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!
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 ☺
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.
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!
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.
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.
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. :)
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. 😂
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!
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.
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!!!
The Wandering Welsh Viking. Might be sort of like the Primitive Camping Survival genre of RUclips videos, leaning more toward "how to stay warm overnight in the woods by wrapping yourself in a woolen cloak, woolen tunic, and woolen mittens."
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.
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'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!!!
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.
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
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
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!
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?
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. 😉
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.
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. 😊
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.
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.
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!
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.
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 :)
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!"
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 :)
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
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 😅
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!!!
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.
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.)
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...
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 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 !
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.
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
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 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!
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!
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.
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 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.
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.
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
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!
If you don't have anything that's jumped out at you as a possible "profession", there are two main options that stuck out to me to find one. First, is there a gap you see? "Why is no one ever doing cheesemaking?? Don't they know how many cheesemakers there were?!" Or insert noticed profession here. Alternatively, is there a skill you want to learn? If you've ever had a hankering to learn blacksmithing, this could be an excuse! You might go in knowing nothing about the trade initially, but then you can just call yourself an apprentice, and pick up skills along the way.
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.
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
Happy new year from a beginner viking Welsh guy in Seattle. Great to hear the accent - I've not been home in 16 years now. I'm missing the Felinfoel Double Dragon and Welsh cakes quite a bit!
People need to wear more natural fibers, looks good and feels comfortable. I would love to attend a reenactment, age and location says no. Love this channel ❤
This year is a "battle of Visby" year. It's the same time and place as Medieval week, but the Battle of Visby is more serious reenactment and is only held every third year. Just saying...
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.
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.
A suggestion for how to find your niche, from a subscriber far far away: given your historical/archaeological background, knowledge of finds all across Europe, and kit reviews of period movies and fellow re-enactors' gear for historical accuracy based on what's actually known and proven, might I suggest you do cultural / historical explanations for the time period being re-enacted? I don't know what trade you prefer to do, that you'd like to work on and keep your hands busy while on site, but based on what you talk about on the channel, you seem keenly aware of culture, religion, economy, and goods, and how different peoples interacted with each other, and able to chase away modern impressions to show what's real and cool. That sort of perspective is invaluable to any role you take on. Also, given your interest in comedy, being able to introduce amusing stories would be enjoyed by others, re-enactors and visitors alike. I went to a local haunted tour of a local crematorium in October and all of the storytellers had wild stories to share, based on their interest and research niche. But the ones in kit were the more interesting, just because they looked the part. So maybe folkorist / storyteller? Unless you'd prefer to keep real life pursuits separate from re-enacting pursuits, which is also a wise choice. You'll excel at whatever you put your hand to, and will gravitate to the thing you enjoy the most, so if it's not apparent now, you'll end up doing what you like in the end. Cheers!
can't belive it's just been 4 years since i'm following you... feels like much more for the new year i want to at least make one kit, from start to (almost) finish myself. it's gonna be tough...
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.
My Goals for next year have nothing to do with reenactment, but with crafting overall: I want to finish a bunch of the projects I enthusiastically started and then never finished.
Hey there Jimmy, I started watching back in 2020. You inspired me to make a tunic for fun, and it was the most comfortable thing I have ever fekkin' worn. There's a reason we wore them for several millenia. I learned how to make puti's and Killery trews and I bought a whole nine yards of kilt, six yards of which are gone in the trews and another tunic. It's Clergy tartan, so I feel like the blue Power Ranger when I wear it all at once. I've never felt more comfortable than when I wear my historical clothes, it's pretty much what I wear on the daily. Now for my utterly unsolicited advice: do living history! Just, live historically at an event. Do and try all the stuff you spoke about! Repair your clothes; try making ink; find some leather and make something just for funzies while you're out just being mindful at the event. Honestly, just watching you dress up and do stuff is the pinnacle of my experience watching this channel! You're obviously very passionate about kit and the materials and the craftsmanship, it's quite infectious:)
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 Made (Partner) an Elizabethan Outfit for Yule [CC]](/img/1.gif)
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!
How dare RUclips give this to me three minutes late! For Jimmy, for the algorithm!!! 🎉
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
Here for pink mittens appreciation time
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!
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 ☺
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.
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!
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.
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.
Happy Hogswatch, Jimmy.
Right back atcha!
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. :)
9:24 He's pining for the fjords
When you put your hands up together as you talk, it looks like a pink bunny hopping on your lap !
The mittens are adorable.
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. 😂
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!
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!
my 2025 reenactment goal is honestly "more shenanigans"
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.
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!!!
The Wandering Welsh Viking. Might be sort of like the Primitive Camping Survival genre of RUclips videos, leaning more toward "how to stay warm overnight in the woods by wrapping yourself in a woolen cloak, woolen tunic, and woolen mittens."
Always a delight to see you. If you want a suggestion I think we were promised video on Merlin some years back. Blessings!
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.
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'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!!!
Jimmy please come to Visby on Gotland in the Baltic. They have an incredible Medieval Week August 1st through the 7th!
