"Viking" Coat: Historically Adequate Norse Outerwear [CC]

[@snowblossomtwo]

I love you and the PSA is Chef's Kiss

[@rachelboersma-plug9482]

Oh, the satisfaction of cutting out a garment with little or nothing to spare. One of the things I most like about early medieval garments is that they're virtually zero-waste. PSA 👍

[@ashfordwyrd7458]

I love the insert shot of Bran just getting comfortable on the fabric. You know what people are really here to see.

[@OpusElenae]

It's why he features so heavily! I think he's more popular than I am tbh

[@linw7320]

@@OpusElenae😻 LOL

[@ushere5791]

@@OpusElenae my friend's kitty (who i consider now to be *my* kitty, too) HAS to be in the middle of whatever we or i am doing. when he gets onto the range, though, i hug/lift him down. he hates being hugged or picked up, so he protests, but hey, don't hop onto the range if you don't want to be hugged/lifted down. :)

[@tm13tube]

He’s helping.

[@DanceswithDustBunnies]

The PSA rocked. Now imagine this video with 5 cats...my life.

[@OpusElenae]

Gotta keep the bigots on their toes!

[@DanceswithDustBunnies]

@@OpusElenae Yes, hopefully on their toes, running.

[@SciFiCheerGirl]

Great video! Perfect PSA, the cutest cutting assistant ever, the tea recommendation, the music, and of course your fabulous work on the coat!

[@OpusElenae]

Thank you! ❤️❤️❤️

[@ragnkja]

Another reason the Norse in the Viking age wouldn’t have worn cotton: it doesn’t grow in Scandinavia at all, whereas hemp and linen _can_ be cultivated here without too much difficulty.

[@OpusElenae]

True. The Norse had pretty robust trade networks, which is how they managed to get silk despite its cultivation outside China being prohibited, but silk was desirable.

[@ragnkja]

@@OpusElenae Silk is different, since it is so pretty and has some very nice qualities as a textile fibre.

[@OpusElenae]

Yes exactly, my point was that cotton wasn’t desirable enough to the Norse to import even though they had the trade networks to possibly be able to source it. It wasn’t valuable as a decoration or as a base layer for the reasons I mentioned in the video

[@KissMyFrog42]

Love everything about this project, very glad you are going to wear it in the "real" world as well as for re-enactment. I feel your pain on the fraying - I've recently finished an 18th century bedgown in a gorgeous 100% linen jacquard, and that stuff frayed like crazy. Totally worth it in the end. Production Assistant Bran makes an excellent pattern weight, and an even better comedic relief.

[@margolambert1018]

THE PSA HAD ME DEAD!!! Thank you for addressing that though. :)

[@OpusElenae]

I am legit so proud of how that came out.

[@benmansour8473]

I liked the bit at the end best. "F*ck off Nazis." Succinctly put!

[@winterdavis4919]

That is a great pattern on that fabric and that red accent is the best! I would totally wear this coat in the “real world” but this is coming from a person that regularly wears a cloak!😉 Give Bran some love from a fellow black kitty mama! 😻

[@Alex-Sews]

How does a single garment look both incredibly badass and super comfy? And some fantastic work holding down the fabric by PA Bran. Excellent, and sadly necessary, PSA.

[@stellaandginger]

I admire your dedication to PA Bran's comfort. My Goblin Apprentice has to be forcibly removed from the premises whenever I'm cutting.

[@gbasek]

Elen you are one of the most hardcore anti-racist anti-fascist allies in the costube community imo. Thank you for creating such a beautiful and safe space for creativity.

[@OpusElenae]

Thank you! I’m trying my best, and I know I fall down, but it’s a fight that means a lot to me.

[@tiryaclearsong421]

I love how helpful Bran is. The end result looks lovely. The hair suits so well too and looks really nice.

[@GitaneRuse]

Liked immediately upon hearing the PSA! 🤣 Though, to be fair, I would have liked it anyway! The coat turned out beautifully! 💖

[@MarthadelPilarMoreno]

I suscribed after the PSA...

[@keeganwallace5106]

I liked you a ton before your PSA. I think I love you now! Thank you for being awesome!

[@flyingpanda3997]

You have a very handsome cattern weight there!

