• ÅSA • Hand-Sewn Viking Age Four-Panel Apron Dress | Premium Thin Twill Wool (290 g/m²) | Based on Finds from Birka, Haithabu, York & Dublin
A HISTORICALLY ACCURATE RECONSTRUCTION ✨ Archaeological Evidence in Every Element
Step into Viking Age craftsmanship with the ÅSA apron dress, a broader interpretation based on multiple archaeological finds across Viking settlements. This four-panel construction represents a different tailoring tradition than our Haithabu-based FREYDIS, offering an alternative historical silhouette documented through various Viking Age textile fragments.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL FOUNDATION Our reconstruction draws from multiple Viking Age sites: • Birka grave finds (793-972 CE) • Hedeby settlement evidence • Additional Norse settlement textile fragments • Supporting iconographic evidence
CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS Each ÅSA dress showcases Viking Age tailoring: • Four-panel design documented in finds • Balanced weight distribution • Hand-sewn throughout using verified techniques • Stitch length following archaeological evidence • Period-accurate edge treatments
MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS Premium Thin Twill Wool (290 g/m²): • Thread diameter matching finds • Wool-on-wool construction throughout • Available in three historical color collections:
Natural Shades: • White • Light Gray • Dark Beige • Camel • Walnut Brown
Yellow & Red Shades: • Honey Yellow • Camel • Orange • Pink • Terracotta Red • Red • Lavendel
Green & Blue Shades: • Light Green • Bronze Olive Green • Light Blue • Petrol Blue
CUSTOMIZATION OPTIONS
Loop Material: Linen Loops (Woolsome LCP Collection, 230 g/m²): • White (03/01) • Natural (02/01) • Beige (86/01)
Wool Loops Option: • Matching dress color (thin twill wool, 290 g/m²)
SIZING Available in standard sizes S-XXL or custom measurements. For custom sizing, please provide your measurements in the comments section at checkout: • Bust • Waist • Hips • Desired length
Please include in your comment section at checkout:
- Preferred loop material and color
- Any custom measurements if needed
CRAFTSMANSHIP Each ÅSA dress is entirely hand-sewn following documented Viking Age techniques. Unlike machine-sewn or partially hand-sewn garments, every stitch is placed by hand, ensuring historical accuracy and exceptional durability for professional reenactment use.
PROCESSING TIME Each ÅSA dress requires 60 days for completion, reflecting the dedication to authentic hand-construction methods and careful attention to historical detail.
Note: Oval brooches, jewelry, and accessories are not included in this offer.
The ÅSA apron dress reconstruction draws from multiple significant Viking Age settlements (8th-11th century), combining evidence from Birka, Haithabu, York, and Dublin. This broader archaeological foundation allows for a four-panel construction that represents diverse Viking Age tailoring traditions.
Primary Archaeological Sources:
• Birka Graves (793-972 CE):
- Textile fragments showing panel construction
- Documented stitch lengths: 3-5mm
- Seam allowances: 8-10mm
- Loop and strap placement evidence
• Haithabu Harbor Finds:
- Panel joining techniques
- Construction methods
- Material thickness specifications
- Edge treatment evidence
• York & Dublin Trading Centers:
- Supporting construction evidence
- Regional variations in technique
- Material usage patterns
- Comparative stitching methods
Supporting Archaeological Context:
• Contemporary Evidence:
- Multiple settlement finds
- Trading center variations
- Regional construction methods
- Cross-site verification
Construction techniques are verified against multiple archaeological sources, ensuring historical accuracy while representing the diversity of Viking Age dress construction. Complete archaeological documentation available upon academic request.
