I have been in SCA so long I can say this... I remember back when anything Viking was seen as edgy and kind of boring. It was before good instructors were out there spreading their talents. My observation is that the explosion came when people were educated in how to make the clothing (which was easy) and the accessories. The accessories are generally easy (such as beads) and you can afford to save up for a few precious items that send your garb over the top. I think the thing that made it seem easy was that there were a few great instructors out there. That is what created the fad.

I guess you have your work cut out for you, because you are in the perfect position to get a fad going. I don't think mine will ever take off.