Monday, October 24, 2011

Foresleeves finished

Well progress is being made on the sewing front. I completed the foresleeves with beading, I have to make the silken poufs on the bottom edge of the foresleeves but that won't take long to attach those accents.

I have decided to kick off fall with a warm furry creation. No not a puppet but to start my royal purple velvet and ermine fur gown. Been chomping at the bit to sew this creation, I decided the 2 yards of ermine fur will be used on this gown alone.

In stead of making a dark twin gown, I found an artic fox faux variety that would work well with the black velvet gown. Its has some spots of black with gradual varations from light to dark, so it will look really cool against the richness of the black velvet. So it will have alook all its own instead of being a black version of the purple gown in my drawing.

Found a great Faux Furier online that sells quality faux fur that is pretty convincing to the real thing. Its just so much easier having faux fur sleeves that are sleek and easier the care for than real fur and much cheaper. The quality faux fur is more expensive per yard but for the proper look to the Tudor fur sleeves with correct depth and texture is its worth the money. Since I tend to buy just one yard at a time its not hard on the purse strings either.

You may ask why use 2 whole yards of fur for the sleeves on just one gown? Well it won't just be the sleeves. The purple velvet fabric I have is 45 inches wide and will be sort since I am 5'7". When its pleated to my bodice there will be ankles showing which will not do. I was deciding how to approach a lining on the bottom of the gown for the past week. My options are either strips of black velvet, stips of matching brocade, or strips of ermine fur. Well I decided on the fur but not to buy more. Just use the two yards I purchased.

This gown is meant to look very royal, so they would have used the fur and shown it off when ever possible. Since the ermine fur is 60 inch wide fabric, I am going to cut 2 inch strips and line the front and bottom edges of the skirt with ermine. Also linging the top bodice neckline of the gown with ermine too. Its going to be one striking and warm gown. My plans if all works well is to wear this to Fabric Fiber and Fighting. Which as this point is looking to be a cold event since its in the middle of November. Though that all depends on my work schedule if I will be able to go and do children's activities for this event. Guess we will see how it all works out. Hope things can get back to normal but will miss the overtime pay. Oh well guess you can't have your pie and eat it too.

Back to the future,

Maureen

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

At last....its finished...




Well after harping about making this French Hood for a while. I finally completed it last night while at work. Decieded on the beading scheme and it looks lovely as expected. In making the french hood it gave me some ideas on how to execute the design of the foresleeves.



So far this is the plan: I am using the same lovely floral brocade fabric and to match the hood, I purchased 1 1/2 inch black satin ribbon. Which will be put around the edges, the bottom will be filled with silk lining for the poufs, and beaded with white pearls around a black and gold bead same as on the french hood. In my mind its all in the details, am certain this will look great with both the black velvet gown and purple velvet gown, both with ermine sleeves. So its going to be white black and gold with either more black or purple, either way its going to look sumptuous.



I am drawing up the plans for my next riding hat, brought my drawing pad to get the ideas in head onto paper. Lest I forget those stunning details that I have perculating.


Recently I have been dreaming of gowns again and I am sure a new inspiration will be coming soon. Though I have had some ideas for simple elizabethan gowns to make for more simplified look, it would yet again be in those details whether or not how fancy I want to make the gowns. Though nothing is concrete in my ideas, I have ideas on some red and purple curtains that were for sale. The materials are simlar to the weave to the fabric used in my French Blue Elizabethan Gown. Which was also made from curtains, not a coinsidence. So plans are simmering for now, and some more lovely hats may need to be made for these other gowns later on.



We'll see how long it takes to get the foresleeves done. Maybe by the end of the week if all goes well. Ver motivated to sew but no fabric to work on here at my job. Guess I will work on jewelry instead ;-)



For now back to the mundane,



Maureen

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Six Wives Tudor Tapestry

I just had to show you all what a lovely thing I found on ebay. Wondering what I was going to spend my ebay bucks towards was becoming challenging, and I stumbled upon this looking for Tudor accessories under a Renaissance search. I have a tapestry showing fashion of the 1510's but nothing further till this beautyv came along.
This is a woven 100% cotton throw that I found on Ebay for 16.99 plus shipping. It contains all images of the six wives of Henry VII and I believe possibly Lady Mary Boleyn and HenryVIII's sister the Princess Mary Tudor. So here they are list edas in the order I believe they appear. Some of these paintings are still disputed on who is depicted, so this is my educated guess. Plus tibits of Tudor knowledge that I know from researching the era for over six years.