• Historical reenactors seeking documented authenticity
• Museum demonstrations and educational displays
• Living history events and presentations
• Academic research and historical interpretation
• Educational institutions and heritage centers
✨ Museum-Grade Hand Construction
Each ÅSA apron dress represents authentic Viking Age craftsmanship, entirely hand-sewn following techniques documented across multiple archaeological sites:
Authenticated Construction Methods:
• Every seam hand-stitched with historically accurate:
- Backstitch (3-5mm) for main seams
- Whipstitch (2-3mm) for edge finishing
- Running stitch (4-6mm) for panel joining • No machine stitching at any stage • Each stitch placed with archaeological precision • Four-panel construction verified against multiple finds
Historical Accuracy:
• Seam placement following Birka grave evidence
• Panel joining techniques from Haithabu finds
• Edge treatments matching York textile fragments
• Documented hem construction from Dublin evidence
• Period-accurate thread tension
Quality Assurance:
• Every stitch individually inspected
• Seam strength tested to reenactment standards
• Four-panel alignment verified against findings
• Construction documented throughout process
• Museum-grade finishing techniques
Our garments are created for professional reenactors and serious historians who value absolute historical authenticity. Each piece reflects our commitment to museum-grade reconstruction and archaeological accuracy.
Choose options
A Piece of Living History
FROM VIKING TRADING CENTERS TO YOUR WARDROBE
Historical Legacy
Across the Viking world, from Birka to Haithabu, from York to Dublin (8th-11th century), archaeological discoveries have painted a rich picture of Norse women's clothing. Our ÅSA apron dress draws from multiple significant trading centers, each contributing crucial evidence of Viking Age dress construction. These diverse finds reveal not just garment assembly methods, but the sophisticated variations in Norse tailoring traditions across different settlements.
The textile fragments from these major trading centers, with their preserved stitching evidence and panel construction details, demonstrate how Viking Age craftswomen adapted their techniques across regions while maintaining exceptional quality. Grave finds from Birka (793-972 CE), combined with settlement evidence from Haithabu and textile fragments from York and Dublin, showcase the evolution of apron dress construction throughout the Viking world.
Authentic Craftsmanship
Each ÅSA is entirely hand-sewn using techniques documented across multiple Viking Age sites. From the characteristic four-panel construction evidenced in various settlements to the precise strap and loop placement preserved in grave finds, every element reflects the rich diversity of the archaeological record. We use only premium thin twill wool (290 g/m²), matching the quality found in Viking Age textile fragments, ensuring your garment represents the finest craftsmanship from this remarkable era.
Documented Techniques from 8th-11th Century Textile Finds
VIKING AGE CONSTRUCTION METHODS ✨ Archaeological Evidence in Every Stitch
Body Construction: Haithabu Innovation
Archaeological evidence from Haithabu (8th-11th century) forms the foundation of our four-panel design, with particular focus on the harbor settlement's extensive textile corpus. The brown-dyed wool fragments from Haithabu, with their preserved stitch holes and construction evidence, provide crucial documentation for Viking Age dress making.
Historical Construction Details:
🧵 Primary Evidence: Haithabu Harbor Finds
• Construction Documentation:
- Fragment H14A (30cm x 16-23cm x 0.1cm): • Panel construction evidence • Stitch hole preservation • Material thickness specifications
- Fragments 64 & 65: • Backstitch spacing: 4-6mm • Running stitch: 3-5mm • Seam allowances: 8-10mm
- Fragments 48 & 49: • Whipstitch: 2-3mm • Edge finishing methods • Reinforcement techniques
- Harbor finds 91 & 92: • Panel joining evidence • Thread diameter specifications
- Fragments 101 & 102: • Hem construction: 12-15mm depth • Edge treatment methods
📏 Supporting Evidence
• Birka (793-972 CE):
- Complementary construction methods
- Supporting panel evidence
- Comparable seam techniques
✨ Construction Standards
Each ÅSA reflects verified Haithabu evidence:
• Main seams following fragments 64 & 65
• Edge treatments based on fragments 48 & 49
• Four-panel assembly incorporating H14A specifications
• Hem construction following finds 101 & 102
• All techniques cross-referenced with Birka finds
LOOP CONSTRUCTION
✨ Archaeological Evidence
Primary Sources: Haithabu Finds
• Grave Finds 159/1960 & 182-185/1960:
- Loop placement documentation
- Material evidence: both linen and wool
- Attachment methods preserved
- Spacing measurements
• Harbor Settlement Evidence:
- Fragment 82 A-D: Loop construction
- Preserved stitching patterns
- Thread diameter specifications
- Attachment techniques
Supporting Evidence:
• Birka Graves (793-972 CE):
- Complementary loop placement
- Material usage variations
- Regional adaptations
WHO WEARS OUR GARMENTS
✨ For Those Who Value Historical Accuracy
Our handcrafted garments find their way into the hands of those who understand the significance of authentic historical clothing. Each piece tells a story of Viking Age craftsmanship, supported by archaeological evidence and academic research.
