I Hand Stitched a Medieval Kirtle in 3 Days

[@VBirchwood]

This video has been kindly sponsored by Brooklinen. Brooklinen is giving you all $20 off any order over $100 using my code Birchwood20 at checkout: bit.ly/Birchwood_BrooklinenOct23 Thank you so much for watching! Ahhhhhh!! I'm so excited to release this project. What era do you want to see me sew and wear next?

[@rosefox4245]

Ok but you look so right in this kirtle? Like you're meant to wear it, your original character design or something the like 💜

[@VBirchwood]

Awww this is so sweet, thank you!! I love how the heart emoji you selected too matches the kirtle hahaha 🥰

[@AragornElessar]

I like the colour of the wool, it's so vibrant. That "omg I made this" feeling is so relateable.

[@cherylrosbak4092]

More hypermobility tips for anyone who needs them -- hold the needle and pull the fabric instead, or use a Japanese thimble that rests on your palm. I also highly recommend ring splints. They take some getting used to but are well worth the cost.

[@rondaks3757]

This video has been so enjoyable for me. Your voice, facial expressions, and overall tone of this video seems different to me. The energy you are giving off is happy. You are showing your love for sewing, and for new experiences. I have smiled through this entire video! This is a motivational video at work and I love it! I am so happy to see you this way!! Keep taking care of you ❤❤❤

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you so much!! I am finally starting to really recover from pretty much a lifetime of c-PTSD symptoms due to now having the right therapy, and it’s definitely made a world of a difference on many aspects of my life. I talk about it in the video prior to this one actually 😊

[@cheeseburger3119]

Awesome!!

[@allisonsullivan2484]

Why did this comment bring tears to my eyes? 🥲😂😍 Thoroughly enjoyed this video as well!

[@anja8595]

Vasi, just, no one makes videos as wholesomely beautiful as this. The appreciation of autumn placed into it before we dip into the sewing. Like taking a breath before a plunge.

[@VBirchwood]

This is such a lovely comment, thank you! 💕

[@LiljaHusmo]

😭 SmockUp 😂 it turned out so good!!!! Especially in 3 days!!! The noir style lighting is actually quite cozy!

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you Lilja!! ❤️❤️❤️🥹

[@crabsoft]

Celebrating the wins, small and large, is such a life-changing skill to learn. I'm looking forward to more of this branching out.

[@VBirchwood]

It’s so true! Often it is the smaller celebrations of life that are the most impactful.

[@sweetlorikeet]

That fabric is so gorgeous, I'm smitten with it. Strict medievalists will nitpick the colour, don't let them kill the sheer joy that this gorgeous garment brings.

[@jaehaywardkent]

certified comfiest looking historical garment ever‼️‼️‼️ i’m so excited for this

[@VBirchwood]

It's so comfy and supportive!! Hope you enjoy the video ❤

[@karlaverbeck9413]

Its mind bending. Wearing a medieval garment while learning about quantum physics while making a vdeo. The kirtle is lovely.

[@oldasyouromens]

You've made many more complicated garments before, but this is the happiest you've looked in any garment - a surprise, for such a structurally simple make.

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you!! So much of this is to do with my ongoing treatment for c-PTSD. I’m much more balanced overall in life than I ever have been because I’m actually starting to live in my body 😄

[@pinkeysherbet7249]

Medieval clothing is so special! That’s why I love Ren Faires so much. I love how I feel when I wear medieval-style clothing, it just makes you feel so beautiful!

[@bc7138]

It turned out brilliantly! Great work. I have heard of Medieval clothing being described as "simple" but it looks like a lot of hard work. The eyelets especially. Although I suppose it is in comparison to some of the clothes from later periods.

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you! It definitely felt simple compared to so much of the Victorian construction I’m used to. I was kind of amazed that it was such a stand alone fitted garment once I was done. It felt like I needed to do something more for it. Eyelets come together quicker than you’d imagine once you get into the flow of things and find techniques that work. Katherine Sewing has a really great eyelets tutorial 😊

[@teresemarkl8877]

The wool that you picked is perfect for the kirtle. I enjoyed watching you make the kirtle. Thank you.

[@archeanna1425]

I found the volume of the background music to be perfect!! It supports a sense of harmony and order. You did really well with creating the entire experience. Thank you.

