Impression idea that fits with your personality: Medieval scholar. One of those traveling scholars writing travel journals about all the weird stuff he sees in other countries.
5:57 i know this is something tou want to change, but with the mittens and the winter weather, you really give off an air of a mediaeval landless lad hyping himself up to be hired for odd jobs 😂❤
I would love it if you would talk more about Wales History in regard to Vikings, or just in general. Most of what I know about the history of Wales is after it was conquered by England, and i feel like there must have been a lot of history before that time period. Also, Happy New Years, hope it a good one for you!
Just remember not to let the job burn you out while enjoying your re-enacting at the same time. That happened to me, and I had to take a step back from re-enacting for a while. I'm slowly getting back into re-enacting in 2025 with the SCA in the USA (Washington State). Have a Good Yule and a Happy New Year!
Specialty idea: Some sort of town arbiter or lawkeeper. Sorting out minor disputes between people in your village. Tell the tale of the guy with the cow that broke his neighbours leg, and how much recompense he is owed according to your era’s current law. Many tall tales could be told, with a chunk of silver, a knife, and a comfy chair as your props. Relax, people watch, and have fun with it. Merry seasonal greetings to you 🎄
Someone else has suggested it, "Story Teller". After the boar is eaten and mead and ale horn are drained , what better thing than sitting in the great hall listening to the tales of the past of the great and the good but also the lowly and the bad. Would like to see the striking of hammered coins. Who wouldn't want a Welsh Viking penny in thier purse.
A good 'specialism' for you might be skald/storyteller - like, a real one the way they would tell it, not just in an 'entertain the tourists by teaching them' kind of way. Or, something social - a musician, a fortuneteller a toymaker, a pagan priest/seer or what about a tattoo artist, lol! I'm not as familiar with what 'jobs' were available in Viking culture as I am other ancient cultures - but, something where you can really roleplay with the crowd. I think that sounds like fun, and I think you would be good at it. :)
Storyteller, definitely! It was & is a very important role. It would let you share your large amount of knowledge on so many historical topics. It’s very much a Welsh tradition
Second vote for storyteller - that's the first thing that sprang to my mind too. Also worth noting that historically storytellers were often fidgeting with some craft or mending project while telling the stories, so it's a good one to still accommodate the multitasking.
Yes, DO YOUR HOBBY FOR YOU!!! I am glad you are setting such pleasant goals for your upcoming year, I hope you have all the success Jimmy, and plenty of chill ☺
Your “thing” is being Jimmy. We all get great enlightenment with your most important words and information you share. Knowledge is power and your knowledge you share with us makes us more powerful.
Re. Authentic/accurate kit: having just completed the mad scramble to complete handmade Christmas gifts, I firmly believe that history is littered with garments that were completed with ‘good enough’ materials, sewn in poor lighting, in a bit of a panic because it’s just started snowing and your loved one has announced that they lost one of their good mittens/tore their warmest pants/ lent their hood to a friend and they NEED something by tomorrow. 😂
Specializing as a tailor would fit well with your goals to improve & expand your kit, and meshes with your passion for accuracy in period costume. You're an excellent communicator on the topic!
Happy New Year Jimmy! I hope you'll still show off the 17th century kit even if it isn't worthwhile to make a full video. I might be one of the few weirdos that really likes that period. It often feels like no one else in the States is into 17th c. In 2025 I'm hoping to finally finish my Dorothea Sabina Von Neuburg kit that I started back in 2019 as well as dip my toes into the 14th century for the first time. And get out to an event for the first time since Covid. I had one planned for this fall and then a hurricane washed the location out so luck hasn't been on my side.
I'd love to see you at the reenactment of the Battle of Wisby 1361, in Sweden in August! My goal for 2025 is to get some more/better kitchen equipment for Wisby, and to finish the pavilion so there's enough space for us all to sleep.
you're such an awesome educator, I love how you stay on the viewers level and make the topics that you discuss approachable without dumbing things down. i hope whatever your camp specialty turns out to be, it will continue to inspire and kindle interest in history!
The Wandering Welsh Viking. Might be sort of like the Primitive Camping Survival genre of UA-cam videos, leaning more toward "how to stay warm overnight in the woods by wrapping yourself in a woolen cloak, woolen tunic, and woolen mittens."
The Spouse has declared that 2025 will be a year of building. You appear to be off to a good start building on your talents and building a travel itinerary. Our Jimmy, Jack of All Trades. You may have to be a cleric of some sort or a pilgrim, your talent seams to be gathering information and transporting it to other places. Truly the Welsh Viking. I have many skirt patterns from many eras, and this year I want to make as many of them as possible. Happy New Year!!!
I've been making Naalbound socks and hats and I'm loving how warm and cozy they are! The socks are thick enough that they really work as indoor slippers! I'm looking forward to making several more pairs and figure out how to make Naalbound mittens as well!!!
I would love to have at least period-ish shoes, but they would have to accommodate some pretty hefty orthotics. I have most everything to make turn shoes - including boar bristles for the sewing - using saddle leather for the soles, but it's intimidating me. Hopefully this year I can get over myself and just do it. Oh, and continue learning Welsh! I've done another award translation using the resources you provided when I reached out and don't think I mangled it too badly!
You need some kind of impression that doesn't require taking a lot of heavy bulky equipment so that it's easy to pack and carry around. What useful and helpful advice I have.
Creative goals for this year: finish my sweater, use some icelandic fleece to tablet weave, finish my bunad blouse (including embroidery) and maybe finish some of my languishing sewing projects
Silversmithing is the best reenactment niche. Everyone loves shinies and seeing them being made. Edit: Im biased because for me, it's quality time to hang out with my brother and discuss our shared hobby
the 17th century definitely doesn't get enough love in the cosutming community, and its a shame because the fashion is wonderfully wacky. I hope you *do* share more of your 17th cen kit!
