Hose are difficult

[frualeydis]

Especially making hose for children, because the proportions of the foot is so different compared to adults. It makes it hard to get the pattern right because it looks nothing like you expect it to. Last year I made hose like the ones from the excavations in London, with two seams crossing under the foot. That was OK since she didn't walk much then. Now that she walks I think she would find the seams uncomfortable (small children are almost flat footed) so I'm going with a pattern with separate soles and small gores at the sides. There are some good sketches of 16th century dutch finds constructed like this, including one child's hose, in Hanna Zimmerman's article in NESAT VIII.
But actually making them is hard. I have made two trial versions that weren't good and will now start on the third.
I need to get the pattern done today so that I can bring a couple of hose along to sew when I go to Vadstena medieval day tomorrow morning.

Comments

[mmcnealy.livejournal.com]

Are they also difficult to make because children wiggle and won't stand still? :)

I know when I got fitted for socks, it was really hard to stand still, and I'm an adult.

[frualeydis.livejournal.com]

You have to make the pattern differently; you can't pin them to fit but have to try them on and try to remember what changes to make for the next trial pair. And they won't fit as well as the ones you make for yourself.

Eva

[frualeydis.livejournal.com]

Actually, I feel the felled seams in mine. Not in medieval shoes, but when I put my special soles in them. That's because the cross is under the arch, but when the arch is fileld up with a sole you really feel the seams. Espcially if you take into account all the walking you do, at least five kilomtres a day is my estimation.
You would probably feel them less if they were made in felted wool cloth, but we use thin worsted tabby for summerwear.
And linen hose for Maja as sun protection.


Eva

[silverstah.livejournal.com]

I'm just so impressed that you really put so much time and effort into Maja's garb, considering how quickly she grows out of it. :) I'm sure that if I had children, I'd be tempted just to make them tunics and put them in non-period pants. ;)