Historical Reenactors
For those who bring history to life
• Documented construction methods
• Authentic materials
• Period-appropriate designs
• Perfect for living history events
Museum Educators
Teaching through authentic garments
• Based on museum artifacts
• Educational value
• Archaeological evidence
• Perfect for demonstrations
History Enthusiasts
Connecting with the past
• Authentic experience
• Historical accuracy
• Natural materials
• Daily wear comfort
Our Commitment
Each garment is created with the same attention to detail found in Viking Age textiles. Whether you're demonstrating historical techniques at a museum, participating in reenactment events, or simply appreciate historically accurate clothing, our pieces offer both authenticity and functionality.
290g/m² Premium Wool - Matching Textile Finds from Viking Age Settlements
Viking Age Wool: Woven to Archaeological Standards
Step into authentic Viking Age clothing with our carefully sourced wool. Each piece features traditional 2/2 twill weave with 11/11 threads per cm, matching the sophisticated textile craft of our ancestors.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL PRECISION
Our 100% wool (290g/m²) with its distinctive 2/2 twill weave precisely matches textile fragments discovered across Viking Age settlements. This specific thread count of 11/11 per cm ensures your garment maintains the exact drape, warmth, and durability evidenced in archaeological finds.
HISTORICALLY DOCUMENTED CONSTRUCTION
Each aspect of our wool fabric honors Viking Age textile craft:
• Traditional 2/2 twill weave pattern
• 11 threads per cm in both directions
• 290g/m² weight matching archaeological findings
• Authentic drape and movement
• Natural fiber characteristics
White - WKT 02/01
Light Gray - wkt 04/02
Dark Beige - WKTL 85/01
Walnut Brown - WKTL 83/01
Camel - WKT 92/06
Honey Yellow - WKT 42/05
orange - wkt 47/08
pink - wkt 68/02
red - wkt 58/11
Terracota Red - 58/05
light blue - wkt 16/09
petrol blue - wkt 95/06
Lavender - wkt 69/06
Light Green - WKT 32/05
Bonze Olive Green - wkt 28/03
A Guide to Historical Garment Measurements Based on Viking Age Findings
HOW TO MEASURE YOURSELF & STANDARD SIZING✨ Archaeological Accuracy in Every Measurement
Essential Measurements Guide
✨ For Historical Accuracy
Based on archaeological evidence from Haithabu graves and textile fragments, proper fit is crucial for authentic Viking Age apron dress construction. Our sizing follows documented finds while ensuring practical wearability.
Required Measurements:
• Bust
Stand straight with arms relaxed at sides. Measure around the fullest part of the bust, keeping tape parallel to ground. This measurement is crucial for proper strap placement following grave finds 159/1960 and 182-185/1960.
• Waist
Measure around natural waistline, where the dress will be fitted. Archaeological evidence shows Viking Age apron dresses were often fitted at this point for proper draping.
• Hips
Measure around the fullest part, keeping tape parallel to ground. This ensures authentic panel width distribution following Fragment H14A evidence.
• Length
Measure from where the straps will sit on shoulders to desired hem length. Historical finds suggest varying lengths were common, typically falling from mid-calf to ankle.
Optional but Recommended:
• Upper hip (20cm below waist)
• Low hip (at fullest point)
These measurements help ensure authentic panel shaping following Haithabu harbor finds.
