After doing some research it is very plausible that instead of five-fingered gloves, the garment would have been mittens. This actually makes things easier. There are two known examples of mittens from the Viking era. The Garðar mittens were found in Garðar, Iceland. These mittens are made of a woven fabric and lined with what appears to be wool. The Heynes mittens were found in Heynes, Iceland. These appear to be childrens mittens. After referencing the different mittens I have decided to try to recreate the Garðar mittens. These are relatively simple consisting of a front, back, thumb, and gore.
I did make several attempts to figure out which I preferred. The first ones were created using a faux leather. Also, this included having the front and back the same size. I was not quite happy with the way the looked or felt on the hand. Also, if you look at the extent piece, it appears that the back panel is slightly larger than the front.
The next version I made was from some scrap wool that I had. I made this one with the back slightly larger (about 1/2"), I liked this one better but realized that the thumb was not quite large enough, especially if it is to be made out of fur/leather.
The final version that I made has a slightly larger back but also a thumb that is about 1/2" larger. I like this one. I also decided to take some faux fur and create an insert to see how it might look.
I do like this.
In all of my attempts, I am sewing it with waxed linen thread.
The difference between my practice piece and the final piece will be quite different but I am intrigued as to how this will work in the final piece.
I did make several attempts to figure out which I preferred. The first ones were created using a faux leather. Also, this included having the front and back the same size. I was not quite happy with the way the looked or felt on the hand. Also, if you look at the extent piece, it appears that the back panel is slightly larger than the front.
The next version I made was from some scrap wool that I had. I made this one with the back slightly larger (about 1/2"), I liked this one better but realized that the thumb was not quite large enough, especially if it is to be made out of fur/leather.
The final version that I made has a slightly larger back but also a thumb that is about 1/2" larger. I like this one. I also decided to take some faux fur and create an insert to see how it might look.
I do like this.
In all of my attempts, I am sewing it with waxed linen thread.
The difference between my practice piece and the final piece will be quite different but I am intrigued as to how this will work in the final piece.