Maybe this doesn't make sense, but could you be a trader who is not a vendor at the con? Or someone coming home, or who moved into the area? The goal to be an excuse to talk about cool finds, or repair skills and such? 'Ah, back home we made our swords like so.. ' You cover a great variety of things which keeps it interesting. (not that i don't love a specialty expert as well )
I watched the 16th century video. It was great! I’m sewing stuff out of The Tudor Tailor, because why not? Only place to wear it is the grocery store, but as a gifted eccentric I’m up for it. 😉
Honestly, its hard to nail down a specific impression. I liked the scholar idea someone else mentioned. But my first thought was weaver. Or net maker. Something that you can do with a nice cup of tea next to you. 😊
Hop across the Channel and visit the Viking weekend in Amersfoort! For goals, I'm spinning loads of very thin yarn to weave into wool cloth for a 13th century dress. May even get it done this year.
Of all the images to use to illustrate a neckline of a garment, you thought one with a bloke being chopped up would be the best!? This is exactly why I watch this channel. The chattiness, the tech cock ups and the humour make every episode a very engaging and human experience. Love it, love it, love it. Storyteller would deffo be a good impression, how about strumming a mandolin or lute (insert appropriate instrument) and melodically telling ‘some’ tales?
It would be cool to see you at Medeltidsveckan (The Medeival Week) in Visby, Gotland, Sweden next year! 3rd-10th of August. Don't worry about the language barrier, we're generally very competent in English :)
Jimmy, writing from Australia, with "no clue" about the "re-enactment" area ... but, given that you speak Welsh, English and, I suspect, Latin(?!?!) ... maybe your "re-enactment persona" could be as a "scribe"? That would include making the "tools" of scribing (paper/parchment? writing implements, etc.), and you could offer the "unlettered" your services. Just a thought!! Best wishes for the "festive" season, whatever form that takes for you, and stay safe and happy!!!
I do like your 17th century garb making. I have been working on the son-in-law s alternative garb for his fencing persona since he will soon have to give up the heavy combat. My daughter is very excited to give up her viking garb for something ornate Italian...
You should visit hedeby someday. The museum is amazing (so many found items on display. I spent 6 hours there and didn't see everything) and at the site with the rebuilt houses are three bigger events per year with a-tier reenactors :)
Some really good solid thoughts and aims for the New Year - love it I would echo the ideas from other comments - you would be a wonderful scholar/storyteller/historian - you can make ink and pens, you are an enthusiastic teller of tales and you can read & write - offer writing letters, capturing and telling of tales, and creating things to aid people to capture their own history I want to do more theatre - COVID really hit my confidence to be in a large group
My "reenactment" goals: I'd like to do a Yvaine from Stardust cosplay with a slight nod to historicity, and I'd like to attend more historical dance events so perhaps to sew a regency gown to wear to those.
The kit and construction videos are always my favorite, but you have to go where the views are. My main goal for 2025 is to get my crafting area set back up and start making things again. Many blessings for your goals and life in general.
Your outfit is delightful, I hope you do get to wear it more next year! My big goal for this year was to decrease The Pile, and I'm down from 25 unfinished projects to 14. In the coming year I'd like to get that number down even lower, and make more stuff for my everyday wardrobe.
So glad I found your channel! 😊 I am bing watching your videos as I learn Nalbinding (2025 fiber goal) using some handspun wool to make mittens to use during chores on the farm as my hands have been suffering in this cold spell.
I beg your pardon Sir!? Show you my fjord?! Not without the proper introductions! Otherwise: great plans, i'm glad to see you excited for the new year! I'm planning to meet up with my needleworker friends as much as possible. And if your travels take you to the Netherlands I'd love to say hello. Forgot to mention: kudos on the kit, you look fabulous.
I missed this video when it came out, damn you, UA-cam algo! Some really good reminders that reenactment (or any hobby) is meant to be fun, not pressure. For an impression, I think the "every day village/farming man" is wildly under represented, so with you being a jack of all trades it could be an impression in itself! Have some farming tools, an axe and mull around doing odd jobs around camp where is needed - that translates in every region and era too :) Could be also a "travelling every day farmer", as people with no anchor/land or on pilgrimage would have gone around village to village doing odd jobs for short amounts of time in order to fund their next leg of their trip. And then you could have a pocket full of coins and trinkets from various countries/cultures to show off to the public while telling tales of your travels :D works really well with your linguistics knowledge too. I also started travelling a bit more for events too, or rather teying to find events/occasions to wear my kit when travelling, being a guest with local reenactment groups and such. And thats one wonderful thin with the reenactment community, most groups are so friendly and welcoming for itinerant reenactors! Best of luck for your 2025 goals Jimmy 🎉
I know I'm just interacting with you through videos, but something that seems to be interesting to you is sewing and making clothing. You also mentioned that you like teaching people about history, so maybe you specialize in storytelling? Either way, I'm excited to see what you do in the new year!
Remember that finding joy in life is the most rebellious thing you can do, in the face of oppression! On that note, as far as a specialty to choose, I would ask what part of the projects you do is the most enjoyable? I love sewing and find that no matter my mental health I can always find the motivation to sew. In fact I’m making a nice fancy velvet later medieval tunic while watching! Although it may soon be too warm for it here in California. If I want to make medieval reenactment garb it has to be either linen or silk, usually. Speaking of which you might want to make some lighter linen items for reenactments in hotter places, just so you have them on hand.
I guess mine is to launch my shop ! I wanna make some historical trims, decorations and crafted accessories from different time periods, mostly 18th and 19th century, using authentic patterns and methods as much as possible I am a trained costume maker but can't work in cinema like i used to so that will be my way of still enjoying historical fashion :D also i enjoy learning all kinds of fiber arts and needlework so that will keep some variety in, as well as allowing me to adapt to my chronic illness I hope everyone here has a nice year !
Your talking about wearing your kit around town tugged at a memory that has finally resurfaced. Years ago, I remember seeing a fellow walking down the street in a cloak (it was cold that day). I remember thinking "Now, there's a fashion I'd like to see come back!"
Leather work or jewellery making always seems popular. Plus some of the equipment can be used for multiple periods. Or a healer/medic/herbalist could be fun
There’s pretty much a new viking market every week during summer in Norway! Funnily enough I found your channel while doing research in the reenactment group for my first kit and it’s been great to watch in the background haha☺️
Definitely do the ties on the hood! I did them on mine and I don't know why they're done more often - especially going round the back of the head it makes it so that it moves with your head better and is easier to wear.
