I knew what I wanted going in:
- square or rectangular plates
- the ability to bind everything with only vertical cord exposed
- a design that looked faintly eastern, a la Mongolia or late feudal Japan
Eventually I decided on Scrapworks Armory's Model 2 Lamellar Plate and pulled the trigger. I wasn't sure how many scales I would need for starters, but I ordered 300 at a reasonable price and rounded it out with 200' of 550 paracord (not exactly period, but it's inexpensive and indestructible).
Shipping was quick once he had the plates cut and I even received a sample of 50 geometric scales and a bunch of rivets as a teaser. SWA knows how to make a return customer.
Progress went quickly at first.
Pretty soon, I had a big ol' chunk of lamellar.
Here's a shot of the inside, to show the pattern. Notice the knots; authentic lamellar usually had knots intermittently throughout the weave, so that if a part of the cord was cut, the armor wouldn't all unwind at once and you'd lose a much smaller portion.
I'm not too concerned about foam swords cutting through paracord, but I enjoyed the little touch of ironic authenticity.
After a couple days of off and on weaving, I ended up with this.
I tried a couple different designs for the pauldrons, which although currently attached are fully modular. In the end, I decided the simplest design also looked the best and functioned the smoothest, so I ditched the more fantasy styles and went with the eastern recipe for shoulder protection.
At this point, I'd pretty much used my 300 plates. I'm going to add flanks to the bottom of the armor, but I have to order another 200 or so and that will take a week or two.
Not bad so far. I just need to get those flanks so I can hide my Avengers pajamas.
With no more plates, though, I had to work on something else. So I went and got some cotton canvas to border the armor in and make it look a little more complete. In keeping with my colors of red and purple, I bought a yard of red 'duck' at Hancock on sale for half off. Score!
I was a little shaky with how to affix it at first and wasn't sure how it would look, but I'm about a third of the way done and I think it's looking pretty sexy.
Lovin' it.
This is where I stopped last night. Stay tuned for the finished product!