Vikingmarket: Middeleeuws erf de Bergkamp 27-9-25

Last Saturday we went to the Viking market at Middeleeuws erf It was so fun to go out again in my kit. On our way to the homestead we ran into some friends from last event we stayed at. It was nice catching up and we split up when we arrived at the entrance.

At first you see the long houses they build there, which is always such a pretty view. I still can't believe I slept in a house like that last May! Four years ago I would have never dreamt about how far I would come in this amazing hobby. But look at me now: sewing clothing by hand, weaving and needle binding, making friends left and right. Really hope I can keep it up, but only time will tell.

On the back field there were some tents and stalls. One person had some music instruments. He told us all about them with a lot of passion. It was really nice to hear. He showed the string instruments he made, horn trumpet like instruments and swan bone flutes. He also told us why only the rich would have had these: in that time the higher class would keep swans for game and the common folks were not allowed to hunt them. So this ment that only they would have had access to swan bones. While the common folk used deer leg bones for flutes as spoil of their help with the hunt. So amazing to hear these stories.

When we walked on and I saw a really pretty shuttle for card weaving. It was made from yew and felt so good to hold I had to take it. Then I bumped into some-one who made the most pretty pully backpack so we chatted a bit about our bag and frame.

We also had to stop at a stall where they made glass beads. We chatted a bit with another visitor who was working the bellows. They made a really pretty bead with a swirl of dark glass. I also got one: a soft blue one with white dots and swirls.

Trying on hats.

After this first section I already go myself a necklace with glass beads and a Borre style pendant, a shuttle, handwarmers and a new glass bead. Good spoils in only the first half hour. Man, I loved these markets. We ventured forth to the other market field. Where we saw a clay worker Dreams of Clay He showed us how he worked his pottery wheel. It was made from a heavy wooden wheel, turning on a piece of metal and stone, propelled by a long stick. In a matter of seconds he made a new roman drinking cup. So fun to see and talk about. My fiancé ended up getting a Roman pelgrims bottle. So I'm currently weaving a new belt for him to hang the bottle on. I've been weaving again and just made a belt for myself!

Mandatory photo moment.

I had some more conversations with people and it really made my day; we chatted about the hobby, crafts and my pack frame. Then we got some food, watched the fighters train and then it was time to go home again. Not before we walked back past Speerbijter where I had to try on some of her hats. I really liked the shapes but sadly did not take one. Maybe I can modify the pillbox hat I have to have a little cap as well. I still have a bit of the striped fabric left.

With a head full of stories, some fun new things and fresh inspiration I went home. Now we wait for the next event. Where will we go?