Those are amazing goals and I might steal a couple. I have a 19th century sack coat all cut out that I need to sew up - almost 20 years doing mid-19th century reenactments and I've never had an outer garment (most events I've done are midsummer). My medieval needs to be finished. 18th in progress, needs to be finished.
In Denmark, the city of Roskilde, we have a fantastic museum of vikingships..And during spring and summer, it is even possible to sail in one, on the fjord.. You must try it 👍👍👍
First of all, my goal this year is to make more clothes. I do Viking and 14th/15th century garb for SCA and my stuff is all pretty old. I attend 3 major camping events and maybe 10 other one day events each year. I always need to increase the authenticity of my technique in clothing construction and materials. Secondly, you should check out the Viking village of Njardeheimr in Gudvangen east of Bergen in Norway. You can stay in the village if you want I think. I was there in 2017 and it’s probably even better now. It’s so fun. Thanks for your videos.
Hi Jimmy, have you considered that you could make your multitasking abilities your specialism? I can just see you do that, because you like to move about, go places, see things. And that happens just as much in a field as in travelling abroad! Have fun with working towards your wonderful goals and all happiness!
As a 17th century re-enacter i did watch your 17th century videos and would like to see more. You are also one if the people we inspired mea few years ago to try and build up a yt channel for my re-enactment groep. Allemansend Re-enactment.
Jimmy at the Oerlinghausen Freilichtmuseum Wikingertage would be wild. Especially because they cover all manner of fiber craft... except sewing and mending. They also regularly end up focusing very heavily on artisan work despite trying their darndest to show everyday life. "Just some guy fixing his mittens to the best of his abilities" is underrepresented. (The dyer will be breathing down your neck come Sunday lunchtime if you bring pale-colored garments, though. She's run out of stuff to dye every year I've visited.)
Town drunk? Did they have those? Candle maker? Did they have those? ooooo, Falconer? That would be cool, if they had those. I blame you, you have not taught me enough, lol Something that makes you really happy while you're doing it. May this New Year be the best year yet.
I'm not a reenactor, even though I don't love learning about other people doing it. I do sew my own clothing, though, and the more I learn about different clothing from different places and times, the more I like (respectfully) pulling old clothing ideas out of history and applying them to modern clothing. I have a very feminine jacket i made for myself which includes a gathered 1930s style men's pocket on it. People LIKE that pocket, and are amazed when I explain where it's from. So things like that.
Dude! I watched your 17thC videos. Looked forward to them and enjoyed them. Anxiously awaiting the next ones. Please do put them out there. Happy New Year!
No event in Germany? We feel left out. Although the a-tier events will probably be limited. This passing year, I finished my 12th century lower nobleman (ministerial) kit. Including a self made leather belt with bronze ornaments, I made myself, linen undergarments, and a nice rectangular cloak. Wool, linen, and leather. Goals for next year: - attend more events andvisit more markets. My season was cut short in July, when I had a car accident. - building a 12th century shield (I already have the wooden core made out of glued planks) so main work will be glueing on several layers of linen (with hide glue of course) and then painting it with tempera. - sewing a gardecorps for the cold season - bonus goal: learn how to naalbind
Jimmy's reenactment: very demure, very mindful! Seriously though, thank you- you've been among the inspiration for me finally getting into reenactment properly this past year. Diolch, innit! Goals for this year: Make my kirtle; Make it to An Event; Maybe get better at nalbinding/accurate drop-spinning enough to take it to An Event; Not to burn myself out doing any of the above 😅
I know how much you love nature, so you probably already have one, but a tip I was given to break in my kit and make it look more lived-in is to garden in it! Just spend a few hours doing yardwork and gardening in your kit, it'll definitely give some wear to the parts that historically would've been worn down!
Speaking of "pining for the fjords" and such: I live on a fjord! It's just not a Northern European one...I live on Puget Sound in Washington state in the U.S., which is a big fjord, it's just not often recognized as one--except by many of the original settlers in Seattle, who were Swedes! There's a section of Seattle called Ballard where there's a lot of Scandinavian heritage, and there's even a place called the Nordic Viking Center there that I am sure would love a visit from you! ;) Independent of all that: while it is not even in the "yes, this is happening" phase yet, there's a project I can only speak about in the most vague terms. But, since you have your own wardrobe, you have knowledge of such things, and you speak some of the requisite languages (i.e. Welsh!), you'd be PERFECT for something I have in the works...if it does end up going forward in 2025, I will definitely contact you, because it would be amazing if that was the context in which I could actually meet you!
@@TheWelshViking Excellent! While the housing crisis in Seattle has not been kind to it in many ways, the surrounding areas are still quite lovely in many respects, and Seattle itself does still have lots to recommend it.
Next year I hope the improve the kit worn by my colleagues at the Scottish Crannog Centre. I also hope to spin and weave my first twill fabric. The other day I made a reconstruction of one of the beads in our collection, in the coming months I plan to try to recreate it again, but using historically accurate tools. I wonder, could you be a scribe?
really good list. Mine is completing my garb (several in progress items), not so much because I expect, or even hope to wear them... I do love wearing my garb and wear it at home just because it is comfortable
I'm not into reenactment, but I've been taking a lot of historical inspiration for my long term goal of making my entire wardrobe by 2030. I've just finished making a hood inspired by the same find as yours, and am using the same fabric to make a modified short ruana cloak. I've found that short cloaks and capes work really well for me as a fat wheelchair user for keeping warm without adding loads of bulk under the arms.
I put an order up for a tent that im hoping and expecting to get some time in the next year. Like you i have also been wondering what my niche should be. I have been traveling with a blacksmith and a tailor, and my job so far have been to help, and inform. Im thinking some kind of woodwork.. Perhaps some horn stuff? I am also on the look out to improve and learn how to improve my own viking gear, and i have a couple of plans and shopping lists in mind for events next year
I'm REALLY hoping to get to Bicolline in 2025. Granted, it's more re-enactment *adjacent* than anything, but my kit will be as historically adequate as possible. I think my impression will be making sprang items. It's a very portable craft that is also very practical. What would i call that? Sprangsmith? Sprangster?