Historical Accuracy Note:
Our measurements and sizing are informed by careful study of Haithabu grave finds and textile fragments, particularly H14A dimensions. Each garment's construction reflects current understanding of Viking Age clothing, based on preserved archaeological evidence.
Tips for Accurate Measuring:
• Wear lightweight clothing
• Keep measuring tape snug but not tight
• Measure twice for accuracy
• Request assistance if possible
• Note any specific length preferences
For custom adjustments or specific historical variations, please include details in your order comments.
Choose Your Path to Authentic Viking Age Clothing
CUSTOMIZATION OPTIONS✨ Historical Accuracy Meets Your Perfect Fit
Simple Adjustments
Need minor changes to a standard size?
Simply note in order comments:
• Overall length
• Sleeve length
• Neckline size
📏 Full Custom Experience
For a completely personalized fit:
• Provide measurements at checkout
• Request detailed consultation
• Historical proportions maintained
• Based on Viking Age findings
✨ Our Commitment
Each garment reflects:
• Complete hand-sewing
• Documented historical techniques
• Cross-referenced archaeological findings
• Carefully studied textile evidence
⏱️ Standard Processing Window: 60 Days
Creation Process & Timeline
Each garment is individually crafted through a meticulous process that honors Viking Age techniques and ensures the highest quality.
🧵 The Art of Historical Creation:
Our process honors the traditional methods of Viking Age craftspeople:
• Mindful Material Preparation
We begin by carefully preparing your chosen fabric - washing, drying, and pressing premium linens from Woolsome or fine wools. This essential step ensures proper fabric behavior and lasting quality.
• Historical Pattern Making
Each pattern is thoughtfully drafted based on your measurements and archaeological evidence from sites like Birka and Hedeby, creating garments both authentic and perfectly fitted.
• Precise Cutting Ceremony
Using traditional techniques, we carefully cut each piece to ensure historical accuracy in shape and grain alignment, crucial for proper drape.
• Hand-Stitching Legacy
Every single stitch is placed by hand, using historically documented techniques that create strong, durable seams.
• Quality Journey
Each piece undergoes careful inspection and preparation for its journey to you, maintaining our strict standards of historical accuracy.
📋 Important Notes From Your Historical Seamstress
• Your garment's creation journey begins at order confirmation
• Each piece is crafted individually in order received
• During festival seasons and markets, creation timeline may extend beyond 60 days
• Quality and historical accuracy are our primary focus
• Regular progress updates provided
• Shipping time is additional to crafting period
• All pieces created in our controlled workshop environment
• We maintain constant communication throughout the process
• Each order receives individual attention and care
• Your patience ensures historical perfection
✨ Our Commitment to Craft:
At MIMIRS SAUM, we believe true Viking Age craftsmanship cannot be rushed or mechanized. Every garment we create is entirely hand-sewn, stitch by stitch, using the same techniques that have been documented in archaeological findings from Birka, Haithabu, and other Viking Age settlements.
Our dedication to historical accuracy means we work exclusively with premium natural materials - linens from Woolsome's carefully curated collections, fine wools, and authentic silk brocades. Each fabric is chosen not just for its quality, but for its historical accuracy in weight, weave, and characteristics.
When we say "hand-sewn," we mean exactly that - every single stitch is placed by hand, using historically accurate techniques such as running stitch, backstitch, and whipstitch. No sewing machines are ever used in our workshop. This isn't just about creating clothing; it's about preserving and practicing the authentic crafting methods of the Viking Age.
Carefully Wrapped for the Journey Ahead
✨ From Our Workshop to Every Corner of Midgard
Just as each stitch is placed with purpose and care, we prepare your garment for its journey with equal attention to detail. Every piece is lovingly folded and wrapped in craft paper or wrapping paper, secured with twine, and adorned with flax or evergreen sprigs - as if preparing a special gift for someone dear. This careful presentation ensures your handcrafted treasure not only arrives safely but also provides you with the joy of unwrapping something truly special, whether it's a gift to yourself or someone you cherish.