[@OpusElenae]

CATTERN WEIGHT 😂😂😂

[@rachelboersma-plug9482]

At this stage I think any sewist acquiring a cat should just call it "Cattern Weight" because that is what it will end up doing.

[@DanielleStJohn]

Excellent PSA, the sparkly tea looks awesome, and that "excuse, sir, but I'm doin' a thing kindly move the fluff out mah way" bit was Relatable™.

[@angelcollina]

Very relatable. I have multiple cats and when I lay out fabric they must all come and test out how well it naps.

[@kentario1610]

​@@angelcollina I always wondered why my cat would be all over the fabric when I'd lay it out, especially on a bed, and now I know!

[@dawnmorningstar]

Pauses video post PSA to like it as fast as possible. Now back to watching...

[@rachelunderwood4868]

First time the algorithm sent me to your channel, but subscribed after the psa. Awesome 😄

[@OpusElenae]

Thank you and welcome!

[@audpicc]

This video couldn't have come at a better time!! I have been planning on making one of these since this summer and finally bought my fabric for it on Halloween. It arrived just this week!! Since I have to contend with Ontario winters, I'm making mine out of a thick wool melton coating (absolutely not historically accurate lol) and I'm lining it in heavy linen. Thank you for this video, it's truly aspirational! I have such a clearer idea in my head about the details of constructing it now.

[@pancua978]

This makes me want to drag out my failure of a coat and see if I can actually redeem it. I am so scared I have ruined it forever. But I will have to give it a look. Thank you!

[@OpusElenae]

We can zoom and take a look at it together if you want

[@pancua978]

@@OpusElenae Oh that would be lovely! Thank you!

[@azureaviantoo2352]

Same. I keep plugging away at mine, hoping some day it will all come together and look great.

[@indigohalf]

I'm a stickler on materials when it comes to my own purchases, but as soon as I saw a close-up of your fabric I said, "Ohh. I see why she bought it!" If the old Norse had been from Texas, they'd probably have made coats out of cotton twill :D

[@OpusElenae]

The fabric was A++ worth the accuracy compromise!

[@warsandrij]

As usual your PSAs are amazing! That and your sign off is originally what made me feel comfortable here, enough to comment even, and happy to be a croissant friend! Getting to watch your video was my motivation reward for mopping the house today!

[@OpusElenae]

There will be no tolerated bigotry in my house! Happy to help with motivation!

[@fyrecraftedgaming]

My black cat was intently watching urs play XD

[@OpusElenae]

VOIDS UNITE

[@canucknancy4257]

So much beautiful kitten content "You can't move me mom, I'm boneless". Love the PSA. The tea sounds amazing! Yay red on the inside! That's a very cool technique, the using of yarn to fell to your raw seams. The coat looks wonderful. Thanks so much for sharing your project.

[@darklymoonlit]

Yay for beautiful coat and adorable Bran footage! (One of our kitties looks almost just like him and got VERY interested in this video when Bran was laying down on your fabric.) And bless you for that PSA.

[@OpusElenae]

MORE VOIDS MORE BETTER

[@TheCrazygeekgirl1]

I started laughing so hard at last part of the PSA

[@themusecalliope1066]

Thanks for the tea rec, some Bran time, and that PSA. Love the coat. :)

[@WolffLyfe]

I'm working on finishing a viking coat I apparently cut out a year or so again from linen and wool. Going to do some appique on the front panels an just finished designing that but was super hesitant to apply it as I was unsure on the cut of the coat itself. SOOOOO glad I came across your video as I realized that the fabric I cut is not quite done being cut and I should add some extra side gores or else I'll be wearing a stove pipe. PS love your kitty cat, wish mine was that well behaved with fabric, mine likes to bull rush it and slide underneath the fabric lol

[@OpusElenae]

I’m so glad! If you post it on social media tag me so I can see it!

[@rowanseas4904]

Your coat is lovely, and it matches the rest of your outfit really nicely! I think you've inspired me to make one now (nevermind that I don't even have my shift finished yet...) Your PSA was excellent as well!

[@FlybyStardancer]

Add me to the pile-on loving the PSA!! And such a helpful production assistant! There’s no way you can go wrong with him on the job! ;) The finished coat looks super good!! I love the red trim!