If you’re hoping to travel more, what about being a pilgrim? I assume that would not require much in the way of gear except for maybe a pilgrim badge and whatever the medieval equivalent of luggage would be. Oh, and then you could give out stickers that are pilgrim badges! I don’t know if that fits with your current kit, though. Did people of your re-enactment persona’s station go on pilgrimage? Was being a pilgrim who survived as a day laborer a thing?
Pilgrims are definitely a thing at all levels of society. There were also itinerant artisans - skilled trades working on castle buildings and on cathedrals which would fit into finding a specialism. I think Jimmy would make a good travelling bard - so many stories tell, so much era appropriate 'news' to pass on.
Maybe for a specialty, pick two things, at least one which wouldn't be too crazy/expensive to put together appropriate gear for. That way, if the event coordinators say, "Oh, we don't need an X, we already have one." you have a backup profession already lined up? My goals this year include: get really good at painting minis, write an introductory level physics textbook which is readable (sadly, not a feature of most academic books) and interesting while being informative, make a medieval kirtle out of linen & maybe another out of wool which I could even wear to work, and finally sewing & embroidering my Nier Automata 2B dtess.
Thank you as always for a great video Jimmy! I wish I could be an early medieval reenactor, but where I live in the heart of the US, there aren't many options around, so I content myself with simply studying history and historical languages. One of my big goals last year was to learn Old English, and I can say happily that I have come a very long way in a year, so that has been great. One for 2025 is actually to study more Welsh history! I have always loved studying Anglo-Saxon England, but when I discovered your channel a little over a year ago, I fell in love with the history of Wales; I even wrote my senior thesis for my undergraduate degree on Gruffudd ap Llywelyn, in large part thanks to inspiration from you! I want to do more reading on early Medieval Wales this year. Thank you for everything you do for us all, Jimmy! I hope you have a wonderful year of reenactment, and I am very excited to see videos of what you are up to (and any time you put some extra stuff about Wales and Welsh anything I will be exceptionally happy!) Diolch yn fawr! Hwyl am y tro!
You can reenact solo! Make the kit as you find the time and maybe see if you can take a trip so visit a group somewhere. You may have friends in a city or town with an SCA presence that would allow you to play with them? :) Diolch am dy gefnogaeth!
5:04 cosplayer pokes their head up: Weathering? Authentic weathering? In regards impressions: I think you'd make a fantastic skald. You're an excellent and engaging storyteller and 'explainer of things', and that's a skald/bard/storyteller/lorekeeper type person. ALSO I am interested in your 17th Century thing! I would love to do a Roundhead impression and I'm following along! Most of my costuming goals are cosplay-related (I have to finish my partner's Mandalorian armour), but I would love to go to a couple of local reenactments and get in contact with people.
Travelling trader but there was a mishap and your shipmates left you behind, now you have to make your way back to Jorvik alone, learning and acquiring pieces of kit as you go. Working on your sewing and dyeing skills along the way, until you return home looking fabulous.
Running a specific display is very good fun but can be exhausting if there's a lot of public, you do start to feel a bit like an NPC with set dialogue options for different items the public can ask about lol. I absolutely love doing it and will keep doing it in the new year but I stepped back a bit this past Hastings and allowed myself to mooch around camp a bit more which was lovely and a bit more relaxing. My personal goals for 2025 are: 1. Starting a Roman reenactment group for York!! I noticed a gap in the market so to speak, and with York's incredible Roman heritage it's a shame that it gets overlooked by reenactors, and it'll be a chance to do my Roman impressions more often 2. Also travel! I want to join some of my friends at events in Ireland and Denmark especially 3. Make a 15th century tunic and finally get to Bosworth. I used to be in a 15th century group and the first event Imissed in 2020 was the Battle of Bosworth, I recently got back in touch with then and went to a couple events in a borrowed tunic (I have everything else for 15th century kit except a top), so I'll put together a nice late 15th century impression and get myself to Bosworth
Totally agree! I started doing that in the past year too, picking an event to just chill at rather than running my display. Sometimes we just need that day "off" to be the background extra rather than the active NPC 😂
Impression idea that fits with your personality: Medieval scholar. One of those traveling scholars writing travel journals about all the weird stuff he sees in other countries.
Yes! A gentleman and a scholar!
Monk scholar. Basically the only way you could be a scholar in some periods
And would be an awesome way of combining the travel with reenacting!!
Have to include something else in order to justifying the travel. A merchant of some sort. Wool, perhaps?
Was gonna say something like but you beat me to it
Get this man to Scandinavia, he’s pining for the Fjords!
5:57 i know this is something tou want to change, but with the mittens and the winter weather, you really give off an air of a mediaeval landless lad hyping himself up to be hired for odd jobs 😂❤
There's something to be said about reenactment as a peasant instead of an aristocrat. You don't need as much luggage
I would love it if you would talk more about Wales History in regard to Vikings, or just in general. Most of what I know about the history of Wales is after it was conquered by England, and i feel like there must have been a lot of history before that time period. Also, Happy New Years, hope it a good one for you!
Here for pink mittens appreciation time
How dare UA-cam give this to me three minutes late! For Jimmy, for the algorithm!!! 🎉
Just remember not to let the job burn you out while enjoying your re-enacting at the same time. That happened to me, and I had to take a step back from re-enacting for a while. I'm slowly getting back into re-enacting in 2025 with the SCA in the USA (Washington State). Have a Good Yule and a Happy New Year!
Specialty idea: Some sort of town arbiter or lawkeeper. Sorting out minor disputes between people in your village. Tell the tale of the guy with the cow that broke his neighbours leg, and how much recompense he is owed according to your era’s current law. Many tall tales could be told, with a chunk of silver, a knife, and a comfy chair as your props. Relax, people watch, and have fun with it.
Merry seasonal greetings to you 🎄
Someone else has suggested it, "Story Teller". After the boar is eaten and mead and ale horn are drained , what better thing than sitting in the great hall listening to the tales of the past of the great and the good but also the lowly and the bad.
