Monday, November 28, 2011

A Gown in the Works and Other Mudanities

Since I do not have any Christmas orders for Garb this year :-( I am working on my everpresent list of garb for myself. I cut out three linen bodice linings. One for the black velvet gown, one for the peach gown and one for the gold gown. Each has its own uniqueness in styling. Of course I will let the outter fabrics and trims do all the talking and let your eyes do the walking ;-)

So I have progress sewing seams on all edges of one of the linings, not sure if I want the grain of the gold fabric to go vertical or horizontal. I went with a diagonal for the front pieces so they will v where they will close and the back is vertical. It looks very interesting, the goal with the directionality of the fabric, I hope it will make me look thinner and taller. Really interested in seeing how it all works out when I am finished sewing them on the linings. If its like the vision in my mind, its going to be a good one.

Though I am distracted at the prospect of working on some jewelry, though I don't need more to add to my crazy trunks full. Though I have a friend willing to cast some metalic decorative pieces with colored enamel for jewels. So I am interested in seeing how that will turn out, gave some paintings as jewelry reference. Though I think it will be months before I see anything I can work with, the castings are to be made from scratch. So I will keep stitching for a while unless some orders come in the mean time. I am hoping no one wants a last minute Tudor miracle. They take 2-3 weeks to complete the outter gown with hat, foresleeves, and underskirt. To make a total gown from the skin out takes 4-6 weeks depending on complexity. Its nice to get nice things but they do cost a penny or two.

Today besides cooking supper for Justin ahead of time, I hung up my Tudor Ladies Tapestry in the hallway this morning. Bought a rod with fancy ends at Biglots, it entends up to 84" though I didn't need it that long. It also had hardware to hang on the wall, I added 4 loops made from 2 1/2 wide trim to hold the tapestry on to the bar. It didn't have a pocket for a rod so the loops were whip stiched in the back threads. So the weight is distributed evenly but won't pull the back too much. Its just the right size for that wall, I tried to pin it up behind the couch but its too long to see the bottom row of tudor ladies. Wanted to make sure it was properly given full view since its such a magnificent piece.

On mundane life news, I am half way done with my christmas shopping. The last ones are the in laws side of the family and that will take care of the list. Very happy with how I was able to get a good jump this year. Not feeling the pinch as other years. Guess we will see how it all works out too, there is still lots of time. Hope to get some good deals on nice things for them all.

Good Luck to all who haven't started,

Maureen

Friday, November 18, 2011

More on the Renaissance Busts, not those Busts!


Just as a later note. I recieved the Renaissance busts of the man and woman in the mail that I bought from Ebay. To my disappointment they were smashed, and were not marked as fragile. Not sure if it was the method Parcel Post, being bargain basement shipping, that they were subject to bad placement in the truck or much more weight than normal. They were in pieces, the woman wose than the man, though they were both missing pieces. They were wrapped very well in bubble wrap but clanked in the box and still broke due to the sheer weight and not as stable as first packed, the newspaper shifted I believe.

So I set out to fix them both. Not in super small pieces there was still hope. I glued them with super glue the major parts then found smaller parts and glued them. Then bought air dry clay and molded to statue to smooth cracks and gaps. Let dry overnight, stablized with more glue. Then painted when glue dried, matching and slighly enhancing them while painting. Then a fixed with a top coat of thick layer of acrylic sealer. Made sure they were stable, then put them out atop the tarra-cotta gryphon pillars. They look great more viberant than the oringal concept. Will post the after photos soon.

Right now I need to find some cloth accents to go underneath them. They do have felt bottoms but this is additional protection for the pillar and looks good too. Have to see what I can come up with. Well that was the bust update.

Don't let your mind wonder;-)

Maureen

Royal Ermine Fur Tudor Gown




Well one down and three more to go, you may have not take note. I added a gold Duponi with fox fur to the list of gowns. What can I say the garb to be made list is never ending, which is true been going strong for over 6 years. Though the royal purple and ermine Tudor is done. When I try it on I am going to take some photos for all to see. I am really looking forward on how this one will look all together.

