Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Getting Things Done, Finally!


Well being productive this week so far, I was able to finish my book about Mary Queen of Scots. It ends sadly of course though happy they way they finished it off with pazazz and talking about how her death effected the course of history, all very intersting. Hoping it doesn't take me another three years to finish off my other books I just purchased;-) I am starting the three book series on the Legend of the Guardians: Owl of Gahoole. I love the movie so I want to try the books. Yes more youth level reading but I love being able to get a good story and plow through it. Harry Potter was a complex enough story and world to keep my interest, hope this is the same. I was also told the Eragon Dragon series is pretty good too, that will be after my owl books though. I have had alot of adult reading so something soothing on the brain certianly helps. My Owl series is another thick book but this is a omnibus of three books so it will take some time. Just wanting to read something else other than renaissance history for variety sake. I found there can be such a thing as history overload, shockingly.

Off the topic note, I was able to make two decks for my Legend of the Five Rings Card game at home. Revamped my exhisting Mantis deck to be a Raid effect deck and made the other to be my Tsruchi Archer deck, all very cool and these are diamond editon. I have to make a Nezumi deck, which are humaniod rats and a Phoenix deck which are elemental magic users these are gold edition. The editions have to be kept separte though there are transition cards that can be used with both. I have two unicorn decks one gold one diamond editions and looking into a third possibly. Still have to find something to do with my Lous edition L5R yet have 20 booster packs and two premade decks, though this may take some time.

On a garb note I have taken the time to start my light blue french hood, looking nice so far, I have to attach the front and back pieces, sew on the veil, bead and trim it too. I am also looking to start a mens renaissance shirt on Thursday, so smaller projects. Tip toeing into my two Tudor gowns, though the suspense is killing me about getting them started;-) If the vision in my head is as beautiful as they turn out, I will be one very happy lady.

Well got to go,
Maureen

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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