[@alethearia]

Hello fellow croissants! Can someone please tell me where this cat is in the video? All I see is a tiny black hole meandering across the screen. It's a wonder we can see any footage at all.

[@TorchwoodPandP]

Reenactorism! Brilliant word, I’m a Viking reenactor, and I’m having that! LOL Love the second music piece. PS. Most Viking era garments did not have shoulder seams, but were created from long lengths of fabric draped over the shoulders.

[@OpusElenae]

My piece of fabric was not long enough to construct that way.

[@MendyLady]

Do you ever watch a costuber and think, we could be besties? Like, I want to get to know everyone, but I keep thinking you and I could be good friends. Not to creep on you or anything...

[@rachelboersma-plug9482]

I often think the same.

[@cynthiabasil8356]

It was fun to watch your kitty trying to be good. Mine does the same. So cute!😄😸

[@lenabreijer1311]

This is a lovely coat and it looks period and it feels logical. I live in a cold climate and I can say from personal experience that cloaks suck once it gets -10c and the wind picks up and you have to carry the firewood in. In a cloak you can't do much except sit around a fire with your hands trapped. If I was making it for outdoor events (which I don't do anymore, too many aching body parts) I would line it with fake fur and maybe an inter lining with Thinsulate, and have the fronts overlap. That way it would be warm at night. Or i could wear it outside when we have our normal winter weather of - 25c with windchill. But you don't need it that warm obviously. You have a nice channel and a very well behaved cat.

[@laulutar]

Love the coat and PSA both ❤️

[@agypsycircle]

Absolutely adore the diamond pattern and if I remember correctly, don’t you live in a fairly hot climate? I can see changing the material used to something that isn’t quite as warm as wool! Historically adequate is perfectly fine especially if you’re likely to end up with heatstroke in some of the more “accurate” materials! Assistant Brand is absolutely a champion at keeping that tape measure on its toes and on helping to hold down the fabric before it could try to get away! I’m definitely going to use that yarn seam treatment you did for my own winter coat, and while my fabric isn’t quite as patterned, I’m planning on making several items for Viking wear with it that will be suitable for winter weather! One of these days I’ll get the wool I’m drooling over too lol as I live far enough north that wool is more practical than cotton will be! I’m still debating on color choices for my summer wear as I have a ton of beautiful linen and far too many eras that might be fun to use it in! Le sigh! I really need to decide on a few eras and outfits!!!

[@OpusElenae]

I do, I live in Texas. Thick cotton makes a good fall/spring outerwear here

[@rd6203]

Beautiful! I absolutely adore all of the inaccuracies! 😁

[@douglasgrant2190]

A sewing 3rd hand would have made felling the seams much easier. I also love that you use a thimble properly. I finally got one that fits my hand comfortably, big difference! And, lovely work, awesome fabric, and 'Historically Adequate' is now in my lexicon. Greetings from Atlantia!

[@OpusElenae]

I actually have a weighted pincushion that I use as one, but it’s more awkward to film with so I usually film brief snippets of hand sewing without it.

[@snazzypazzy]

I loved the PSA! It's horrible that it's needed, but I'm glad you did.

[@ezabellaallyot9234]

That turned out quite well! My husband wants some sort of coat. I have been thinking of something like this. Thanks for sharing your work and passions!!

[@patriciagleve4784]

Love the material. The coat really works as a modern item of clothing too. I'd wear it (with a straight skirt & twenties-style shoes, or boots). Thanks for sharing.

[@OpusElenae]

I should do a short styling it modernly! Good idea

[@VikingVet]

I've been planning on making a viking kaftan style coat for myself for eons. I've got the woven wool, I've even cut out the pattern, but havent sewn it up yet. I think I'm going to line it in linen as well, but that means I'll only be able to wear it outside in winter.

[@catmintable]

Love the fabric and the trim! Great coat....

[@cassandragibson1398]

That PSA...just...perfection.

