Old Tired Squire's Thrift Store Armor Project, Part the First

I quickly found out at fighter practice (see previous post) that I REALLY need armor.  The loaner stuff was good (no real injuries) but I still picked up a multicolor bruise on my shoulder (which used to be covered in a thick gambeson and spaulders.  But my cash is low (I'm broke, but I'm not poor) and I want to do it myself.

Back in The Day, one could make carpet armor pretty cheaply and it was protective.  Hot, itchy and tacky, but protective and cheap.  :-)  What can I do today, that is as cheap and protective as carpet armor (and less unsightly).

And so begins the Old Tired Squire Thrift Store Armor Project.

My first prototype will be a poor squire's arming jack.  (I hope)

Supplies?

1 tee shirt from Goodwill thrift store......$1.99
1 men's belt from Goodwill................... $2.99
1 pair sweat pants from Goodwill           $3.99  (not period but cheap)

[After Sunday fighter practice]

Leather or shock cord lacing
Grommets from Tandy

[added 08/13/2011]

2 Leather bellies (seconds) from Tandy Leather Factory -- $20.00

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So that's my material list.  From that I hope to get at least some useful armor.  Or, at the very least, experience in what does NOT work.  :-)

Leif