New Tab Links, Comments and Questions

Hi all,

I wanted to let you all know new links have been added to my page, so you could connect to me though other communities and sites online. I have these other profiles listed under my maiden, married, and various creative screen names so it wouldn't be easy to track me down just by searching one name on the other sites. The tabs at the top of my blog will link you right to my pages on the various other sites.

In case anyone has questions and such you can now get a hold of me on whichever site you want and there are links to my two shops on Ebay and Etsy. Also please feel free to comment and contact me through blogger also. I am available to help with any questions and will do my best with expedient and thorough answers.

Just a little update on the Turquoise Silk Elizabethan, the trim is almost sewed down! I am now contemplating small slashes on the top of the sleeves and adding pearls and matching gold with turquoise glass beads. Oh the decorating of the gowns make take the most time but its the most fun. I will of course model the gown when its completed and post the photos. I am going to work on this more today and get some mowing done outside, did dished and plan on vacuuming. Got to love all the stuff you catch up on days off.

I have packed away the last of the wedding presents and now have opened some space in my sewing room and living room that was consumed by wedding crafts. The box we used for cards is the perfect keepsake box for the wedding related items. I was able to put the wrapped unity candle and tapers, wine flutes, garter, boutonniere bouquet, a few favors, guest book, and all the wedding cards in the one fairly good sized paper-machete suitcase. We had asked for money for your honeymoon in lieu of gifts. My matron of honor April had bought this decorate suitcase at Michael's Arts and Crafts. It worked nice for the cards and was just great in getting all the keepsakes for later, the only thing that doesn't fit is our wedding albums ;-) Which I wouldn't expect them to fit they are pretty substantial.

 I do have to find some space to put all these lovelies. Having to find some space for other Tudor Fiction and Tudor Research book, I think its official we are out of space! Will look into a yard sales possibly or more eBay sales which would make the most sense.  Until I start my new job later this summer, there is just no way we can look into moving. It will be a year to get everything straitened out then we can effectively look into a new place. I am looking forward to it someday, the next place we move to will be our home we want to be in for years. Though we got to get the good paying jobs first, in this economy seems to be one tall order. Renting is just getting old.

Well I had better get back to sewing so I can make some real progress before I need to get the other chores done.

Wishing for Room,

Maureen

New Followers to Tudorosities Blog!

I just wanted to thank the two new followers of my blog. Thanks for finding my little corner of the web.  Welcome one and all !

Look forward to more postings on my costuming adventures and various Renaissance/Tudor topics to come. For those stopping by for the first time, Welcome. If you are an old hat Thank You for your dedication. For anyone in between, I am glad you are here thanks for stopping by please visit again soon.

If you are not sure what it is to follow a blog. Here is just a little idea, you recieve updates right to your inbox if I post anything new. You would be the first to know about pictures, changes, and updates to my blog and content. Its very handy instead of having to look me up everytime you can go directly from your email to my blog, most of the blogger emails have links to the new content.

So please consider following my blog today, if those 8 of you already do thank you so much.

Greatful,

Maureen

Quit Hitting Yourself...Quit Hitting Yourself!!!

I pinned on all the lovely trim on the Turquiose gown yesterday, oh my it looks rich. Posting pics when its all sewed down, which will be a while. I am finally running low on some of my gold trim, but that is expected that I have trimmed 5 gowns now. Still have to rework the black doublet gowm, the coral fabric is going to look smart against the black and gold. Oh so excited to get it done, but patience will make it work out, no rushing!  Also have to figure out a plan for the billoughy sleeved black gown, though I have time to ponder.

On a modern note, I love sun dresses! Its been humidly warm and I have been uncomfortable, silk sundresses are the best keeping cool and comfy. Plus they look good too ;-), the husband says.  Oh wedding announcement is in the newspaper today, May 13th.

http://www.sungazette.com/page/content.detail/id/578161/Benfer-Plotts.html?nav=5018

Though on a life note, our roleplaying gaming store is back in the area! Our good friend reopened his store now that life and his personal econmy have worked themselves out. Yay! We have visited twice and just amazed with the selection of vintage gaming books, supplies and all over cheer we feel with hanging with our good friend.