[@fannyduvillage]

Love your video, the PSA and your choice of music is very much to my liking. The fabric is lovely, it makes a great coat, never mind it being cotton 😉 Greetings from your german croissant

[@OpusElenae]

It being cotton is a plus in Texas; it’s going to serve me very well for spring and fall here. ❤️🇩🇪🥐

[@maryannhicks7829]

Your coat is absolutely gorgeous. Excellent seamstress work

[@OpusElenae]

Thank you! 😊

[@coreygilles847]

You make me so happy with your projects, psa, and kitty footage. I like the idea of being historically adequate (mainly because I do not yet have the skills to aspire to more than that)

[@adamakaru2683]

The Viking Coat, came out fantastics. Merry Christmas, to you and your channel. The tea looks great and inviting thanks you, so much for everything you try and do "JUST DO IT" lovely thanks from Tucson Arizona USA 😇😇😇

[@katgillang]

I made a similar piece in felted wool (blend) sky blue that I then added decorative white stitching around the collar - supper comfy, pretty warm and keeps the tooshy dry in moderate rain (at least long enough for me to escape to shelter :) )

[@OpusElenae]

That sounds lovely!

[@donnabonfield4542]

Great video! From the PSA to the reveal, love it.

[@darthtaiter]

Historically Adequate....... A term implying such self forgiveness and generosity, a term I have seen for the first time today and intend to adopt for life. Subbed.

[@OpusElenae]

I’m glad it resonated!

[@GeovanaMartinez]

YOU ARE THE ABSOLUTE BEST PERSON EVER (yes, in all caps and yes, i'm only 2 minutes into the video)

[@ragnkja]

The PSA alone is enough to warrant clicking “like” on this video.

[@henna-marikivela708]

I absolutely love that viking coat you made 😍 and thank you for showing how you made it. I'm about to make one by my self during this spring.

[@OpusElenae]

dooooo eeeet (and tag me; I love seeing stuff like that)

[@IndiaHaven]

My cats also love to help me cut out patterns.

[@VikingVet]

I heart this, but I heart your PSA so much more.

[@charischannah]

I love the coat. One of those is on my to-do list now.

[@jasminv8653]

The psa in the start - thank you! Trying to be into local early medieval history enthusiast here in the Nordics sucks big time with the fash larping their own ideas of it into mainstream instead of actual research and the great diversity of lived experiences around the Baltic sea... I love your videos, thank you!

[@judithcollins3744]

That yarn thing on the seam raw edges....is a whole new idea I've never heard of before. Where did it come from? Love your videos, and finished project results.

[@OpusElenae]

I first encountered it on Cathrin Åhlén’s blog Katafalk, who references Greenland finds and “Woven into the Earth” by Else Østergård. katafalk.wordpress.com/2013/04/04/open-hood-with-card-tablet-woven-edge/

[@happylittleheathens]

Well done and a BIG THANK YOU!! I've added a couple of your videos to my playlist. Subscribed!!! Love your hair and cat too!!

[@OpusElenae]

Yay! Thank you and welcome!

[@tuathadesidhe1530]

Ohh I love it, and ohh ohhh I love the fabric.

[@conniehouck3396]

Love that fabric!

[@NoviceStitcher]

i don't understand the purpose of the red yarn across the seam. i don't understand what it does and why you would use it?

[@OpusElenae]

Normally I would double fold the seam allowance so that the raw edge is enclosed. This fabric is too thick to do that. Sewing yarn along the cut edge helps it not fray as much.

[@BallerinaValkyrie]

Okay, so the whole video is amazing, and I love all the information, but the PSA was definitely the highlight. As someone who loves the norse culture because I love history, white supremacist using it makes me so mad. I adore your cats attempts at "helping"

[@OpusElenae]

Can’t let the racists get comfortable! It’s been a minute since I did a PSA; I should do another soon.

[@selkiemorien9006]

I've never seen an edge covered with yarn like this before, that was a new bit of info for me. I really appreciate your detail shots on that :D The endresult is really beautiful! Your unpractical pattern weight was being very cute in this as well xD

[@deanndubois3738]

Im about to make a shift. And the gusset (thing) I'm bout to clear on. Ill keep 👀 🤗 THE REVEAL ....👋👋👋👋👋👋beauitiful work. I want one!!!!