Would like to see the striking of hammered coins. Who wouldn't want a Welsh Viking penny in thier purse.
A good 'specialism' for you might be skald/storyteller - like, a real one the way they would tell it, not just in an 'entertain the tourists by teaching them' kind of way. Or, something social - a musician, a fortuneteller a toymaker, a pagan priest/seer or what about a tattoo artist, lol! I'm not as familiar with what 'jobs' were available in Viking culture as I am other ancient cultures - but, something where you can really roleplay with the crowd. I think that sounds like fun, and I think you would be good at it. :)
Storyteller, definitely! It was & is a very important role. It would let you share your large amount of knowledge on so many historical topics. It’s very much a Welsh tradition
Second vote for storyteller - that's the first thing that sprang to my mind too. Also worth noting that historically storytellers were often fidgeting with some craft or mending project while telling the stories, so it's a good one to still accommodate the multitasking.
Yes, DO YOUR HOBBY FOR YOU!!! I am glad you are setting such pleasant goals for your upcoming year, I hope you have all the success Jimmy, and plenty of chill ☺
9:24 He's pining for the fjords
Your “thing” is being Jimmy. We all get great enlightenment with your most important words and information you share. Knowledge is power and your knowledge you share with us makes us more powerful.
When you put your hands up together as you talk, it looks like a pink bunny hopping on your lap !
Re. Authentic/accurate kit: having just completed the mad scramble to complete handmade Christmas gifts, I firmly believe that history is littered with garments that were completed with ‘good enough’ materials, sewn in poor lighting, in a bit of a panic because it’s just started snowing and your loved one has announced that they lost one of their good mittens/tore their warmest pants/ lent their hood to a friend and they NEED something by tomorrow. 😂
Specializing as a tailor would fit well with your goals to improve & expand your kit, and meshes with your passion for accuracy in period costume. You're an excellent communicator on the topic!
The mittens are adorable.
Happy New Year Jimmy! I hope you'll still show off the 17th century kit even if it isn't worthwhile to make a full video. I might be one of the few weirdos that really likes that period. It often feels like no one else in the States is into 17th c.
In 2025 I'm hoping to finally finish my Dorothea Sabina Von Neuburg kit that I started back in 2019 as well as dip my toes into the 14th century for the first time. And get out to an event for the first time since Covid. I had one planned for this fall and then a hurricane washed the location out so luck hasn't been on my side.
Jimmy please come to Visby on Gotland in the Baltic. They have an incredible Medieval Week August 1st through the 7th!
I'd love to see you at the reenactment of the Battle of Wisby 1361, in Sweden in August!
My goal for 2025 is to get some more/better kitchen equipment for Wisby, and to finish the pavilion so there's enough space for us all to sleep.
you're such an awesome educator, I love how you stay on the viewers level and make the topics that you discuss approachable without dumbing things down.
i hope whatever your camp specialty turns out to be, it will continue to inspire and kindle interest in history!
Happy Hogswatch, Jimmy.
Right back atcha!
The Wandering Welsh Viking. Might be sort of like the Primitive Camping Survival genre of UA-cam videos, leaning more toward "how to stay warm overnight in the woods by wrapping yourself in a woolen cloak, woolen tunic, and woolen mittens."
Outrage that no one liked the 17th century kit build, I loved that and I'd be keen to see more of it as it comes together!
The Spouse has declared that 2025 will be a year of building. You appear to be off to a good start building on your talents and building a travel itinerary. Our Jimmy, Jack of All Trades. You may have to be a cleric of some sort or a pilgrim, your talent seams to be gathering information and transporting it to other places. Truly the Welsh Viking.
I have many skirt patterns from many eras, and this year I want to make as many of them as possible.
Happy New Year!!!
I've been making Naalbound socks and hats and I'm loving how warm and cozy they are! The socks are thick enough that they really work as indoor slippers! I'm looking forward to making several more pairs and figure out how to make Naalbound mittens as well!!!
Happy New Year, everyone!
Always a delight to see you. If you want a suggestion I think we were promised video on Merlin some years back. Blessings!
my 2025 reenactment goal is honestly "more shenanigans"
I would love to have at least period-ish shoes, but they would have to accommodate some pretty hefty orthotics.
I have most everything to make turn shoes - including boar bristles for the sewing - using saddle leather for the soles, but it's intimidating me.
Hopefully this year I can get over myself and just do it.
Oh, and continue learning Welsh! I've done another award translation using the resources you provided when I reached out and don't think I mangled it too badly!
Yay! You can do it! I believe in you, Brenna!
You need some kind of impression that doesn't require taking a lot of heavy bulky equipment so that it's easy to pack and carry around. What useful and helpful advice I have.
Creative goals for this year: finish my sweater, use some icelandic fleece to tablet weave, finish my bunad blouse (including embroidery) and maybe finish some of my languishing sewing projects
Silversmithing is the best reenactment niche. Everyone loves shinies and seeing them being made. Edit: Im biased because for me, it's quality time to hang out with my brother and discuss our shared hobby
the 17th century definitely doesn't get enough love in the cosutming community, and its a shame because the fashion is wonderfully wacky. I hope you *do* share more of your 17th cen kit!
Agreed - I will, I’ve filmed a bunch of it now! 😂
Maybe this doesn't make sense, but could you be a trader who is not a vendor at the con? Or someone coming home, or who moved into the area? The goal to be an excuse to talk about cool finds, or repair skills and such? 'Ah, back home we made our swords like so.. '
You cover a great variety of things which keeps it interesting. (not that i don't love a specialty expert as well )
I watched the 16th century video. It was great! I’m sewing stuff out of The Tudor Tailor, because why not? Only place to wear it is the grocery store, but as a gifted eccentric I’m up for it. 😉
Honestly, its hard to nail down a specific impression. I liked the scholar idea someone else mentioned. But my first thought was weaver. Or net maker. Something that you can do with a nice cup of tea next to you. 😊
Now that’s smart thinkin’!