Top row: (left) Mary Tudor: Henry's second sister married to the King of France and later second marriage secretly to Duke of Suffolk; Charles Bradon. (middle) Anne Boleyn: second wife to Henry, mother of Elizabeth I. I know this is her since there is the B necklace showing on her neck. (right) Catherine Parr: Sixth wife to Henry and this portrait was done two years after they were married in 1545. Disputed to be Lady Jane Grey but later changed. One of my favorites for its texture, I made a gown that is in similar colors to represent this dress. Will post pics later. Center: (Left) This is Catherine Howard but it is desputed since most images of former queens were discarded after death or removal from office. It does have a fetching resemblence to Anne but has closer features to Catherine Howards other portrait. Center: (Middle) Catherine of Aragon, first queen of Henry VIII. Henry later married Catherine after compensation from the Pope over her unconsumated marriage to his older brother Arthur was obtained. Ironic he later argues the validity of the marriage some 26 years and 6 children later, only Mary I survived to adulthood. This is a portrait of her as the Princess of Wales Bottom (Left) Anne of Cleves this is taken right from Holbein's painting no disgrepancies there. No doubt Henry fell in love with this demure flanders mare before he met her. Unlike his constant recorded complaint she was not at all ugly. I think Henry just didn't like her manners and foreign customs. After all, you go from your family and all you know to live in a foreign land and learn all their customs in 7 months of marriage. (Center) This is another disputed one but I have found sources saying this is Mary Boleyn, Anne's sister during her time at court and favor by Henry's mistress. (Right) Last but certainly not least, Jane Seymour, third queen of Henry. Third one is the charm after all; he loved her, she bore him his only living son but died 12 days after his birth. Henry was recorded to whisper her name as his last dying words. Unfortunately her son Edward VI he didn't rule very long only six years after his father's death. Edward is believed to have died of pnemonia but their were whispers of poisoning.


The history of the people depicted is interesting but I have to say I am more happy to see the attention to detail on the images. I love how they look and now have a good representation of 1520's through 1540's Tudor fashion for ladies. Last night I figured out the perfect spot to hang this up on the wall. I need to get a curtain rod wide enough to accomidate its 51" x 68" measurements. Its going to be fun, will have to gently sew a pocket on the back, for the rod to sit in. Luclily I know how to carefully do such things with out showing stitches on the front face of the fabric.


Still working away on my French hood, it looks great just needs beads to accent it and set to wear. I am debating which ones to use, pearls for sure but I have some nice glass beads that would set this off perfectly. I will have to try it to see how they look in combination with one another.


I found a company that makes vintage cabachons and pendants that are really good Tudor fakes. These technically would be Victorian in style but these are simple enough they can pass for Tudor. The Victorian era had a Renaissance Revial in architechture, writing, and other subjects. Fashion plates and books were made on the Tudors and their clothing. Though these books have lots of romantics added to an already heady subject matter. They are not best to use for research purposes, it can be hard to find out the facts through the victorian romanticism. I can't blame the Vicorians with falling in love with the intrigue, scandal, and heartbreak of the Tudor Court. Life imitates art and vice vera, ;-) Getting back to the sparkelies, I bought more of this brand of jewelry findings than I should but I know how the craft store doesn't keep things in stock so I was best for me to get them before they were discontinued. So I has Tudor treasure, hee hee.


Well if I get another good amount of jewelry making under my belt this weekend, I will fill up my jewelry trunk in no time. Though I want to finish this French hood first and start on my peach riding hood next, all in good time I suppose.

On the creative upswing,


Maureen

Monday, October 17, 2011

Hatimania with Fancy Hat Pins



Hi all,

Well I am still working away at the french hood, its looks adorable. I need to find some thicker gauge wire to reinforce its curved shape at this point. The stuff I have is not cutting it right now but does give some stability. I have to finish sewing the trim and putting some beads on it and I will post some pics when I am done. I can't wait to make some matching foresleeves trimmed in black satin, its just looks so sharp.

Though on Saturday I did get some sparkly awesomeness completed. I made 12- 6" hat pins for my renaissance riding hats. I hope to add a peach riding hat eventually but its taking some time to get through the french hood right now. I realized my stock of stiffened felt is running low, So I will have to stock up on that and thick wire for more millinery insanity ;-)

I made a fold over piece of brocade fabric two Saturday's ago and had no idea what I made. Just sewing during a roleplaying session to keep awake, I was especially tired that day. When I was driving home after getting some take out earlier this week, it hit me like a bolt of lightning, I just made a fold over hat pin folio. Lol I must be getting really good at sewing and such. After all foreshadowing my own needs to making things even before I know that I will need them is a really awesome talent.

I am putting out local one page ads at all my local laundry mats, libraries, and grocery stores for my costumes and seeing who bites. More wedding money is always good plus folks get some awesome costumes out of the deal, great way to spread the Halloween love. Well that is about it from here, hope to post more hatimania soon.

Tata for now lovelies,

Maureen

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Good News on the Wedding Front

I personally delivered my downpayment for the reception at the Genetti Hotel, I also took a sneek peek at the Grand Ball Room. Its not as huge as I thought it would be but the decor is perfect for our reception and it will be very comfortable with 50 people in that room. Everything after all our thoughtfull planning is finally coming together. Its so great!