I bought some big dice for my card games as life counters and for roleplaying. Picked up two cards for Magic the Gathering. I still have 4 decks from my college days back in 2005. I am reworking them since they are older just to get some older rares in them for spice. Been playing against myself and kicking my own butt, lol. They are all pre 10th edition but hey that is fine, the whole name of the game for me is theme decks. So the newest cards I could really careless about. I might get some newer decks down the road, but I am just happy playing my revamped older decks. Afterall don't want to blow alot of cash getting back into it. Only spent $7 at the store, so nothing earth shattering. I found cards online to work up my decks without going broke, nice when no one wants the older stuff. Never been a tournament junky, just not my thing.

So that is how I have been beating myself, lol. Though I am sure more trips to White Knight Game Room are in our future. Well that is all the crafty and gaming things for now, updates as things get done. Looking forward to somemore gaming fun.

Busy as a Bee,

Maureen

All Things Great and Small

Well been busy with little things here and there since getting married. One of those is changing my last name, I got it done with the Social Security Admistration by the Friday of getting married. Not too shabby, but I took advantage of sometime off over the past two weeks to get things done with the Department of Transportation, my job, and working in on getting it switched with all of my bills and such.

I haven't worked on much sewing, though it did make some progress before Lewisburg Arts. I did finish up the gold trim on the dark blue gown and was able to wear it for the Lewisburg Arts Festival. It looked lovely! I want to post pictures but haven't been able to track down the person who had taken some good ones of me. Guess we will see, my camera needs a new rechargable battery so it was useless toting it along. The battery won't hold a charge anylonger, though as old as it is, I have a feeling that will be a tall task to find a new one. Guess that is what ebay is for, without the flip design of the screen on my camera even with it being older, is the only way I can take pics of myself in the mirror.

It was the best $10 purchase ever, next to my wedding gown. It came with everything; charging cord, leather bag, extra battery that is now dead too and three memory sticks. I will need to get a new one before we go on vacation to Virginia want to take it along for photos of course. I know an all new camera will cost more than I am willing to spend and my camera on my phone is not that good. Hmm well guess I'd better get cracking.

Lewisburg Arts is a fun Demo as always, I did work with the kids in the childrens tent making heraldic shields. I then did a walk about drawing people to the encampment while showing off my pretty garb. There was some beautiful handmade arts and crafts by local artisans, but really didn't have money for things, beautiful things none the less. I did get food but that was about it. Let alone I don't have much more space at home for anything extra. The wall space is full and I will have to do a spring cleaning to get things back into a organized manner. Glad I bought the door hooks, they have paid for themselves holding extra clothes and garb. Its saving my silk lovelies from wrinkling up like a crushed flowers.

In the spirit of getting things done, I have finished my wedding scrapbook, It was a predesigned book that was bland in color and design but had potential. It turned out super nice and was able to add lots of creative details to the plain pages. Speaking of scrapbooking, I found a really neat storybook fantasy themed scrapbook and decided to make one for my gowns and SCA interests. So far so good, I am about 1/3 of the way done. I am creating a poem so I can tell my personas story through my work. Its very challenging but if I can pull it off, it will be one awesome book. It will take a few years to get everything done printed and added to the book, though it gives me some major goals to look forward to filling the pages.

In getting pictues printed out for the wedding and scrapbooks, I have discovered the awesomeness of walmart photo online. Its great to pick them up right up from work and just paying with my debit card, makes life easy. No extra effort in going there to download photos, crop, adjust exposure, and then print. All done from the ease of your desk, really cool. I have to say modern technology is super nifty, makes life easier but does come with its own set of challenges.

I got my prints back at the end of the week of getting married, its amazing how fast now with digital photography how easier it is to get things around. I am super impressed with how they all turned out, just lovely. Was able to get my mom to pick up some preprinted photos and she was able to enlarge some of her 4x6 and 5x7's to 8x10's. I know she is as pleased as I with how they turned out, she is sending them to friends and family.

So I know I have to pick up the sewing needle again to make progress on decorating the silk gowns. Oh speaking of silk gowns, I was able to purchase the Turquoise gown that I was interested in sometime back. The person who purchased it found she was needing a colonial gown and wasn't going to use the Turquoise gown, so she sold it to me for the price of my last bid. Not bad really, very happy to get it tried on the sleeves so I know they fit. So other than some decorative puffs and trim there should be no altering to fit. Oh I am going to be good and lay off the sweets to make sure I fit all these lovelies, its worth it. Just have to get back to the gym routine.

Well more things than I thought, but that is pretty much it for now. On the job market I am hoping for some new change of pace and praying for something better in the job department, here is to hoping its sooner than later.

