Saturday, April 17, 2010

Tudor Gowns

Well I am posting some picture I took of myself in Tudor Garb. These were taken with the aid of a long mirror in my bathroom and a good digital camera. Please excuse the camera in hand for the pictures, don't have too many people to take photos.



These gowns were designed to be around 1530 or so just shy of mid Tudor by a generation. I made them with the option to wear a gabled hood ( squared hat) or a French hood (more rounded hat). There is a hybrid of the gabled and french hood in the late 1520's and 1530's but I have not had the chance to make one of these yet. I do look forward to making a few in the future. These gowns were made this past summer over a period of three months, I made gowns for a long time strait. I was not going to events at the time in the summer of 2009, it made the Pennsic blues pass fast with my garb workshop at home. I later made the hats and girdle belts with the gowns in mind for the accessories.



Under these outergowns you would wear a chemise a nightgown garment that acts like underwear and absorbs sweat. Then a corset or set of bodies in a garment called a kirtle that features an attached skirt. A bumroll that is a pad worn at the waist to lift the shirts and make them more comfortable. The kirtle skirt would have a piece of sewn in fabric on the front called the forepart, a fancier piece of fabric that shows from under the split front skirt of the over gown. You could wear a spanish farthingale if you wanted a smoother look or conical shape. Or just the kirtle with shoes and stocking underneath, either looks was acceptable in the 1530's.



Generally the English country and lower classes wore the gown without a farthingale and the upper coutriers did wear the farthingale. Though if you were loyal to a political faction that wore one or the other you would wear what was acceptable to your household and station at that time. Fashion did change back then but much slower pace, communication was slow and so was news and information with that changes came much slower than they do today.



Hope you enjoy the photos feel free to ask questions or comment.



Maureen

Introductions

Well this would be my first official blog, new journeys are always interesting and I believe this will be just that. My name is Maureen Benfer and I am a history enthusiast. I have been interested in history, languages, arts, and sciences since childhood. As you will find out, I am a very creative person and find different ways to express it through my hobby.

I actively participate in the Society of Creative Anachronism(SCA) since 2005. It is a non profit organization that recreates the arts, crafts, sciences and other means of living in pre-17th century Europe. I prefer to research and recreate the Tudor era in England which falls from 1497 to 1603, basically the time period from King Henry VII to Elizabeth I. I like the 1530's in this span of history particularly. In the SCA I am referred to as Mairin O' Cadhla, the name I chose is attributed and dedicated to my real Irish roots.

I am making a thorough diary of my garb and other crafts within my hobby for educational and organizational benefits. It was best to collect them all in one location for easier access, and so here we go. From time to time you will see old and new items added and journaled here, I hope you enjoy reading and viewing my little creative journey into history.

Blessings,

Maureen or Mairin
(whichever you know me by)

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