Sunday, February 27, 2011

Return from the Past

Finally in the planning stages of projects for Ice Dragon and a blast from the past has come to light this last week. The doll castle creation that I started last spring into summer is back. It's been in a partially uncompleted stages for most of the summer and I just have not had the time to complete much on it. I was planning on embroidering all summer for the inside hangings but just ran out of time and other projects got in the way. Which is fine I have lots of great trim and ribbon to give the wall hangings the proper scale and grand scope needed for a castle.

Yesterday I finished the work on the chairs and throne, painted, and upholstered them. They look very grandeur with the surrounding rooms as they are taking shape. Also put in one of the stained glass windows, have two more to do, that is planned for this week.

I put in tudor patterned wall paper around the fireplaces, which give it the "diapered" look. Diapering is a motif that repeats in a pattern on a wall, this was the time before wall paper and it was a way of decorating a plain plaster wall, other methods use embossing patterns in plaster as well. Since I have narrow space to work this is why I elected the diapering wall paper, there is no room for my hands to paint a motif in the individual rooms so I had to choose another method.

So there are two fire places on the second foor, in tudor homes fireplaces were almost in every room to keep the dampness of the outdoors from comming in. I do want to put two more in the basement but am not sure how to construct them. The bedroom and throne rooms are in the middle and there are no other ways to put one in them without making them crowded, so I am having to be a bit creative to get the look with out going overboard on room contents. Just trying to figure out how to set up the kitchen, library, sitting room, and bedroom. Going to try a few different layouts to see what works best.

Today I worked on banners to finish wall decor and worked on making the bed linens, bed curtains, pillows and such. Should be really nice when finished and hope to enter it in Ice Dragon. At the pace I am going lately it won't be a problem.

Hope to post pictures soon.
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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