Wishing, Hoping, and Waiting,

Maureen

Wedding Picture Gallery

Living Life with Passion

Well we finally took the plunge as the old saying goes. Despite the unseasonably cold wet weather I couldn't ask for a better day. As always life kept, a few snags with our scheduling all day and kept up perpetually late by 15 min. So the pictures of my Matron of Honor April Whistler and I before the ceremony were cut out since we were trying to catch up and be ready on time.  Though I am happy we weren't late for the ceremony, and most issues ironed themselves out by the end of the day. I have been calling it the perfect intimate classy affair, it had its touches of royal wedding for fun. Justin and  I couldn't be happier with how it all came together to be the best day of the rest of our lives. We had 29 people attend the wedding and reception.

Our coworkers surprised us much with congratulations, gifts and cards that we didn't expect when we returned on Wednesday. Though we are happy to know we are much thought about with respect and warm thoughts by those we work with on a daily basis. I want to post a large photo of us for folks to look at, got lots of requests for pictures.

The pastor that officiated our ceremony, charged us to live life with passion. I have to say we have been doing well with that charge even before we wed. Though I feel very renewed with my commitment and ready to take life by the horns. I know we can make our dreams come true together, with a little drive and luck I have no doubts it will be an interesting journey.

 I wanted to achieve the look of a gorgeous noble bride for my Justin, which with the look on his face when I met him at the end of the isle. I believe I achieved my goal, Justin was one handsome groom for sure and the ceremony reminded me of the formal personalized event, we were looking for. Right now thinking that it was only Monday and only been married for 3 days so far. It feels so far away or like a daydream it went so well. It was just the way I imagined it when I heard our song on the car radio those many years ago. The day we both pictured at the same time dancing to it on our wedding day, that was the day I knew I wanted to marry him.

The pictures are ready finally have to pick them up. I will give a small Wedding Gallery for folks to enjoy soon. After talking about this for more than a year, its time to give you all a reward for your patience. In the process of changing my last name, which is a delight but a paperwork pain.  Well for tonight I will call it and post the photos tomorrow.

Happily The New Mrs. Plotts,

Maureen 

Custom Orders and Garb Sale!!!!!!!!

Tell all your friends and shout it from the roof tops!!!!!! I have some awesome sales though Ebay and Etsy.com list for the past week or so.  If you are interested purchasing off the auction, please let me know I am willing to negotiate off site sales. Prices are set as they are these are the lowest I can except for the gowns with all the hard work put in and attention to detail put into each one. There is also a few custom order auctions as well that are really awesome if you see something and want it in your own color or slightly different style. Look at all the lovely link below for information any questions feel free to email me butterfly164_2002@yahoo.com or message though the site.

Thanks and Happy Buying,

Maureen

Ebay Listings:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SCA-Tudor-Gowns-Ready-Made-Think-Halloween-or-Renaissance-Faire?item=290701226160&cmd=ViewItem&_trksid=p5197.m7&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D5%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D7897997489902380136

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Italian-Renaissance-Gown-with-Loose-Gown-/290701519026?pt=US_Costumes&hash=item43af2928b2

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Italian-Renaissance-Wedding-Gown-MUST-SELL-/290701519034?pt=US_Costumes&hash=item43af2928ba


Etsy Listings:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/80711770/sca-tudor-french-hood?ref=v1_other_2

http://www.etsy.com/listing/97023974/sca-custom-tudor-gown?ref=&sref=

http://www.etsy.com/listing/80937541/sca-tudor-gowns-ready-made-think

Its The Final Countdown!!!!!

Its The Final Countdown

Yeah I got the song stuck in my head, got to love 80's Rock, though totally appropriate title for this post. Link is above so you can join me in having a song stuck in your mind all day, lol. Well its one day left till the special day, so yes we are in the final days of singledom. Which is fine with me, I have a few quiet evenings to reflect and craft myself into oblivion, lol. Last mintue sewing and such for my gown and my Matron of Honors too. Gotta love sewing down to the wire before the big day.

 I have yet to finish the birdseed tulle baggies for after the ceremony. I have lots of sparkely white tulle fabric so its not like I am going to run out. I plan on tying them off with ribbon and calling it good...Well I have theories on what I am going to do and such. My maid of honor needs her dress taken in a little, so I am going to her place to get that done and visit tonight. Though the groom is working in the afternoon, which is good.  I can pick up Justins tux too, so many good reasons for a visit with April.

