing machine at the age of eight, and really only sewed quilts until I was thirteen, when I finally made a sundress. It didn’t take too long for my mom to convince me to sew a Civil War dress after that was finished, and the rest, as they say, is history! Usually, I make historical costumes from different eras, but I also occasionally make fantasy costumes and regular clothes for day-to-day wear. I hope some day to make costumes for Hollywood movie productions, but I still need to see where God will lead me.
I also knit. If I am bored, or if I am watching a movie, I knit– often socks but also hats, gloves, and scarves. I can also crochet, but it has been a long time since I crocheted anything but lace. I like to weave on our loom at home, but since I am gone so much of the time, it is rather difficult. Other hobbies include nålbinding, tablet weaving, and spinning.
I grew up on a small farm in rural Nebraska, and there my family raises goats, sheep, cows, chickens, and other fun animals, mostly cats. We also have a llama, a hinny, and two mustangs. I have three awesome younger brothers and an amazing mom and dad. My brothers and I are all homeschooled, and proud of it! If you ask me about my brothers, I can brag about them for hours. I love them! I currently live in Lincoln, Nebraska, and have many amazing Viking adventures!
I love God, and I believe the purpose of life is to bring Him glory and reach others for Him. God has given me a wonderful talent for sewing, and I hope to somehow use that to glorify Him, someday.
Peace,
–Kelsey
I read your article on the viking gambeson and am very intrigued. I have a similar project in the works and have done some preliminary testing on how many layers I can manage. Yours is a more accurate historical recreation than I was planning, if only because my test samples indicated I can’t do much more than 9 layers without the whole thing becoming too stiff and unwearable.
In order to make a more reasonable comparison, I was wondering if you would be willing to send me a sample of the fabric you used. I would be more than willing to send you an SASE to help defray the cost of the inconvenience. If you are amenable, please send me your address so I can forward the envelope.
With admiration,
Jay Hoffman / Alfred of Carlyle
What a nice site…Just happened upon it, but how cool! We have packgoats here in Idaho, but I grew up In TN, where I am headed this week for vacation. We also travel together in NM and just got back from the warm SW sun. I will check back to see if you are writing here anymore soon!