The Armour Archive

Hello! I just finished a pair of thick 100% wool naalbound socks, and I'm looking to sell them. Naalbinding is a single-needle looped yarn technique, popular before the introduction of knitting. These would be a perfect addition to any Northern European kit before through to the late middle ages.

They're modeled here on my boyfriend, who wears a men's 9.5 US shoe. They might also fit up to a 10 US, but the fit might be snug. Naalbinding does not lend itself to making very stretchy textiles.



These were worked with a bone needle, using the Oslo stitch. Each pair has between 10-15 hours work in them. Here's a closeup of the socks' structure:



They're made all in one piece, which makes for a sturdy sock structure.





I've done only a dozen naalbinding projects before these socks, so they are not without a few minor flaws-- the back of one heel is a bit bumpy:



And one toe is a touch pointier than it should be:



But overall, they look quite sharp!



Edit: I'd like $60 US + shipping. Please PM for details.

If you're intrigued but find that these aren't remotely your size or don't fit your color preferences, PM me and we can discuss getting you some made to order. I'm currently unemployed, so I would love for naalbinding to help me cover part of my rent.[/b]

Nice. I have no use for them, but nice.... Sounds to be a fair price as well...

Hmm I shall have to check my shoe size in American - these *may* just fit, and just in time for my next darkage event too.

I wont call dibs just yet though

Those are my feet in the pictures of these socks - I'll vouch for them being comfortable! I was given a pair of these for Christmas, and they make fighting in the snow in turnshoes happily warm.

My naalbind'ed socks are my single favorite piece of kit
If they were bigger Id be on them like flies on...well...stuff flies like:)

Halv
10.5-11 sized feet

If you're interested, Halvgrimr, I could start naalbinding a larger pair! Cost might creep up a little more, since it might require breaking into a new skein of yarn, but it shouldn't be more than $6 extra.

Thanks for the interest!

I will keep you in mind but all my spare cash is tied up in obtaining new SCA kit currently

I sold all mine to go to London a few years ago:)
Getting back into the game is more expensive these days

Totally understandable. Good luck with your new SCA kit!

This pair is still available! Don't suffer through the rest of winter with chilly toes-- get some naalbound socks and be warm, Viking style.

Both these socks and the offer to make you your own pair in your particular size are still available.

Just discounted-- this pair is now only $60. There's at least 10 hours of labor in each pair, so this is really a steal.

Naalbound socks made to your size and color preferences are still available. PM for details.

Arg, your killin me with the to small pair:)
Im gonna place at order at the end of the month (when Ive recovered from GW)

I noticed the pair I have presently are starting to develop some 'tears' so I need to get a few more pair at some point too

Hah, the small pair is my own fault-- a punishment for embarking upon this venture before realizing what the average reenactor's shoe size is.

One of the reasons I picked this particular pattern for naalbound socks, rather than the Coppergate pattern, is because I suspect that it creates a sturdier heel that will tear out less often.

I'll certainly still be here at the end of the month! Thanks again.