Hop across the Channel and visit the Viking weekend in Amersfoort! For goals, I'm spinning loads of very thin yarn to weave into wool cloth for a 13th century dress. May even get it done this year.
When is this 👀
As someone who is unable to attend events, I enjoy seeing others being able to!
Ever tried making antler combs? You don't need tons of tools, and every good viking needs one. Just an idea.
Of all the images to use to illustrate a neckline of a garment, you thought one with a bloke being chopped up would be the best!? This is exactly why I watch this channel. The chattiness, the tech cock ups and the humour make every episode a very engaging and human experience. Love it, love it, love it.
Storyteller would deffo be a good impression, how about strumming a mandolin or lute (insert appropriate instrument) and melodically telling ‘some’ tales?
There’s a nice Hanseatic League museum in Bergen, Norway. If you’re up that way looking for a fjord.
It would be cool to see you at Medeltidsveckan (The Medeival Week) in Visby, Gotland, Sweden next year! 3rd-10th of August. Don't worry about the language barrier, we're generally very competent in English :)
Jimmy, writing from Australia, with "no clue" about the "re-enactment" area ... but, given that you speak Welsh, English and, I suspect, Latin(?!?!) ... maybe your "re-enactment persona" could be as a "scribe"? That would include making the "tools" of scribing (paper/parchment? writing implements, etc.), and you could offer the "unlettered" your services. Just a thought!! Best wishes for the "festive" season, whatever form that takes for you, and stay safe and happy!!!
I do like your 17th century garb making. I have been working on the son-in-law s alternative garb for his fencing persona since he will soon have to give up the heavy combat. My daughter is very excited to give up her viking garb for something ornate Italian...
You should visit hedeby someday. The museum is amazing (so many found items on display. I spent 6 hours there and didn't see everything) and at the site with the rebuilt houses are three bigger events per year with a-tier reenactors :)
Some really good solid thoughts and aims for the New Year - love it I would echo the ideas from other comments - you would be a wonderful scholar/storyteller/historian - you can make ink and pens, you are an enthusiastic teller of tales and you can read & write - offer writing letters, capturing and telling of tales, and creating things to aid people to capture their own history
I want to do more theatre - COVID really hit my confidence to be in a large group
My "reenactment" goals: I'd like to do a Yvaine from Stardust cosplay with a slight nod to historicity, and I'd like to attend more historical dance events so perhaps to sew a regency gown to wear to those.
The kit and construction videos are always my favorite, but you have to go where the views are. My main goal for 2025 is to get my crafting area set back up and start making things again.
Many blessings for your goals and life in general.
Get my Tudor kit done for Ren Faire.
And convince ya to come over for Renaissance Faire just to hear your commentary 🤣
Your outfit is delightful, I hope you do get to wear it more next year!
My big goal for this year was to decrease The Pile, and I'm down from 25 unfinished projects to 14. In the coming year I'd like to get that number down even lower, and make more stuff for my everyday wardrobe.
So glad I found your channel! 😊
I am bing watching your videos as I learn Nalbinding (2025 fiber goal) using some handspun wool to make mittens to use during chores on the farm as my hands have been suffering in this cold spell.
I beg your pardon Sir!? Show you my fjord?! Not without the proper introductions! Otherwise: great plans, i'm glad to see you excited for the new year! I'm planning to meet up with my needleworker friends as much as possible. And if your travels take you to the Netherlands I'd love to say hello. Forgot to mention: kudos on the kit, you look fabulous.
I missed this video when it came out, damn you, UA-cam algo!
Some really good reminders that reenactment (or any hobby) is meant to be fun, not pressure.
For an impression, I think the "every day village/farming man" is wildly under represented, so with you being a jack of all trades it could be an impression in itself! Have some farming tools, an axe and mull around doing odd jobs around camp where is needed - that translates in every region and era too :)
Could be also a "travelling every day farmer", as people with no anchor/land or on pilgrimage would have gone around village to village doing odd jobs for short amounts of time in order to fund their next leg of their trip. And then you could have a pocket full of coins and trinkets from various countries/cultures to show off to the public while telling tales of your travels :D works really well with your linguistics knowledge too.
I also started travelling a bit more for events too, or rather teying to find events/occasions to wear my kit when travelling, being a guest with local reenactment groups and such. And thats one wonderful thin with the reenactment community, most groups are so friendly and welcoming for itinerant reenactors!
Best of luck for your 2025 goals Jimmy 🎉
I know I'm just interacting with you through videos, but something that seems to be interesting to you is sewing and making clothing. You also mentioned that you like teaching people about history, so maybe you specialize in storytelling? Either way, I'm excited to see what you do in the new year!
Remember that finding joy in life is the most rebellious thing you can do, in the face of oppression! On that note, as far as a specialty to choose, I would ask what part of the projects you do is the most enjoyable? I love sewing and find that no matter my mental health I can always find the motivation to sew. In fact I’m making a nice fancy velvet later medieval tunic while watching! Although it may soon be too warm for it here in California. If I want to make medieval reenactment garb it has to be either linen or silk, usually. Speaking of which you might want to make some lighter linen items for reenactments in hotter places, just so you have them on hand.
If more re-enactors were to use wool just think how much that would help out your local sheep farmer.
I guess mine is to launch my shop ! I wanna make some historical trims, decorations and crafted accessories from different time periods, mostly 18th and 19th century, using authentic patterns and methods as much as possible
I am a trained costume maker but can't work in cinema like i used to so that will be my way of still enjoying historical fashion :D also i enjoy learning all kinds of fiber arts and needlework so that will keep some variety in, as well as allowing me to adapt to my chronic illness
I hope everyone here has a nice year !
I agree so much with your differentiation of "authentic" and "accurate".
Your talking about wearing your kit around town tugged at a memory that has finally resurfaced. Years ago, I remember seeing a fellow walking down the street in a cloak (it was cold that day). I remember thinking "Now, there's a fashion I'd like to see come back!"
Leather work or jewellery making always seems popular. Plus some of the equipment can be used for multiple periods. Or a healer/medic/herbalist could be fun
There’s pretty much a new viking market every week during summer in Norway!