So the official description: A Royal Purple Velvet Tudor Gown with front closure featuring Ermine fur edging and hanging ermine fur sleeves. With a gold and white matching brocade foresleeves, underskirt, and French hood with black satin edging with beaded accents. Very stunning combination of colors and textures, will post pics for certain.

After trying to fit my gown into my garb trunk, to see if I could put it away. I realized the need to clear out my additional "casual" garb trunk. That means more peasant wear needs to be sold. Which is good for all of those interested in buying some good garb for better prices off of me. I will post photos in a separate entry for you to all look at and decide on purchasing.

Thank you to my newest follower, all my readers keep my blog possible. I appreciate your viewing my unusual musings and entertaining my strange be it traditional craft. If there are any questions or comments feel free to post them to any blog. I do read and respond.

Thanks for the interest,

Maureen

Monday, November 14, 2011

Parrot Woodbaby Puppets









Well I am a bad bad girl again. I was given two good offers for two woodbaby Parrot puppets. I took the offers, though I know its worth it for these they are super special birds. Not going to get anymore woodbabies or drabbits till after the wedding, but we will see how long I can hold out. I worked lots of overtime so this is my reward. Will get them in the mail soon my owlet, Athena will be happy to have these other birds around for company. She doesn't know what she is in for it with these two party animals.



The first parrot is a purple and orange combo, a very stunning color combination that is awesome to behold. Looking online it seems to be a variation of a red and blue lory parrot, mostly blue though. The second is a rainbow colored parrot, not sure if it follows a specific breed but it looks super close to a Military Macaw breed of Parrot. So I could tell the inspirtation from real life for both, they are really cute for sure. Will have them perched on our katanna display for temporary, they sit so upright with these since they are close to the wall, its cool.



Sigh, will have to make more videos for Youtube showing them off. Its going to be interesting to say the least to get them to behave. Well I have an idea to dig out my birdcage and put them on top and put my owlet inside. Though will have to find room to put it up, now that I have more feathered friends this would be a good idea. Oh so much cool stuff and so little time and room, need a bigger place for our awesome stuff. Though that is a task that will take much longer to fill. I may have to find room on my dresser with my large handmade peacock, will have to ponder this carefully ;-)



Most feathery thoughts,



Maureen

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Spanish Noble Bust Statues




Recently I was able to acquire a pair of items that is at least Renaissance like and I want to share them with you. In the past I had two bust statues of a Spanish man and woman, in renaissance attire. These I lost in a move and became someone else’s property, not a big deal at the time. There was no room to store them or display them in the next place I was living, so I just accounted the loss and moved on. A few days earlier I acquired two free terra cotta pillars that have a gryphon sculpted elaborately each base. I wasn’t sure at the time what I was going to put on them or store them for that matter. Though I just somehow know they would be used for sure. Then it hit me to find by Spanish Lord and Lady Busts and display them properly upon the pillars. Though eventually I knew I wanted to buy a new pair to replace the ones I lost. Luckily I found the same exact two in excellent condition on eBay. I believe it is at the same price I bought the previous ones.

The lord aptly named Ferdinand, is a conquistador and has the armored helmet with plume, fancy doublet and collar to match his elaborate decorated helm. The lady appropriately named Isabella wears a ladies doublet with a wide starched ruff, long hair plaited and on top of her head with an elaborate heraldic pin, they are quite the awesome accent.

My goal is to put them on respective pillars on either corner of my kitchen window. I also have to display my Tudor ladies tapestry to display in my living room but have not gotten wall hardware and rod to get this done, though it is a goal. If the window wasn’t there I would put the tapestry on that wall near the pillars but I only have so much room. Guess you can’t get it they way you want it all the time. Though I will be happy when we can get a larger place, then I can display the décor in a much better manner. Until then just have to be creative in my choices of location of my things.