[@VBirchwood]

Yay that’s amazing! Thank you for the feedback. I spend a lot of time levelling out audio levels, and coming back to the edit multiple times to make sure it’s “just right” as I know how much it can impact viewer experience, so this comment means a lot to me 😊

[@antoinepetrov]

I love the fact that you started wearing and sewing simpler and more natural (and more spiritual) garments. Thanks for the great video!

[@laurawilliams7782]

It was wonderful to see so much delight in you through this whole process. I hope you can continue to work in a fulfilling and sustainable way. Enjoy your lovely new dress.

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you! ☺️

[@bittersweet3-]

Great vlog, great kirtle. Looks great ! Ur joy + happiness is wonderful! Ciao.

[@Jarvis_Mari]

I feel you with the eyelet situation... I've made a dress with over 70 handsewn eyelets before. I cringed for 2 months straight thinking about them afterwards. I also have a hypermobility disorder, so I greatly sympathize with your hands. 😅 Your Kirtle turned out so amazing!! 😊

[@angelamaryfussey3461]

Instead of a thimble I use the rubber finger things for sorting paper. Works great .

[@azrani2023]

I seriously don't even know where to start in expressing my admiration and love for this video. Your sweet, thoughtful personality, your beautiful work, the way you weave little everyday moments into the video like a meal or a break or talking about said things, your humour (loved the lighting bits, haha), the autumn inspiration (that is absolutely shared), how much time you take for filming instead of rushing through the process ... this was inspirational on so many levels. all the best to you!

[@garbtheater]

Well now I want one. It is so fitted and lovely and that color 💜

[@colintilbrook]

That's great, I love the colour and texture of the fabric

[@user-iq2no3lk2i]

This kirtle looks amazing on you, must be lovely and comfy to wear too! Love what you did, you are very creative, Vasi! Also, thanks for the tip on washing and steaming wool. I made a pair of wool trousers from unwashed wool (which claimed to be preshrunk) and it did shrunk a bit first wash, which was scary.

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you so much! I always wash wool with a specific wool friendly soap and also on a wool setting (and low heat) just as a heads up 😊 otherwise it can really shrink the fibres.

[@user-iq2no3lk2i]

@@VBirchwood Thank you so much! I still have some of that fabric left, I will wash it as you said this time xx

[@katerrinah5442]

There's something about medieval clothes that does something happy to my brain too! It's special too to wear something you drafted and sewed yourself. The colour you chose is also perfect 😍 Also I love the film noir lighiting - it's unique and cozy!

[@DD-qw4fz]

As a ww2 reenactor who is also interested in all periods of written history i developed a deep respect and interest in period clothing, The way how and why was it made is fascinating. We take for granted todays clothing made on industrial basis. I learned how to stich and repair my uniform, take care of leather, something you generally dont do these days.

[@DumpsterCat]

I really like these more vlog/personal style videos! I find them to be really engaging and fun to see your personality more :)

[@VBirchwood]

thank you so much for your feedback! I felt really nervous to start releasing content in this style, and have dipped my toes into more vlog style videos in the past, but I’m really enjoying it now that I took the plunge. Glad you find them engaging!

[@rhondacrosswhite8048]

I will watching anxiously. I've been wanting to make a kirtle for myself but I know that there has to be some bust support (some of us need it more than others) and I'm looking out for a kirtle design with boning in the bodice. You look lovely in your new kirtle. The bias cut makes the skirt a nice swirl. Ill be watching for what style sleeves you decide on.

[@ariadne0w1]

I am a 34DD. I made a side-lacing kirtle that's closer to 32 in the bust, sports bra fit + the assumption that there will be a 1 inch gap on the sides. Mostly rectangle construction, some shaping on the sides but none in the front. I made it out of coat-weight wool, it pretty much laces closed, and it is soooo supportive. More than you'd think. I actually have a side-lacing linen bust support that I love, and it was too much when I wore it underneath. I got 10 yards of coat-weight wool from fabricmartfabrics in a mystery bundle for $50 and used it to great effect.

