Saturday, October 9, 2010

Spooktacular October


Well lots to update since the last time I posted. Life was sort of busy and haven't have time to write it all down but that happens. So here it is as my memory serves it up and not in any particular order.

I got my crewel fabric in the mail, its gorgeous though I have been lazy in doing anything with it right now. Though the Elixabethan plans are still in the works, planning this for a winters day inside with snow falling, to give me a summery wink with the pretty floral on the fabric will give me lots of inspiration. Garb making is a great way of making the winter fly by. Still have the ruffs to do to match the gown, it will all work out in a jeweled embroidred leafy glory, eek I am excited. I have not done any hand embroidery for sometime even though I attend the embroidery guild locally every month, just have been working on small cross stich for a friend to give to deploying soldiers in a few months, its good to do my part even if its a little something.

The dollhouse is sitting on my shelf and not been touched, other than my accumilation of small aluminum pie trays to make into plates, bowls and silverware by hand. I am working on a set of aluminum armour too for the Tudor Dollcastle/house, thought it will take some time I should look neat when done. I have to get working on that soon, especially with Ice Dragon having a tendency to sneak up on me fast. My A&S paper is all edited and sent off to the editor for the Arts and Sciences edition of the Athelmearc Astel. It looks good and am happy that it flows better for readability sake, I made more dolls since the pictures in that paper but it still does the project justice.

The weather being spectacular, I want to get to soak it all in before the fall and winter sullen dreary takes over. Its happens sooner or later but at least Halloween is a concellation to the colder shorter days and colder weather looming on the horizon. Still haven't decorated for Halloween yet which is unlike me, though I will get the things out of the bottom of the closet soon, probably this week. Its so nice ourside my geraniums are still blooming and my ferns are happier than I've seen them in along time, too bad the indian summer has to end.

Justin looked smashing in his outfit for the PA Renaissance faire when we went on the 18th of September, and he said it was warm but comfortable, that is the way garb tends to be. He is thinking of wearing the whole set up for Halloween, which is good he won't be too cold. Though I hope he doesn't make a last minute decision for something else and expect a costuming miracle from me, that is a rarity and won't probably happen. I am not sure if I want to go in tudor this year or not, proably so it seems to work out nice when I do dress up. I will take my black and blue dragon shoulder puppet out for a spin when I dress up this year, afterall its Halloween. I am sure Black Sapphire will like it as long as its not raining, he is a woodbaby fantasy shoudler puppet that you can get at most renaissance faires, not really seen in the SCA but fun none the less. I plan on taking him to one of my shire meetings for fun.

The house repairs are working out, the bathroom is finished and is like stepping into a hotel shower, all clean and shiny. Its nice to have a little luxury at home, especially when dealing with an old tub that should have been replaced years ago, let alone the crack in the bottom that leaked. The deck and back steps is all finallly sealed for winter and looks good in the shade of redwood stain I picked out, I have some left for finshing touches next early fall. The windows have gotten a good test with the rain we had last week, no leaks so I know why the wall was messed up under the window. The repair man put in a new wall socket and firmed up the drywall it works wonderfully, no more sinking electrical sockets. Have an appointment for cleaning the furnace already. Still on the list are painting wall scuffs, get glass for the window pane and put in, and repair the dryer belt, and get a new wheel for the lawn mower so the honey do list is shorter and more manageable. I got one more or two mowings before the cold I think we will see, the lawn mower is the next thing on the list.

The sewing time as you can tell is being cut into by the house repairs, but that happens this time of year. That is all for now lots to do and very little time.

Wish there was more than one of me,

Maureen

Replica 1560's Venetian Italian Fashion Doll

Replica 1560's Venetian Italian Fashion Doll

Replica 1560 French Fashion Doll

Replica 1560 French Fashion Doll

Tudor Q and A

What is a Tudorosity?

A mashed combination of the words Tudor and Curiosity to create the word Tudorosity. Tudorosities is the plural form and the deffinition is as follows.

Tudorosity- an desire to learn or know anything about the Tudor dynasty associated with years 1405 through 1603.

Most people ask my why I make the Tudor garb ?

I find the clothing of this era not only beautiful but also challenging to sew. There is much more care and purpose put into making garments and wearing garments in the Tudor Era. I love the look of Tudor so much I wanted to explore the way clothes were made back then and the subtle changes in fashion and styles of time.

How did you get started in this interesting hobby?

I started with art first, I love to draw, paint, and sculpt all the traditional fine arts. So being able to draw helps me visualize the looks I want to create in my garb. History has always been a huge interest of mine and I've had a knack for sewing since I was 7 years old. It all started with doll clothes and I learned cross stitch embroidery from my grandmother when I was little. I am self taught sewer, crochet, knitting, embroidery and tatting. My methods are learned from books mainly and there is still so much more to learn.

What is my favorite outfit and why?

It would be like picking a favorite out of one of my future children, its impossible. I love all my gown creations and really like the distinct differences in all the styles clothing I make for the Tudor Era.

Do you make the whole outfit including hat, shoes, and undergarments?

I do have a goal of making a complete Tudor from the skin out. As of right now I make 90% of my gowns and accessories. The shoes and stockings, are bought online and the petticoats are a close reproduction but not made by me. .

How long does it take to make a gown?

It all depends on the type of gown. The making relies on the time period and class of the design. Generally if I work on it 8 hours a day on a sewing machine it will take 3 days to get the basics and another 5 days to do finish hand-sewing details and beading. So a week to a week and a half if working on it steady for that amount of time. I work a full-time job so it does take longer than a week to complete. I put over 40-100 hours per outfit depending on its complexity, its like its own full time job of sorts.

Do you make renaissance clothing for sale or custom orders?

No, due to new employment and changes in my lifestyle. Unfortunately, I have no time to support sewing for others. Though I recommend sewing lessons for those adventurous few. There are many fine folks who make and sell historical clothing. I suggest guidance with sew from many fine historical enthusiastic costumers out on the internet.

How long have you been making these elaborate costumes?

I have been in the Society of Creative Anachronism coming up on my 18th year. Active since 2004 working at demonstrations and volunteering when I could between working and other life's distractions. I really concentrated on Tudor sewing in 2007 and worked with patterns to learn proper fabrics, techniques, fit, and silhouette. I really enjoy the eras transition from a medieval form fitting layered cotterdie to the boned Tudor kirtle and then to structured Elizabethan clothing.

Replica 1490 Milan Italian Fashion Doll

Replica 1490 Milan Italian Fashion Doll
Based on art by Giovanni Ambrogio

O’Kealy Heraldry

O’Kealy Heraldry