At MIMIRS SAUM, we believe receiving your garment should be as delightful as wearing it. We've woven together a tapestry of shipping options just for you!
Nórðvegr (Norway)
Where Fjords Guide Our Path
Let your new attire sail swiftly across valleys and mountains!
• Package up to 10 kg: 73.00 NOK
• Package over 10 kg: 135.00 NOK
✨ 3-5 business days
Across the Known Lands
From Miklagarðr to Jórvík
From Hedeby to the lands of the Franks, our garments travel far and wide!
• Package up to 2 kg: 250.00 NOK
• Package up to 5 kg: 416.00 NOK
• Package up to 10 kg: 546.00 NOK
✨ 5-7 business days
To Distant Shores
From Serkland to Vinland
Our creations find their way to the far corners of the world!
• Package up to 1 kg: 348.00 NOK
• Package up to 5 kg: 596.00 NOK
• Package up to 10 kg: 906.00 NOK
✨ 10-21 business days
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & POLICIES
✨ Ancient Wisdom for Modern Journeys
Like the merchants of old who carried knowledge of distant markets and customs, we share these important details of your journey with us. From swift ravens bearing your parcel to the laws of different realms, here's what you need to know as your garment embarks on its voyage.
Swift as Odin's Ravens
Need your garment to travel faster through time? Express shipping is available upon request. Contact us at contact@mimirs-saum.com to arrange swift passage for your treasure.
A Gift from Valhalla
Your loyalty shall be rewarded! Orders over 10,000 NOK receive free worldwide shipping, ensuring your historical attire reaches you without additional cost, no matter where you dwell.
Tracking Your Treasure
Follow your garment's journey as it makes its way to you. Each order receives a tracking number delivered via ravens (email), allowing you to watch its progress through our tracking portal.
Tribute at the Borders
Just as merchants of the Viking Age paid their dues at foreign ports:
• Each realm demands its own tribute (customs fees)
• These charges vary by territory
• Local jarls (customs officials) determine the cost
• Your package may rest at customs halls
• We declare true worth, as honor demands
The Merchant's Promise
Should your garment not suit, our 30-day promise stands:
• Pure as fresh-fallen snow (unworn)
• Seals (tags) still in place
• Untouched by needle or thread
• Clean as a fjord's waters
• Send word to our hall: contact@mimirs-saum.com
CARING FOR YOUR HISTORICAL GARMENTS
✨ Ancient Wisdom for Natural Fibers
Like the skilled hands that once cared for precious textiles in Viking settlements, your garment deserves mindful treatment to maintain its beauty through time. Natural fibers respond well to gentle care, rewarding you with years of wear and increasing character with each proper washing.
Washing
• Use cool or lukewarm water for linen and plant-dyed fabrics
• Tepid water for wool to prevent felting
• Hand wash gently, avoiding agitation
• Choose mild, natural soaps suitable for each fiber
• Avoid modern detergents and bleach
• Rinse thoroughly in clean water
• For wool, maintain consistent water temperature to prevent shrinkage
Drying
• Never wring or twist any natural fibers
• Roll in a clean towel to remove excess water
• Lay flat to dry away from direct sunlight
• Shape wool garments while damp
• Allow all pieces to dry completely before storing
• Plant-dyed fabrics should dry in shade to preserve colors
Storage
• Store folded in a cool, dry place
• Keep all natural fibers away from direct sunlight
• Allow fabrics to breathe naturally
• Avoid plastic containers that can trap moisture
• For wool, consider cedar or lavender for natural protection
• Iron linen while slightly damp if needed
• Never iron wool - steam only if necessary
Special Care
• Spot clean when possible
• Address stains promptly with fiber-appropriate methods
• Air between wears to maintain freshness
• Handle with clean hands
• Store away from harsh elements
• For plant-dyed items, avoid prolonged sun exposure