[@_kmCarter]

17:32 Why does it feel so GOOD to wear a well-fitting garment you made with your own hands?? 💕

[@KelseyDrummer]

Chaotic sewing is my bread and butter haha! I'm currently working on a hobbit outfit based off Rosie Cottons dress in the Return of the King. Its a lot more hand sewing than I first thought but its really enjoyable!

[@joelfanner9091]

You seem so happy an full of joy! Makes it so exciting to see you excited about what you're working on

[@FrancisFjordCupola]

All the good vibes! I love to see the artistry. Great to see what people are capable of. I wonder if in a year or ten you've nailed a couple of Oscars for a period drama film Noir. :P

[@ASMRAncient]

I love your channel so much! one of my favorite things about hand sewing is the meditative calmness about it and i think that vibe is so present in your crafting shots

[@raraavis7782]

What a lovely, vibrant shade of violet! It suits you very well, as does the design itself. You really look like a medieval 'Burgfräulein', a 'maiden of the castle'. It would look really cool, if you did your hair in a matching fashion as well. Seeing that you have the perfect hair for such styles. Morgan Donner has several videos on medieval hairstyles, if you're interested. I so regret cutting my own hair of. Growing it out again takes foreeeeever 😆

[@bekabell1]

I enjoyed this so much I had to watch it twice, then saved it to watch again when I am ready to make myself a kirtle. Thank you so much for your content!!! Something I would love to see in future is a video on mending! Happy sewing

[@foxnoxness4989]

I'm on one as well in a super dark teal 16th century ish 🖤 It look so cute on you! 💜

[@sarahbettany7546]

A kirtle has been flying up my list for a while now, thank you - and how fabulously it came out! No wonder you're thrilled. Thank you also for mentioning the type of wool -I've seen boiled wool available, but haven't been sure what to expect from it, now I know.

[@kelly4187]

This was such a great video to watch. Not only was it a video journey of creating the garment, which looks amazing on you, but it is also a vlog where we can see the pure joy you felt on this journey. Thanks for sharing and as a new subscriber I look forward to seeing more!

[@trish3580]

WOW! Your kirtle is beautiful! And you look so happy and beautiful in this video both sewing and wearing it. I would love to sew a kirtle-the top in particular as I would like something with support to wear. However I just can't manage the drafting part ...I've tried and can't manage it. As a larger woman, the support across the bust would be really good for me. Thank you so much for sharing this process with us.

[@dismutased]

It looks so good! I can tel it fits you so comfortably. Well done on such a lovely piece!

[@SimpleDesertRose]

I love the color of this. It's beautiful 😍 it looks amazing on you too. ❤❤ i can't day that i blame you gor not wanting to fo eyelets agsin. I've said similar after doing button holes. Yet somehow I always go back for more. I have a mockup somewhere that I started before the summer of a medieval kirtle. Unfortunately it got too hot and our ac went out right at the beginning of the summer. We just had an exceptionally brutally hot summer. I think it set some kind of record for the most days over 115°F roughly about 46°C for like 49 days straight. Worse yet we didn't get hardly any monsoons this year. So all sewing got put on the back burner. I just recently picked my sewing back up and I have a couple more projects to get off my sewing table before I track down my mock up. The idea had been to make a bunch of simple sun dresses for the summer only the intense heat kept me in the pool and out watering my plants trying to keep them alive. I guess with the winter coming I can get back into the sewing room and make those linen kirtles for the summer that I promised myself last year.

[@serenemachine9110]

What a beautiful color. It fits you well.

[@lilykatmoon4508]

L😍VE this! FANTASTIC color! I’ve used that pattern from Morgan adonner as well. She’s great too. If you don’t already follow Opus Elanae (sp. ?) who also does medieval wear. Thank you for sharing your talents with us and take care ❤of

[@bunhelsingslegacy3549]

I used Morgan's tutorial for mine too and it was a much better start than anything else I ever tried drafting from my measurements! I also had to flatten out the bust a lot more than I would have guessed, but it did turn out nicely supportive! Made a knee length pinafore version for a proof of concept, have plans for a full length one as my next project after Victorian Walking Skirt (which also drafted fairly successfully for my mockup, but I did two different drafts based on where they think my waist is and where I think it is and I was right). My pinafore was a bluish purple llinen, and the full version will be a nice plum linen. I love the colour of yours! I used to sew like that, but I'd blister my thumb where I was pushing the needle through and it turns out it's a bit more owie for my carpal tunnels to hold the needle like that versus pushing it with my middle finger, and standard thimbles never worked for me, I use a simple leather band to protect my finger.