To add to my excitement, I had a lovely person purchase two of my gowns and interested in purchasing accessories to match. Very thrilled to pieces will help the wedding fund immensely.
Downpayment for the cake and the invitations I am thinking with this money. I am printing off my own response cards, registration information and site details at home. Its easier for my matron of honor and I to go crazy in Microsoft Word and print it on some similar colored cardstock at home. Plus I figured on making the cutest response card ever, details to follow;-)

I will have to collect addresses but I don't plan on mailing them for a while so not a rush. Supposed to mail invitations 2 to 3 months it before wedding according to most wedding decorum states. This christmas I want to send out a special gift to the family as a teaser for the wedding in April, I am working on some interesting plans;-)

Well thought I would share the progress and luck, very thrilled.

Can't Wait to be Mrs. Plotts,

Maureen

Friday, October 7, 2011

Things are Sew Sew

Well I decided that I am getting started to sew up the three gowns I have been gushing about for months but I am starting small. Working on the hats first before finishing the rest of the gown. Its a risk but right now I want to ease into the project and get things rolling. Hats are fun and don't take more than three days to for me to make. So I am thinking of making my peach riding hat and white on black french hood with gold accents. I do have a black on white one so this will look different with the brocade on the back for a change. Looking forward with how it will turn out.



I am very happy with the way the french blue Elizabethan gown looks and am interested in how the design will work with the peach gown with some differences. I know the purple and black Tudor gowns will turn out stunning as usual.

I got progress on cutting out the felt pattern and pinning the fabric to the felt, not the process of sewing the fabric on and sewing the pattern pieces together, put in wire for stability and them decorate with beads and trim will take time. Though if it is like the vision in my head it will turn out stunning like the last one I made that was french blue. Well that is all for now, I hope to post some pics of the hats in the next two weeks and then start on gowns. Looking forward to hearing from you all with thoughts and questions.

Toodles,

Maureen

Off Topic Drabbit Videos

Hi all,
Just wanted to let you all know beside my costumes and all things renaissance. I have recently posted more videos on my youtube channel. My Midsummer Knights Dream Woodbaby Puppets are all up to date with videos for your viewing enjoyment.

Right now there are four new Imaginarium Drabbit Videos I added on Oct 10th. There are lots videos to enjoy with the woodbaby puppets and now drabbits too. Here is the link to my channel:
www.youtube.com/user/faerydustcollector

As far as sewing I have decided to work on a french hood while roleplaying tonight over skype. Its going to be a interesting with the plans I came up with while sleeping last night. I get some great dream dress inspiration from time to time. Will post more when I get things done and some pictures of my work.

TTYL,

Maureen

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Here are the Dresses for Sale with Pictures

Hi all,
I deciding to make it easier on you all to see the dresses I have for sale and if you are interested in purchasing one just email me, butterfly164_2002@yahoo.com








Silver bodice is 35 inch waist and 38 inch bust so yeah larger than I thought. This has a matching silver skirt with a 42 inch length on the skirt from the waist band. SOLD





Green cotton bodice is a 33 inch waist closed and 35 inch bust front the waist on the skirt is 43 inches long from the waistband, so a longer skirt also.


Blue and green bodice is 35 inc bust and 29 waist, so that would be tighter fitting depending on how much space you want to allow in the front.



This is a wool peasant dress and is lined with linen and has a side back hook and eye closure, measurements are 34 bust and 30 waist. Inch or two left in the shirt to leave room for weight fluctuations. This is in Olive Green and Jet black(pictured) . BOTH SOLD

Hope you enjoyed look at them they are 20.00 each set and 15.00 for the blue green bodice by itself.

Thanks,

Maureen





Sunday, October 2, 2011

Hats hats and more hats





Well after do lots of interesting things with the kids at Mountain Confederation Ladies Event, sock puppets, masks, foam sword playtime, candy and coloring of course. Its was a success and wouldn't be possible with out the help of the parents .

Though off the event topic, I wanted to make a post about my hats I made recently. I just completed a French Hood with an embroidered hair bag on the back which matches my blue dress with embroidery. Of course also my Elizabethan riding hat I made for the Renaissance Faire here in Pennsylvania. Posting some photos of them and more sewing projects in my future. Just as steady as the rainy weather we have been going through over the past month. The rain will end, my passion for sewing, embroidery and costume will not ;-)

Though the next renaissance event I will be going to is Fabric Fiber and Fighting out near Lamar Pa. I have to say its been a hatting good time lately for me and been very happy with the results so far. I know I have more to make one more, since there is one French hood I want to make for my purple Velvet gown. I hope to have that complete before next month, here is to wishing and hoping. Guess its time to have a sewing marathon night soon ;-)

In the mean time I completed alot of household mending for my fiance and am very happy to at least get something small completed beside my french hood as of late. Though I really should get cracking on my left Elizabethan glove, and three gowns I want to complete. Though I have a feeling to make it all is going to take some major time. Here's to hard work, and not putting my finger through the sewing machine again! Ruined my nail it pulled back really far and had to be cut short, looks like crap compared to my other nails. Hope it grows back out soon.

Well that is about it on the sewing front, working on the wedding too have all locations narrowed down and payments established. Woo hoo progress on the getting hitched front!

Its been a cold and rainy weekend and looking forward to the warmer weather and sunshine with drying out that was promised by the weather man on Friday. Guess I should see if there are any changes.

Make it a great one,

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