Funnily enough I found your channel while doing research in the reenactment group for my first kit and it’s been great to watch in the background haha☺️
Definitely do the ties on the hood! I did them on mine and I don't know why they're done more often - especially going round the back of the head it makes it so that it moves with your head better and is easier to wear.
I keep trying to find you at events - and miss you every time!! Hopefully this year at York .... 😁😂
If you’re at Yorl and shout my name by the Minster I’ll probably appear or be thrown at you by someone 😅
Those are amazing goals and I might steal a couple. I have a 19th century sack coat all cut out that I need to sew up - almost 20 years doing mid-19th century reenactments and I've never had an outer garment (most events I've done are midsummer). My medieval needs to be finished. 18th in progress, needs to be finished.
In Denmark, the city of Roskilde, we have a fantastic museum of vikingships..And during spring and summer, it is even possible to sail in one, on the fjord.. You must try it 👍👍👍
First of all, my goal this year is to make more clothes. I do Viking and 14th/15th century garb for SCA and my stuff is all pretty old. I attend 3 major camping events and maybe 10 other one day events each year. I always need to increase the authenticity of my technique in clothing construction and materials.
Secondly, you should check out the Viking village of Njardeheimr in Gudvangen east of Bergen in Norway. You can stay in the village if you want I think. I was there in 2017 and it’s probably even better now.
It’s so fun. Thanks for your videos.
ok the gloves are everything
Mittens.,..gloves have fingers(which incidentally are a bastard to work in knitting)
Hi Jimmy, have you considered that you could make your multitasking abilities your specialism? I can just see you do that, because you like to move about, go places, see things. And that happens just as much in a field as in travelling abroad! Have fun with working towards your wonderful goals and all happiness!
"I'm slowly sinking into this bog, it's wonderful."
An absolute mood
Mood, don’t have a bog to sink into😢, would a swamp work?😂
Happy New Year! All good fortune with your goals!
As a 17th century re-enacter i did watch your 17th century videos and would like to see more.
You are also one if the people we inspired mea few years ago to try and build up a yt channel for my re-enactment groep.
Allemansend Re-enactment.
And im not telling my re-enactment goals for this year, since that wil probebly stop me from acheving them due to depression and anexiety
Jimmy at the Oerlinghausen Freilichtmuseum Wikingertage would be wild. Especially because they cover all manner of fiber craft... except sewing and mending. They also regularly end up focusing very heavily on artisan work despite trying their darndest to show everyday life. "Just some guy fixing his mittens to the best of his abilities" is underrepresented.
(The dyer will be breathing down your neck come Sunday lunchtime if you bring pale-colored garments, though. She's run out of stuff to dye every year I've visited.)
Town drunk? Did they have those? Candle maker? Did they have those? ooooo, Falconer? That would be cool, if they had those. I blame you, you have not taught me enough, lol Something that makes you really happy while you're doing it. May this New Year be the best year yet.
I'm not a reenactor, even though I don't love learning about other people doing it.
I do sew my own clothing, though, and the more I learn about different clothing from different places and times, the more I like (respectfully) pulling old clothing ideas out of history and applying them to modern clothing. I have a very feminine jacket i made for myself which includes a gathered 1930s style men's pocket on it. People LIKE that pocket, and are amazed when I explain where it's from. So things like that.
Dude! I watched your 17thC videos. Looked forward to them and enjoyed them. Anxiously awaiting the next ones. Please do put them out there. Happy New Year!
No event in Germany? We feel left out. Although the a-tier events will probably be limited.
This passing year, I finished my 12th century lower nobleman (ministerial) kit. Including a self made leather belt with bronze ornaments, I made myself, linen undergarments, and a nice rectangular cloak. Wool, linen, and leather.
Goals for next year:
- attend more events andvisit more markets. My season was cut short in July, when I had a car accident.
- building a 12th century shield (I already have the wooden core made out of glued planks) so main work will be glueing on several layers of linen (with hide glue of course) and then painting it with tempera.
- sewing a gardecorps for the cold season
- bonus goal: learn how to naalbind
"If you've got a fjord, I'd love to see it" is a terrible pick-up line, Jimmy. :)
To be fair, if someone used it on me in a bar I'd probably let them buy me a drink. 🤭
@@kenbrown2540 😂
*waggles eyebrows suggestively*
@@TheWelshViking :)
Jimmy's reenactment: very demure, very mindful!
Seriously though, thank you- you've been among the inspiration for me finally getting into reenactment properly this past year. Diolch, innit!
Goals for this year:
Make my kirtle;
Make it to An Event;
Maybe get better at nalbinding/accurate drop-spinning enough to take it to An Event;
Not to burn myself out doing any of the above 😅
I know how much you love nature, so you probably already have one, but a tip I was given to break in my kit and make it look more lived-in is to garden in it! Just spend a few hours doing yardwork and gardening in your kit, it'll definitely give some wear to the parts that historically would've been worn down!
Please come to Canterbury Faire in New Zealand! We also have fiords!
Sold!
@@TheWelshViking And Hobbiton!
Speaking of "pining for the fjords" and such: I live on a fjord! It's just not a Northern European one...I live on Puget Sound in Washington state in the U.S., which is a big fjord, it's just not often recognized as one--except by many of the original settlers in Seattle, who were Swedes! There's a section of Seattle called Ballard where there's a lot of Scandinavian heritage, and there's even a place called the Nordic Viking Center there that I am sure would love a visit from you! ;)
Independent of all that: while it is not even in the "yes, this is happening" phase yet, there's a project I can only speak about in the most vague terms. But, since you have your own wardrobe, you have knowledge of such things, and you speak some of the requisite languages (i.e. Welsh!), you'd be PERFECT for something I have in the works...if it does end up going forward in 2025, I will definitely contact you, because it would be amazing if that was the context in which I could actually meet you!
Exciting! And a part of the world I’ve wanted to see more of!
@@TheWelshViking Excellent! While the housing crisis in Seattle has not been kind to it in many ways, the surrounding areas are still quite lovely in many respects, and Seattle itself does still have lots to recommend it.
