The Cronk Mooar Vararfeldr
ardbeagcrafts
Aug 25
1 min read
This caramel-toned vararfeldr is based on a fragment found in Jurby, in the north of the Isle of Man, which dates to around the 10th century CE. The fragment was found in a Viking grave, along with traces of a skeleton, a sword, a scabbard, a spearhead, a knife, a belt, and a ring-headed pin.
My reconstruction was woven using wool from the modern Manx Loaghtan sheep: one of the closest living links to medieval North Atlantic sheep and wool types. This fleece features a short staple length and a strong, springy crimp, which felts naturally, creating a light, bushy coverage.
The cloak is included in my Vararfeldr exhibition, which is currently touring across the UK and Europe.
