• FREYDIS • Hand-Sewn Viking Age Apron Dress | Premium Thin Twill Wool (290 g/m²) | Based on Haithabu Harbor Fragments H14A, H14B & Graves 159/1960, 182-185/1960
A MUSEUM-GRADE HAITHABU RECONSTRUCTION ✨ Archaeological Evidence in Every Element
Step into Viking Age craftsmanship with the FREYDIS apron dress, a precise reconstruction based on exceptional textile finds from Haithabu's harbor excavations. Fragment H14A (30cm x 16-23cm x 0.1cm) provides crucial evidence of sophisticated Viking Age dress construction, while grave finds 159/1960 and 182-185/1960 preserve invaluable information about strap attachment methods and loop placement.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL FOUNDATION Our reconstruction draws directly from Haithabu's textile corpus: • Harbor Fragment H14A: Preserves essential construction evidence • Harbor Fragment H14B: Documents panel joining techniques • Graves 159/1960, 182-185/1960: Provide strap and loop placement evidence
CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS Each FREYDIS dress showcases advanced Viking Age tailoring: • Three-panel design following harbor fragment evidence • Back drafts documented in textile finds • Optional braided cord along back drafts (based on grave evidence) • Hand-sewn throughout using documented techniques • Stitch length matching archaeological specimens • Period-accurate edge treatments
MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS Premium Thin Twill Wool (290 g/m²): • Thickness matching fragment evidence (0.1cm) • Thread diameter following archaeological specimens • Wool-on-wool construction throughout
Available in three historical color collections:
Natural Shades: • White • Light Gray • Dark Beige • Camel
Yellow & Red Shades: • Honey Yellow • Camel • Terracotta Red
Green & Blue Shades: • 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)
Braided Cord Option: • Without cord • With braided cord (specify 1-2 colors in comments)
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
- If choosing braided cord option, specify 1-2 colors
- Any custom measurements if needed
PROCESSING TIME Each FREYDIS dress is entirely hand-sewn following archaeological evidence, requiring 60 days for completion. Every stitch reflects Viking Age craftsmanship, creating a museum-quality garment suitable for professional reenactment and historical interpretation.
Note: Oval brooches, jewelry, and accessories are not included in this offer. Complete archaeological documentation available upon request.
The FREYDIS apron dress reconstruction draws primarily from Haithabu's harbor excavation finds (8th-11th century), specifically Fragment H14A (30cm x 16-23cm x 0.1cm), which provides crucial evidence of Viking Age apron dress construction. This substantial fragment, along with H14B, reveals sophisticated panel joining techniques and characteristic stitch patterns unique to this settlement.
Primary Archaeological Sources:
• Haithabu Harbor Fragments H14A & H14B:
- Panel construction evidence
- Documented stitch lengths: 3-5mm
- Seam allowances: 8-10mm
- Material thickness: 0.1cm
• Grave Finds 159/1960 & 182-185/1960:
- Loop placement evidence
- Strap attachment methods
- Construction techniques
- Material usage patterns
Supporting Archaeological Context:
• Contemporary Evidence:
- Birka graves (793-972 CE): Comparable apron dress finds
- Additional Haithabu settlement finds: Supporting construction methods
- York & Dublin textile fragments: Trading center variations
Construction techniques are verified against multiple archaeological sources, ensuring historical accuracy in every element. 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 FREYDIS apron dress represents the pinnacle of historical reconstruction, entirely hand-sewn following documented Viking Age techniques:
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
Historical Accuracy:
• Seam placement following Fragment H14A evidence
• Panel joining techniques from Harbor finds
• Edge treatments matching grave evidence
• Documented hem construction methods
• Period-accurate thread tension
Quality Assurance:
• Every stitch individually inspected
• Seam strength tested to reenactment standards
• Panel alignment verified against findings
• Construction documented throughout process
• Museum-grade finishing techniques
Unlike mass-produced or partially machine-sewn garments, each FREYDIS represents over 30 hours of dedicated hand-sewing, ensuring absolute historical accuracy and exceptional durability for professional reenactment use.
Choose options
A Piece of Living History
FROM HAITHABU'S HARBOR TO YOUR WARDROBE
Historical Legacy
Haithabu (Hedeby), the vibrant heart of Viking Age trade and craftsmanship (8th-11th century), has yielded exceptional textile evidence of women's clothing construction. Our FREYDIS apron dress draws directly from Fragment H14A, a remarkable 30cm x 16-23cm piece that preserves crucial details of Viking Age dress construction. This significant find, along with Fragment H14B and grave discoveries 159/1960 and 182-185/1960, reveals not just garment assembly methods, but the sophisticated tailoring techniques of Norse craftswomen.
The harbor excavation's brown-dyed wool fragments, with their preserved stitch holes and panel joining evidence, demonstrate the careful attention to detail in Viking Age dress construction. These finds, complemented by grave evidence of loop placement and strap attachment methods, paint a vivid picture of how these elegant garments were crafted and worn.
Authentic Craftsmanship
Each FREYDIS is entirely hand-sewn using techniques documented in Haithabu's textile corpus. From the characteristic three-panel construction preserved in the harbor finds to the precise loop placement evidenced in the grave discoveries, every element reflects the archaeological record. We use only premium thin twill wool (290 g/m²), matching the thickness and quality found in Haithabu's textile fragments, ensuring your garment is as authentic as it is beautiful.
Documented Techniques from 8th-11th Century Textile Finds
VIKING AGE CONSTRUCTION METHODS ✨ Archaeological Evidence in Every Stitch
Body Construction: The Haithabu Innovation
While simpler apron dress construction is evidenced at other sites, Haithabu's extensive textile collection reveals sophisticated tailoring evolution. Fragment H14A (30cm x 16-23cm x 0.1cm) demonstrates advanced three-panel design, while additional harbor finds showcase refined construction techniques that maximized both functionality and elegance.
Historical Construction Details:
🧵 Stitching Techniques
• Hand-sewn seams documented in fragments 64 & 65:
- Running stitches: 3-5mm length
- Backstitches: 4-6mm spacing
- Seam allowances: 8-10mm preserved
• Edge finishing methods from fragments 48 & 49:
- Whipstitch: 2mm precise spacing
- Reinforced stress points
- Documented thread tension
• Panel joining techniques from harbor finds 91 & 92:
- Consistent 4-5mm stitch length
- Authenticated seam placement
- Thread diameter matching finds
📏 Construction Elements
Evidence from Haithabu's harbor settlement guides our work:
• Three-Panel Design (Fragment H14A):
- Panel width: 16-23cm documented
- Material thickness: 0.1cm preserved
- Stitch hole evidence for joining
• Hem Construction:
- Harbor finds 101 & 102: 12-15mm depth
- Edge treatment following fragment 48 & 49
- Period-accurate finishing methods
• Loop and Strap Evidence:
- Graves 159/1960, 182-185/1960: placement details
- Fragment 82 A-D: attachment techniques
- Harbor finds: material usage patterns
✨ Quality Standards
Each FREYDIS adheres strictly to Haithabu's archaeological evidence:
• Main seams following techniques from fragments 64, 65, 91 & 92
• Edge treatments reproducing fragments 48 & 49 methods
• Panel assembly matching Fragment H14A specifications
• Loop construction based on grave find evidence
• Hem depth following harbor finds 101 & 102
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
Bronze 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