Friday, May 27, 2011

Lazy and its not summer yet

The lazy days of summer have yet to come and my motivation is waning already. I am not much closer to finishing my gowns and accessories than I was last month. Now a bit of Italian inspiration, considering fixing up an old Italian gown to make it better suited for SCA. This is thanks to the Showtime series The Borgias and a purchase of burgundy fabric that got my muse working. I am very happy with the show they have nailed the costumes, no weird hats or overtly wrong fashion, what a rarity. Though the series is liberal with styles of Rome versus the other regions of Italy like Venice, Florence, Tuscany, and Sicily from 1505-1535. I enjoy the variety they are trying to show to keep the visuals interesting. If I wasn't heavily researched into Tudor I would consider Florentine Italian gowns to research a close second runner would be Venitian. That will be for a later research and possible side persona later, that is after I have ran out of topics on Tudor England, luckily there is alot out there to research.

I have a ray of hope over Memorial Day weekend as far as sewing progress, I have to work of course but no access to a computer for two days due to some construction going on at work. This should leave me no excuses to get some sewing work done. I have made loads of progress on my L5R card decks, I have not touched a lick of my sewing. Guess that happens when my fiance is making decks right and left. I also have to finish the embroidery on my gloves, so yes lots to do and so little time.

I also had jammed packed weekends of gaming, a SCA event, and a family function to keep me distracted from sewing this past month. No matter its not like I am running a marathon of sewing. There will be plenty of time to get things done this summer, especially while my SCA friends are away at Pennsic in August. My next event won't be till September with Ladies event and Fabric Fiber and Fighting. I have lots coming up in July mainly Mayhem Fest concert and Pa Renaissance Faire whenever we decide to go. So a busy summer to come and busy early fall, that's the life I suppose.

Selling a chance to have a custom gown made by me on Ebay, free shipping and low starting price so check it out: http://cgi.ebay.com/Custom-Sca-Tudor-Court-Dress-Gown-/290569110157?pt=US_CSA_WC_Dresses&hash=item43a744c28d

Well that is about all that is going on right now, keeping my fingers crossed so I have more to post about next month and possibly some pictures.

Lots to do,

Maureen

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Wills Revenge

Wills Revenge was fun, despite not making it to the range. I worked on coloring, and mask making most of the day, with a twist. The little boy I was working with wanted to make him wings and a tail, which were drawn on paper plates and tied on with yarn. It was all great fun as he was running around scarring everyone with his youthful ferociousness. His little brother was having more fun putting crayon in my drink cup, luckily it was empty, though it was amusing. Well behaved and fun had by all, it was great.

I wore the new to me Catherine Parr Coat as I like to call it. Its a light green damask with green velvet cuffs and collar, winch looked really nice with the slimming late Tudor sleeves. Bought it finally off of Ebay, which i was watching this for months but had no money to buy it. Though this gown I didn't make I got lots of complements on it just the same. I find I stirred up alot of interest over my next gown, and lots of folks were interested in seeing my French blue Elizabethan creation. Alas, its not complete and I have to finish my ruffs for it, besides it was way to warm to wear such a gown to Wills Revenge. Though I am also hoping to have a hat completed for the gown by the time fall runs around. I have a few patterns and the same trim left to match the gown, so I am very thrilled.

Depending on how my peach Elizabethan creation turns out if I have extra I will make a hat for that too. All in all everything will be beautiful, which is my goal. Well got to get some chores done around home.

Laters,

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