Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Groundhog Day isn't just for Rodents

Hi all,

Its Groundhog Day and Punxsutawney Phil didn't see his shadow so an early spring is predicted. I am happy and hope Phil is right, could save money on heating oil would be a blessing. Just after a major snow storm today, I love Mother Nature's irony with her timing.

Though I am not ready to hang up my winter sewing needle just yet. This the time of year I am in full garb making mode and the most productive part of the year by far. The plans for peach perfection are in full swing. I have been shopping silk embroidery thread to get just the right shade for the floral embroidery on the silk shirt. I know its going to turn out smashing with what I have planned. Just like the painting with a twist, I am thinking of having a small fresh water pearl in the middle of the open Tudor rose with gold metallic french knots around the outside, should look exquisite. I am going to try to have a sample done this weekend if time allows, the pattern is all drawn up and planned, just have to make my lead example.

Still have some velvet hunting to do for the other Tudor gowns in purple and in black but looking for a sale price on fabric, which there is some but nothing fantastic. Just keeping my ears to the ground for a good price.

Still working on the solider cross stitch project and getting some done every day, so progress is good. More than the motivation I had in January for this project for sure. I am almost done with the all the heart outlines and will finish most of the words hopefully over the weekend.

Work is well and lots to do, overtime is great and the money will help out with lots around the house. It will be challenging more than usual to get the taxes to complete, cleaning to do, and games to play, and sewing to finish but I am sure there will be away to squeeze it in somehow. Necessity is indeed the mother of invention, for sure.

I am looking at more freshwater pearls for up coming projects but nothing concrete like the necklaces. Just biding my time because I might come into pearls here soon. Picked up some very Tudor buttons that will go great on foresleeves and backs of angel Tudor sleeves so a good investment. I also got rings for an upcoming Elizabethan crewel embroidered sweete bag, following the pattern in the book calls for these as a baubles, looks great in the book. Still have to embroider my ladies pockets too, very far behind on that as well as other projects.

Lots to keep up with and plan, well got to get some rest to tackle more things tomorrow.

Blessings,

Mairin
Posted by at
Labels: ,

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

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