Body armor -- DONE!

Finished strapping the lamellar last night. I'm happy with the fit. I still need to twist around a little awkwardly to get the thing on, but I can do it by myself.

Looking for supplies to finish it last night was a big bust. Since Cleveland Leather didn't have the dye I wanted, I stopped at both Pat Catan's and Michael's, neither had any leather dye. Then I stopped at Home Depot to pick up a few more brass washers and they were sold out of the size I wanted. So the straps are just oiled, and they look pale. I got galvanized washers instead of brass. These are (hopefully) little details that only I notice. Because honestly, I'm happy with the overall appearance... if you don't look too closely, it's a good-looking rig. It's a great Mark I version.

I also cut a new sword last night. After struggling with fitting the lamellar, I was happily surprised at how quick and easy it was to make a sword. The big difference is experience, I guess... I'm never worn lamellar before, but I've been making swords for 20 years. I fitted it with a new basket hilt I've had floating around in my basement forever; the old basket will become my left-handed sword, which is yet to be made.

So, as far as my previous Crown-prep to-do list:

Finish my gauntlets: DONE
Revisit my body armor: DONE
Cut new swords: 50% done
Recover my shield: DONE
Revisit my helmet: I've done nothing with this, but I have some ideas. And I have enough time that I don't need to rush on this.
Make new greaves: Not done. Cleveland Leather didn't have the leather I wanted for this, but I think I have some leftovers that can work. This isn't critical, but it would really improve the appearance of my kit.
Make naruchi: This isn't going to happen before Crown. Maybe before Pennsic, if I really stay focused.

All in all, not bad progress at all, especially when you consider how lazy I am.