So, I finally decided that I was going to pursue leatherwork. It's a big gap in the craft that the group does, so it'll be a good thing for me to get into. Not to mention I'll get to make myself some really good shoes. There's one thing that I've heard more than anything else - reenactors want to invest in their socks and shoes!
But anyway, I got a few pieces of very basic kit to get me started - an iron leatherwork needle, an iron, antler handled awl, and a pair of iron snips. Although if you look closely you'll see my acidic fingers have already marked them as mine! I hope they don't turn to rust powder before I get to go to my first show.
I'm excited about the antler handle though - working it to make it a bit fancier is definitely a great project to start me off on my bone working. I can't really ruin it, and even if I did, it was only £5, so it'd be no great loss. I'm thinking of doing a nice line and dot pattern, inspired by the combs and dice I've been finding. A few simple shapes is not only pretty authentic for a tool, but looks really effective. I love this design from a bone needle found on the Historiska site, with a row of bands.
Once I've gotten a taste for the bone working with the awl, I think I'll most likely make myself a nalblnding needle, and an antler needle case to match my awl.
Another thing I was looking at was the possibility of making myself a lucet, which shouldn't be too hard, as apparently the most common method of making the tool was to use a cow nosebone.
Well, I guess it's time to go to the butchers to ask for a cow skull. As my mother pointed out when she was here last 'A pale, socially awkward figure all in black buying strange animal parts...that'll go down well with your new neighbors.'
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