[@bekabell1]

It turned out so beautiful!!!!

[@RavenMeer]

Great video. And to be honest I liked your nighttime lighting, looks romantic and almost like candle light.

[@makeda6530]

I love the color you chose, it’s so vibrant! It’s very pretty. 🥺💞

[@melissamybubbles6139]

Great job on your sewing project! That color looks great on you!

[@jcasillas78]

Super cool! You look so happy in it, great video!

[@brandihayes1274]

I love your smile! I smile every time you do. Its contagious.

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you 🥹

[@kristinmorey4921]

I enjoyed your excitement and wonder at trying something new in your craft. It looks wonderful.

[@wumaan]

Wow, just wow! Music, video editing, your voice, the glow in your eyes, colour of the fabric, the final product! Again, wow!

[@unstillborn]

Really like in the beginning how you shared your inspiration. Came out great!

[@jdzencelowcz]

Yes it's a complement, they have some good stuff.

[@meeseification]

The giggle in the intro!!!! 😍🤩😊 Thank you!

[@KateandBree]

But Vasi, simple can be just as beautiful as romanticized and fantastical! That color is fantastic!

[@VBirchwood]

So true, thank you for the reminder 😊

[@karlahovde]

You did a beautiful job on this!

[@DesertHomesteader]

Such a cute dress! I'm jealous. I can't make stuff easily due to carpal tunnel.

[@sydt4562]

Echoing what others have said, it’s so great to see you laughing! Happy you’re feeling better and the kirtle looks gorgeous ❤️

[@melissel5648]

Oh, loving your energy and seeing you explore a different historical period than what you've shown us so far ! It's looking wonderful on you :)

[@VBirchwood]

thank you ☺️

[@styleme3375]

The COLOR!!!!!!!! I love me some historical fashion but I also love lots of color and prints. I love seeing these garments being made in colors that are perhaps a little less than historically accurate but so must fun to wear.

[@charlottereynolds1419]

Re thimbles, thenither thing you can try if you haven't already is a leather thimble. I make mine out of leather offcuts and I vastly prefer them to metal ones. They don't make my finger sweat, and they just feel more like part of my body.

[@nicolebowman7354]

I *totally* get the whole nap things. I took a 5 "quick" nap today (I thought it was going to be an hour or two. 😂) I can't use a tumble either. They don't for on my finger due to a wicked callus.

[@ah5721]

You look fabulous and I'm glad it worked for you ❤.I couldn't get a kirtle to fit right at the bust & I've tried 2x ! Side laced , and front laced. Ive just deduced that being a smaller bust size just squishes flat to easy in a kirtle 😢.

[@denisebarker9288]

Beautiful work❤🎉

[@ladykarolyn1]

I love your joy in this! I feel a similar sense of "this is just right" in my medieval-inspired clothing choices. I dream of having a wool kirtle of my own one day, but until then I'll enjoy your delight in making yours!

[@toullieuxraphaelle9868]

It warms my heart to see you so happy and excited ! ❤ You seems to feel so much better or at least show it more to us. It feels like starting to know you. Congrats on the kirtle but more importantly, your journey ! 🎉

[@katienewell7350]

It looks amazing! The fit is lovely

[@Emperatriz_Valentina]

It’s so cute and you look so pretty in it! 🌺❤️🌺

[@BethAge95]

Fantastic work! The kirtle turned out stunning! Gives me hope for my first high/late mediaeval sewing project that I'll start tomorrow with finally making a pattern and hopefully also a mock up for a supportive underdress. Seeing you so full of joy and pride made me very happy :)

[@homeiswonderland]

I need to see the bottom of it! So incredible.

[@JoelleFromParis]

This kirtle turned out beautifully and you look so happy throughout the video that it is a great joy to watch. ❤

[@emeraldoracle8706]

Chaotic sewing for the win! What an amazing job. That pun was just punny 😆and your excitement is so glowing I can't help but smile 🍁🥰🍂 Also loving the noir lighting.