[@jessicamillund1351]

I love this so much! I had bought some waulked (?) wool because it was on sale and I want to make a coat like this. I have the basics down but I am stuck on one point. Making it "a little bigger" so it fits over clothing is causing my sewing anxiety to rear its fearful head. I know you can not tell me what measurements to use, since that is super individual, but what worked for you? I saw you had to reduce the body 2". I am considering adding 1/2" per measurement, since I don't want it to be huge, just big enough. I also saw someone say to increase the armsythe (?) by a couple cm? Am I over-thinking this? Possibly, but it is my way. I am also trying to figure out your sleeve pattern but that is the least of my worries.

[@McNerdyCostumesandProps]

I love the yarn felling technique! Such a great project!

[@rachelboersma-plug9482]

It's great, isn't it? I doubt it would stand up well to washing, but that's not really an issue with outerwear.

[@WolffLyfe]

Watched this for inspiration on how to make my next wool Viking coat and curious how the felled seams of this have held up in the two years since you made this video. I don’t mind doing a zigzag stitch on the edges to help hold them together but if not needed then hey it’s one less step if cushioned selling works well. Plus that pop of color is awesome

[@OpusElenae]

It’s going strong, but full disclosure: being in Texas means I don’t wear it much. I think I may use it as my actual coat for the rest of the season and see what happens

[@WolffLyfe]

Lol I understand, I’m up in Oklahoma. I didn’t realize I had commented on this video two years ago before I started working on my first coat that is an embroidered linen shell and wool lining. Finally finished it last week to show off at LPT. Much procrastinating lol. But I wanted to make one that’s single layer wool and a bit more correct so that’s why I asked about the seams since they’d be visible on coat #2

[@lilalicat32]

I've had one of these cut out and ready to sew for months now.. Thank you for the necessary motivation to get it done. Btw...could this be lined or would just the outer layer be sufficient?

[@OpusElenae]

It could absolutely be lined! This fabric is just thick enough that I decided to skip that.

[@emmabruce4990]

I really want to wear one of these everyday!

[@OpusElenae]

It’s SOOOOO comfortable.

[@mandylavida]

I adore this coat

[@TheGardenKitten]

I so enjoyed watching this, and love your "helper" . Thank you so much

[@augustwogsland3309]

I love the pattern of the coat fabric and also the VERY important PSA.

[@AriallaMacAllister]

Excellent PSA. The coat is lovely!

[@cadyasaur07]

The PSA

[@OpusElenae]

Sadly necessary, but I like to make it amusing at least.

[@LibertyElaine]

Asking just about everyone I can think of this question, because my (admittedly limited) research hasn't turned up anything. What are some adaptive styles from the SCA period that are good for pregnancy? Assuming a lack of/ limited enough plague (which is a big assumption), I'll be 6 months pregnant when the War in my area happens and I want to be comfortable because it would be my first war in addition to my first war whilst pregnant.

[@OpusElenae]

I wore my cotes laced more and more loosely, until they didn’t fit. Then I wore my Viking until it didn’t fit, and then I was pretty much over events until I finally had tornado lol. But I think it’s hard to go wrong with a loose rectangular constructed dress; that style was consistently seen for at least 1000 years. If you make the side gores go up to the armpits, it should give you room in the belly, and then you could re-sew them lower down to be a bit more fitted after you give birth (if you want; I love having some really loose comfy dresses to hand).

[@anna_in_aotearoa3166]

Really cool to see some Q+A on this topic! Pregnancy-wear or maternity adjustments aren't actually something I've seen discussed on any costube channels at all so far (tho always finding new ones, so just might not have got there yet?) Definitely no need for the info myself, but I find it fascinating to learn about how people in history adjusted their wardrobes to accommodate various changes of life!

[@farangarris2598]

I loveyou and your statement is so right on. Thank you.

[@OpusElenae]

Thank you! Gotta make sure the bigots never feel comfortable around me or mine.

[@rotekaiserin]

A beautiful piece!

[@HeraldHealer]

Love the PSA! Question is your kitty production assistant Bran as in the Blessed or Brand the Riven (Kitten) Warder

[@OpusElenae]

The Blessed, and thank you for not assuming Bran-as-in-Stark, like most people do!

[@HeraldHealer]

@@OpusElenae Never could get into a Song of Ice and Fire

[@cheerful_something_something]

This coat is fantastic. Also I hope the psa wasn't inspired by people trying to start problems/spread their hate on your platforms. F-them and All that they stand for.

