From the maker
Hello, my name is Angelika Strycka. Othala Craft was born out of a passion for Viking history.
My hand-sewing skills, combined with studying historical sources on the Viking Age, resulted in my first Viking clothing, which has gained recognition from reenactors around the world. For over 20 years I have been selling my garments at Viking markets and festivals across Europe – among others in Ribe and Trelleborg (Denmark), Hedeby/Haithabu (Germany) and Wolin (Poland) – where they have found an audience that loves the stories of early medieval Europe.
Othala Craft focuses on costumes from the Viking and Slavic periods, especially the 8th–9th centuries. I mostly make Viking garb based on finds from Hedeby (Haithabu), Birka, Borre, Oseberg and Sutton Hoo, as well as Byzantine iconography. Recently I have also taken an interest in the Barbaricum, which is equally fascinating.
As a craftswoman, I have also been recognised by clients playing Viking LARP and Viking cosplay. The most popular items include tunics, dresses, trousers, hats and hoods. Welcome to my world!
The idea of a web-site came up in winter 2009, however my adventures with sewing began much earlier. I always liked sewing, embroidery and sculpturing. Creating cloths from early medieval times is one of my passions which I try to develope. There are attempts of reconstructing cloths from early medieval times I base on finds and historical sources. The choice of fabric and colour are my own ideas.
I think it’s time to write something about me.
By birth I'm connected to the Beskidy mountains and Wisła is my home town. Here is my favourite place to work. Anyway my restless soul still pushes me towards many interesting and unforgettable places.
I graduated Superior College of Dental Engineering in Ustroń then I continued studies at the AGH University of Science and Technology in Cracow and I graduated in Technology of production of ceramic raw material, specializing in bioceramics. I'm also interested in cultural anthropology and I've graduated in ethnology at the Silesian University in Katowice. The connection of interests may be strange but in the end it's possible to be an engineer with humanistic passion.
My adventure with re-enactment began a long time ago... I can say that my main interest was in early medieval times, however I have experience in different periods. In 2004 a group of friends and me, we created a early medieval group in Cieszyn. Our ways parted in 2006, since then I'm a member of Bielska Drużyna Najemna. From 2012 I decided to be independent craftman. To be a Viking is my way of life, not just a weekend passion.