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.
As someone who is unable to attend events, I enjoy seeing others being able to!
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
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
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!
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?
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. 😉
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.
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’!
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.
Happy New Year, everyone!
Ever tried making antler combs? You don't need tons of tools, and every good viking needs one. Just an idea.
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 👀
"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?😂
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!
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.
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 :)
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!"
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 :)
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
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 😅
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!!!
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.
I agree so much with your differentiation of "authentic" and "accurate".
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.)
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...
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.
ok the gloves are everything
Mittens.,..gloves have fingers(which incidentally are a bastard to work in knitting)
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 !
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.
If more re-enactors were to use wool just think how much that would help out your local sheep farmer.
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
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.
"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 :)
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!
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!
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
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 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 😅
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.
There’s a nice Hanseatic League museum in Bergen, Norway. If you’re up that way looking for a fjord.
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.
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
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!
If you don't have anything that's jumped out at you as a possible "profession", there are two main options that stuck out to me to find one. First, is there a gap you see? "Why is no one ever doing cheesemaking?? Don't they know how many cheesemakers there were?!" Or insert noticed profession here. Alternatively, is there a skill you want to learn? If you've ever had a hankering to learn blacksmithing, this could be an excuse! You might go in knowing nothing about the trade initially, but then you can just call yourself an apprentice, and pick up skills along the way.
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.
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
Happy new year from a beginner viking Welsh guy in Seattle. Great to hear the accent - I've not been home in 16 years now. I'm missing the Felinfoel Double Dragon and Welsh cakes quite a bit!
If I’m ever over that way I’ll bring a couple of bottles of it over for you :)
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!
Pining for the fjords . . .?
Wishing you a year of endless possibilities and exciting new opportunities.
Jimmy, I think your niche is education. You are a good teacher. Could there be a way for you to be he keeper of wisdom or the importer of wisdom?
People need to wear more natural fibers, looks good and feels comfortable. I would love to attend a reenactment, age and location says no. Love this channel ❤
Just start wearing the kit as everyday clothes. You may start a trend. If nothing else, your garb will look properly used and weathered.
God Jul och Gott Nytt År från Sverige. Hope you have a great time. (Y)
This year is a "battle of Visby" year. It's the same time and place as Medieval week, but the Battle of Visby is more serious reenactment and is only held every third year. Just saying...
Please come to Canterbury Faire in New Zealand! We also have fiords!
Sold!
@@TheWelshViking And Hobbiton!
I’m interested in your 17th century kit 🥺
me too!
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.
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.
Fjord? Yes, I have one of those. It's not the best, but it serves its purpose.
A suggestion for how to find your niche, from a subscriber far far away: given your historical/archaeological background, knowledge of finds all across Europe, and kit reviews of period movies and fellow re-enactors' gear for historical accuracy based on what's actually known and proven, might I suggest you do cultural / historical explanations for the time period being re-enacted? I don't know what trade you prefer to do, that you'd like to work on and keep your hands busy while on site, but based on what you talk about on the channel, you seem keenly aware of culture, religion, economy, and goods, and how different peoples interacted with each other, and able to chase away modern impressions to show what's real and cool. That sort of perspective is invaluable to any role you take on.
Also, given your interest in comedy, being able to introduce amusing stories would be enjoyed by others, re-enactors and visitors alike. I went to a local haunted tour of a local crematorium in October and all of the storytellers had wild stories to share, based on their interest and research niche. But the ones in kit were the more interesting, just because they looked the part. So maybe folkorist / storyteller?
Unless you'd prefer to keep real life pursuits separate from re-enacting pursuits, which is also a wise choice. You'll excel at whatever you put your hand to, and will gravitate to the thing you enjoy the most, so if it's not apparent now, you'll end up doing what you like in the end. Cheers!
can't belive it's just been 4 years since i'm following you... feels like much more
for the new year i want to at least make one kit, from start to (almost) finish myself. it's gonna be tough...
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.
My Goals for next year have nothing to do with reenactment, but with crafting overall: I want to finish a bunch of the projects I enthusiastically started and then never finished.
Hey there Jimmy,
I started watching back in 2020. You inspired me to make a tunic for fun, and it was the most comfortable thing I have ever fekkin' worn. There's a reason we wore them for several millenia. I learned how to make puti's and Killery trews and I bought a whole nine yards of kilt, six yards of which are gone in the trews and another tunic. It's Clergy tartan, so I feel like the blue Power Ranger when I wear it all at once. I've never felt more comfortable than when I wear my historical clothes, it's pretty much what I wear on the daily.
Now for my utterly unsolicited advice: do living history! Just, live historically at an event. Do and try all the stuff you spoke about! Repair your clothes; try making ink; find some leather and make something just for funzies while you're out just being mindful at the event.
Honestly, just watching you dress up and do stuff is the pinnacle of my experience watching this channel! You're obviously very passionate about kit and the materials and the craftsmanship, it's quite infectious:)
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