[@OpusElenae]

I’ve had thankfully very little hate on any of my platforms, but I believe in being proactive, because silence is complicity. And I don’t want white supremacists to take my silence as tacit approval.

[@cheerful_something_something]

@@OpusElenae Yeah, absolutely not. It's really frustring to see some cool viking-inspired thing and find it's been corrupted to some form of supremecy. I'm glad you're using your voice to reach people : )

[@217Liz]

Into is amazing!

[@nellyharms]

Amazing! Where did you buy the fabric? I can't find something like that ....

[@OpusElenae]

I bought it from a friend in her moving sale. If you search for "diamond twill fabric" you'll find some similar things.

[@evelynpageau2292]

Liked within the first 1:38 seconds

[@graceerhart5796]

Understood! However I may do CW, but in our efforts to get our clothing accurate, the pains we take to be accurate, to get the right clothing and look are the same. I will be getting a deck jacket, however if it made previously, I will probably have to modify it copiously as most of the ones made are not accurate.

[@pinklickpony7162]

What weight is the fabric please? I love historically adequate fashion. X

[@inarigitsune]

Amazing PSA! Bran helped a lot, good assistant. :)

[@linw7320]

Insightful Courtney, thank you for sharing I very much appreciate your perspective ✌💗

[@vampiressrina]

I have an odd question - where did you get the waist belt? It's absolutely gorgeous.

[@OpusElenae]

The brown one? I think I grabbed it on AliExpress ages ago!

[@graceerhart5796]

I am interested in making the coat, and I already have the fabric. I just need a pattern.

[@moegirl76]

Is there a link where you can get this fabric?

[@michellemorgan8387]

warrior granny could you tell mw how much fabric you used for this project? I enjoyed your video and would like to make one for myself .

[@OpusElenae]

My fabric length was about 3.2 yards and I used every scrap of length.

[@michellemorgan8387]

@@OpusElenae hello again, thank you so much that really helps. I can't wait to get started. Happy solstice and be well, Michelle

[@eileenfb1948]

This is beautiful but not very warm in the front of body. I think this style was for indoors in a large very cold house of the nobility. I love it none-the-less, gorgeous.

[@OpusElenae]

In Texas, it doesn’t usually get cold enough for me to need more than this, though I do now have a wool Skjoldehamn hood to go over this. But I can see where you’re coming from in a historical sense.

[@StitchAndNine]

Is that a Tak board on the shelf behind you?

[@OpusElenae]

It IS the most beautiful game! It was made for me by a friend who studies games in my kingdom.

[@StitchAndNine]

@@OpusElenae How awesome! It’s a lovely board, well done to your friend. Also you are now officially even cooler. Coolness approaching dangerous levels, in fact 😉

[@rosamariajimenezaguilar9808]

GOOD. I LIKED A LOT YOUR VIKING DRESS.

[@honeybee545]

Question🙋‍♀️? Ik this isnt historically accurate but im a college student on a budget would i be able to thrift specific fabric? And if so what would u recommend? I want to make it historically accurate as possible but i have a tight budget.

[@OpusElenae]

So some of that depends on what climate you're making it for. If it's for cold winter, try looking for old army-wool blankets. Otherwise, anything with a nice drape and a solid color is a good bet. Curtains make really great coats.

[@honeybee545]

@@OpusElenae awesome! The same can be said for the dress itself too or should it be made of different material

[@OpusElenae]

@@honeybee545 For the dresses I'd go with something slightly lighter. Good quality sheets or cotton curtains (not the heavier drapes; look at the way the fabrics move differently. The coat should be of a heavier material, the dresses of lighter) or even linen table-cloths if you can find them.

[@honeybee545]

@@OpusElenae awesome! Thank you so much!!

[@honeybee545]

@@OpusElenae youve been a huge help!

[@JulzGothika]

Is there a link to an actual pattern? Im scared If I freehand by trying to copy your draft pattern then Ill make big mistakes.

[@cauldron1951]

Can you suggest where to find similar wool?

[@cauldron1951]

Sorry. I mean cotton!

[@OpusElenae]

Etsy has some if you search “diamond twill fabric!”

[@mandylavida]

Such a great look.

[@OpusElenae]

Thank you!