[@susanpilling8849]

Congratulations 👏👏👏👏. I'm so happy to see you smiling. It shows that your journey to better health is progressing well. ❤

[@KathleenStidham]

Loved every minute of this. Well done! 🎉

[@bohemiansusan2897]

Thanks for sharing your sewing journey and the final result turned out nicely. The fit is flattering for you. I had a vision of creating a tea length version with a front placket and closing it with button and huge built in pockets.

[@Dominika-ry5re]

The kirtle turned out amazing, your sawing skills and patience really show, and you chose a perfect colour! I also love your autumn decor 🍁🍂

[@misskelevra]

What a lovely video to watch! The fabric looks so warm and soft; wearing it must feel like a loving hug 💕

[@isabellalucia7820]

Gorgeous fabric, great fitting and the usual superlative filming. The low key reveal suits the garment perfectly. Leave the medievalesque ideas for when you finish the entire outfit. (I’m dying to see what fabric you find for the very swish sleeves). Bonus marks this time cause you’re using exactly the fabric I’d buy and stash and never be able to use cause that colour is one of my favourites but looks awe full on me.

[@lemoneyesalt5513]

Oh wow that's awesome! I would love to get started on making whatever the medieval curdle equivalent for a man is, you have a fair bit more experience than me though!

[@danielletdg8423]

This turned out beautifully! I'm wanting to make something similar for the summer Renaissance Festival. Thank you for a relaxing video to watch after making barbecue sauce for the first time and water bath canning it. 😊

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

It's so lovely! The colour is stunning on you. You should be very proud of your accomplishment. The other commenter was correct you look right in it!

[@Athlynne]

It's beautiful!

[@Dizma_Music]

I actually cried happy tears when you said “I can’t believe I made this.” 😭 I started sewing recently and have made two pillowcases… I figured I wouldn’t be heart broken if they fell apart eventually (than if I attempted a wonderful dress). :P 💜

[@cherylrosbak4092]

That's a gorgeous colour on you! You look so happy throughout the video.

[@ericalarochelle3779]

I'm familiar with the Morgon Donner video and it's good to know how helpful it is to someone new to the era! I mostly taught myself hand sewing and used that needle holding technique until a Bernadette banner video persuaded me to try out leather thimbles, then metal. I like knowing how to use both methods, just another tool in the toolbox. The kirtle looks amazing!

[@pippaseaspirit4415]

Well done 👍🏻

[@goonercestlavie]

Impressionnant, joli travail de création.

[@MakeItSo_ST]

I actually love the current lighting. It reminds me of candle light and feels period appropriate! ♥️

[@threadsandpurrs]

This kirtle turned out lovely! It's a wonderful color on you and fits so perfectly! I love this style of clothing. It makes me want to make one. I've made similar things in the past with help from friends, but none of them currently fit me.

[@melsmith5833]

Amazing dedication and perseverance! I love the lacing. As always you give great inspiration and your skill is incredible.

[@ellenbakulina6997]

This was very fun and educating to watch, and the result is really beautiful. And I enjoy the spontaneous quality of this video!

[@RustyClam]

WOW! You wearing this handmade kirtle and what a beautiful model. I especially like the eyelets and the lysing. I can just imagine you walking through the mall and other women seeing you wearing your garment and saying where on earth did you buy that? And seeing the look on their face when you say that you made it😂❤

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

It fits Fantastically! 🎉 Congratulations on your accomplishment🌻🎉🦋

[@doobat708]

That looks like the most stunning wearable blanket!

[@pyenygren2299]

A simple presentation is more than good enough. 🙌

[@MissingRaptor]

The kirtle looks gorgeous! Also, that colour is incredible 😃 💜

[@tygress12]

Absolutely gorgeous and a pleasure to watch your video as always. I love that you are so honest about taking time to rejuvenate and listening to your body. I usually forget to eat, drink water, or even when sleep sometimes. I just get in the zone. Question for you. Where do you find nice wool (hopefully not extremely expensive I’m on a budget)? Do you think using a heavy weight linen would work too? I haven’t used much wool but I’m not positive the linen will behave the same to get the nice shaping and support the wool appears to give. Again very nice video and a joy to watch.

[@sarahogborn8024]

This was such a joyful video! Always love when you upload 💗💗

[@irksome100]

Very nice!