Making the Costumes for the Viking Family Portrait

KELSEY PATTON is the costume maker for the Viking Family Portrait painting project. She and her husband, Phillip, live in St. Paul, Minnesota. They are both Viking reenactors and take part in many Nordic events in the Twin Cities and elsewhere. Kelsey studied History,  the Classics, and Medieval and Renaissance Studies  at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, Nebraska. I have not asked her a question that has stumped her. Kelsey is a full time historical costume maker. You can view her blog at http://costumegirl.wordpress.com/about/.  Here is a wonderful video of her made by the NORSK HOSTFEST FILM SERIES, "Seeing History As A Perfect Fit" at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1PRRhZ6dLw.

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I have been working with Kelsey for a few months by phone and email on this project. I met her for the first time last Sunday. She and her husband, Phillip, stopped by my daughter's house after an afternoon of activities at the Danish American Center. We had a few decisions to make about the costumes. 
In this photo we are discussing tablet weaving colors and design. Tablet weaving is a ribbon with a design all hand made from wool yarn. The finished weaving will be applied to the costumes at the neck line of the father's tunic and the children's clothes. The mother will have the weaving at the top, bottom and cuffs of her apron dress. 

Viking women were always making yarn and weaving fabric as a necessary part of life. Below are photos of the color specs I sent to kelsey and a picture of Kelsey, Phillip and me on Sunday, June 1st. Thanks Kelsey and Phillip for your expert help on this project! It is a privilege to work with you and to develop a friendship as well. Your enthusiasm for the Viking Age encourages me to do my best on the painting. 

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