Next year I hope the improve the kit worn by my colleagues at the Scottish Crannog Centre. I also hope to spin and weave my first twill fabric. The other day I made a reconstruction of one of the beads in our collection, in the coming months I plan to try to recreate it again, but using historically accurate tools. I wonder, could you be a scribe?
I love the Scottish Crannog Centre! I'm planning to visit again in July to see the progress. Keep up the great work you are all doing up there!
really good list. Mine is completing my garb (several in progress items), not so much because I expect, or even hope to wear them... I do love wearing my garb and wear it at home just because it is comfortable
I'm not into reenactment, but I've been taking a lot of historical inspiration for my long term goal of making my entire wardrobe by 2030. I've just finished making a hood inspired by the same find as yours, and am using the same fabric to make a modified short ruana cloak. I've found that short cloaks and capes work really well for me as a fat wheelchair user for keeping warm without adding loads of bulk under the arms.
I put an order up for a tent that im hoping and expecting to get some time in the next year.
Like you i have also been wondering what my niche should be. I have been traveling with a blacksmith and a tailor, and my job so far have been to help, and inform. Im thinking some kind of woodwork.. Perhaps some horn stuff?
I am also on the look out to improve and learn how to improve my own viking gear, and i have a couple of plans and shopping lists in mind for events next year
Wishing you a year of endless possibilities and exciting new opportunities.
I'm REALLY hoping to get to Bicolline in 2025. Granted, it's more re-enactment *adjacent* than anything, but my kit will be as historically adequate as possible. I think my impression will be making sprang items. It's a very portable craft that is also very practical. What would i call that? Sprangsmith? Sprangster?
I do like sprangster
If you’re hoping to travel more, what about being a pilgrim? I assume that would not require much in the way of gear except for maybe a pilgrim badge and whatever the medieval equivalent of luggage would be. Oh, and then you could give out stickers that are pilgrim badges! I don’t know if that fits with your current kit, though. Did people of your re-enactment persona’s station go on pilgrimage? Was being a pilgrim who survived as a day laborer a thing?
Pilgrims are definitely a thing at all levels of society.
There were also itinerant artisans - skilled trades working on castle buildings and on cathedrals which would fit into finding a specialism.
I think Jimmy would make a good travelling bard - so many stories tell, so much era appropriate 'news' to pass on.
Pining for the fjords . . .?
Could you be any more adorable? I love your videos, and I can't believe that I haven't subscribed before now.
Maybe for a specialty, pick two things, at least one which wouldn't be too crazy/expensive to put together appropriate gear for. That way, if the event coordinators say, "Oh, we don't need an X, we already have one." you have a backup profession already lined up?
My goals this year include: get really good at painting minis, write an introductory level physics textbook which is readable (sadly, not a feature of most academic books) and interesting while being informative, make a medieval kirtle out of linen & maybe another out of wool which I could even wear to work, and finally sewing & embroidering my Nier Automata 2B dtess.
Thank you as always for a great video Jimmy! I wish I could be an early medieval reenactor, but where I live in the heart of the US, there aren't many options around, so I content myself with simply studying history and historical languages. One of my big goals last year was to learn Old English, and I can say happily that I have come a very long way in a year, so that has been great. One for 2025 is actually to study more Welsh history! I have always loved studying Anglo-Saxon England, but when I discovered your channel a little over a year ago, I fell in love with the history of Wales; I even wrote my senior thesis for my undergraduate degree on Gruffudd ap Llywelyn, in large part thanks to inspiration from you! I want to do more reading on early Medieval Wales this year. Thank you for everything you do for us all, Jimmy! I hope you have a wonderful year of reenactment, and I am very excited to see videos of what you are up to (and any time you put some extra stuff about Wales and Welsh anything I will be exceptionally happy!) Diolch yn fawr! Hwyl am y tro!
You can reenact solo! Make the kit as you find the time and maybe see if you can take a trip so visit a group somewhere. You may have friends in a city or town with an SCA presence that would allow you to play with them? :) Diolch am dy gefnogaeth!
My goal is to finally finish my Viking shield.
You’ll do it and it’ll be great!
5:04 cosplayer pokes their head up: Weathering? Authentic weathering?
In regards impressions: I think you'd make a fantastic skald. You're an excellent and engaging storyteller and 'explainer of things', and that's a skald/bard/storyteller/lorekeeper type person.
ALSO I am interested in your 17th Century thing! I would love to do a Roundhead impression and I'm following along!
Most of my costuming goals are cosplay-related (I have to finish my partner's Mandalorian armour), but I would love to go to a couple of local reenactments and get in contact with people.
I am definitely interested in the 17th century stuff! But I can understand if that's not everyone's interest.
Right? I thought it was so cool. I'd love to see more!
Travelling trader but there was a mishap and your shipmates left you behind, now you have to make your way back to Jorvik alone, learning and acquiring pieces of kit as you go. Working on your sewing and dyeing skills along the way, until you return home looking fabulous.
Running a specific display is very good fun but can be exhausting if there's a lot of public, you do start to feel a bit like an NPC with set dialogue options for different items the public can ask about lol. I absolutely love doing it and will keep doing it in the new year but I stepped back a bit this past Hastings and allowed myself to mooch around camp a bit more which was lovely and a bit more relaxing.
My personal goals for 2025 are:
1. Starting a Roman reenactment group for York!! I noticed a gap in the market so to speak, and with York's incredible Roman heritage it's a shame that it gets overlooked by reenactors, and it'll be a chance to do my Roman impressions more often
2. Also travel! I want to join some of my friends at events in Ireland and Denmark especially
3. Make a 15th century tunic and finally get to Bosworth. I used to be in a 15th century group and the first event Imissed in 2020 was the Battle of Bosworth, I recently got back in touch with then and went to a couple events in a borrowed tunic (I have everything else for 15th century kit except a top), so I'll put together a nice late 15th century impression and get myself to Bosworth
If anyone is interested in joining the Roman group do let me know! I'm currently putting together a couple group chats to get things started
Totally agree! I started doing that in the past year too, picking an event to just chill at rather than running my display. Sometimes we just need that day "off" to be the background extra rather than the active NPC 😂