Last night the gaming gang went out for Justin's Stag/Bachelor Party. I worked on wedding things at home and had a gloriously quiet evening. Though I went to the gym and swam for an hour, it was relaxing and good exercise. Then got supper and started some sewing. I finished the gold trim on my blue gown, it was more tedious than I expected. Though its on there now. Tonights sewing I am going to add the while puffs to the edge of the sleeves, I have some ideas for pearls too on the sleeves, ooo pretty!

Justin is working this afternoon and is now home recovering from his party. hHe didn't get in till 3am so I am letting him sleep; must have had fun. I am not in a mood for a bachelorette party really. I like things low key the only high drama things I like do is make are my costumes. After all it's haute fashion: 16th century style  ;-) So one thing left to do on the wedding craft list and pretty stress free. Not as I expected to be feeling right now, but I will take it!

I have two boxes separated one for ceremony and one for reception so that is done. I am gathering my personal affects for a sleep over on Sunday after rehearsal dinner. So everything will be transported with me; Wedding gown and all its ecourtrements, ceremony box and reception box. April and I am doing all the set up so we are getting up early to get things around. So I am working on packing slowly so I don't forget anything. If I have time I am going to shape my eyebrows and figure out my hair tonight. So small things on the list tonight but more beauty related.

By the way this is my 100th post, I would like to thank all of you who follow my blog for your support. Writing about my passions, interests, showing my gowns and crafts, sharing my hobby and life with you has been a blessing. Please tell your friends and family who many have an interest in historical costuming about my little corner of the web. I am here to help and teach others besides documenting the construction of my many arts and crafts.

May you all be blessed,

Maureen

Sneak Peek

Thought I would give you all a nice peek of one of the gowns I finished decorating. A before decoration pic from the sale and two pics of after. This gown has a linen top and a silk skirt, the seller was great in matching the texture and colors up that you don't know a difference unless you touch the fabric.  I think there is definitely an improvement with the decoration. I love the gold trim decoration with white velvet ribbon in the middle, brightens it up. The fur in the sleeves is just genius and the beads really finished it off with a distinguished touch. Have one more small good piece of ermine fur, and I will have to figure out how I will use it well. I am working on the navy blue gown now I have lots of puff plans for this one, oh its so pretty and going to be so much more lovely when done.

Had to do something with my hair, so I just wore my black velvet french hood to keep it looking some what Renaissance-like, though this hat is too early compared to the gown.  I will have to look into more elizabethan hats ;-) I have ideas but will have to find ways of putting them in use. Oh hoop skirts rock, so much easier to move in compared to petticoats all over the place under my gown, yeah new fan of the hoops or should I say farthingale;-)

Found an old movie called Le Princess de Cleves made in 1961, its all in french and can't find a translation to English. Its all about the French court in the 16th century. Has a wonderfully dressed class of actors and the enormous scale of old films with elaborately dressed cast of extras, which I wish was in color and not black and white. Though the texture of all the lovely garb can be seen through the silver screen presentation. What a wonderful depiction of a young vibrant Mary Queen of Scots newly married to the French Dauphin. The actress really looked just like the Clouet drawings and paintings of the time, wow just wow!  Will have to look into this and some more costume drama films, I have a wide range already but always happy to see more on MQS.

I hope to post more as they come and this is just the start to getting the pictures for the Elizabethan Gown slide show, really excited. Also the wedding is only 8 days away so its going to be a hectic week, though really excited. Will post pics of the day too so stay tuned.

Oh one Blue Velvet Tudor gown sold, hope the other Green Tudor and Silver Tudor Gowns do too could really use the funds to pad things. Just will make life easier. I have a load of books that need to be gone, need to make room for all my lovely books on costuming on my shelf ;-) I have some old garb that no longer fits that has to be listed also, so have a few things to do before bed. Going to get back to some stitchery.

Not going to be a Ms. not more,

Maureen

Pre Wedding Sale Tudor Gowns Are Posted

I need to make some space in my garb trunks for the news gowns. Also have plans to remake these in better materials so I am offering Tudor Overgowns for special prices to also get some cash before the wedding. Here are the links to the auctions for custom and premade gowns.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/97023974/sca-custom-tudor-gown




http://www.ebay.com/itm/SCA-Custom-Tudor-Gown-/290696443432?pt=US_Costumes&hash=item43aedbb628



http://www.ebay.com/itm/SCA-Tudor-Gowns-Ready-Made-Think-Halloween-or-Renaissance-Faire-/290696356758?pt=US_Costumes&var=&hash=item43aeda6396


Hope to get some lovely buyers.

Maureen