Hope you enjoyed my little statuary musing, will let you all know and post pictures of the gown when she is all done with the accessories.

Till then,

Maureen

More Royal Fuzzy Progress

Now keep in mind the photo is of a royal purple velvet and Faux Ermine fur Tudor gown. The gown needs hook and eyes on the front closure yet and looks funny on a hanger. Tudor clothing was not meant to be on a hanger, but none the less the outer gown is complete and wanted to show it off.
The velvet is a dark royal purple but shows black on here unfortunately. There just wasn't enough light to get the purple to show up, my hunter green velvet gown has the same effect in photos.

Used all 2 yards of Faux Ermine fur, the gown is very plush to say the least. I have no doubt this will be the warmest gown I own. Right now I finished small sewing on my french hood and adding the puffs to the foresleeves. On the slate yet is the under skirt of the same brocade as the foresleeves. I will post photos of my look when the rest of the accessories are complete.

I hope also to have a small piece of embroidery done and mailed by the end of the week, guess we will see. After this total outfit is done I am starting immediately on one of the three others that have been waiting in the wings, a foxyfur sleeved gold faux silk gown, black velvet with artic fox faux fur sleeves, and my peach elizabethan gown with embroidred roses silk shirt. So much sewing and sew little time, lol. Anyway that is the fuzzy progress I made this week.

I still have details to iron out on youth activities for the 19th but I am no concerned. I am doing similar activites as I did for Confed Ladies event. Just have to decide if there are one or two more things that the brood will be interested in doing. There are always a few tricks up my fuzzy sleeves;-)

TTYL,

Maureen

Friday, November 4, 2011

Making a Furry Mess in More Ways than One

Well I finished the bodice and put the upper sleeves on my purple velvet gown, and it fits like a charm. So all is well so far, cut velvet off the skirt length for a stomacher and looking forward to constucting and furring that later. Right now putting the fur on the edges of the split front of the skirt and skirt hem. I want to get the clumsy and akward part done first, its the most time consuming. Working third shift for a few days, so will be able to get some undivided attention to the gown over the weekend.

Its really taking shape and will post pictures when its in a better state of recongnizable order. Oh its so rich looking. I told my mother about it and she is looking forward to seeing this creation. Normally she just muses at my quirky excitment over my sewing but seems a tad more interested since she is a fan of purple. Though I thought she had another favorite color, oh well learn something new everyday I guess.

Oh its a furry mess since the fur shed a bit on my pants more than my cats, amusing bit. But will be warm, which with fall and winter coming will be very good. I have more fur for two more gowns that came in this week, just as sumptuous as ever and looking forward to seeing how it all turns out of course. Want to have it done by Sept 19th for Fabric Fiber and Fighting, guess I will see. Should be able to go, had my boss schedule it for me already. Now to figure out childrens activies, that is for another post;-)

On a side note, I have a new kitty in the house. Have not named her but she is a tabby kitten with butterscotch accents throughout. She is about 5 months old with a delightful temperment and a eye for mischief. Right now she is not feeling 100% since she has diarreah. I think its from formerly living outside, adjusting to new food and living conditions. My neighbor thinks she was dropped off two days ago, been hanging around her 8 outdoor cats and getting food there.

Found her yesterday at my place when I was leaving for work. Thought she was one of the next door neighbor's cats. Though I found out later to be untrue. Since the summer I wanted a compantion for Jasper since he seems to get aweful lonely while Justin and I are at work. Very attention seeking when we get home. They really enjoy each other, no growling or scraping. Just the occasional swat of annoyance if the other is getting too nosey in to the others personal space.
I posted ads out to see if someone has lost her but no calls yet, and not expecting any. Justin has gotten attached to her he mentioned about her being his cat. Funny he wasn't wild about the idea at first, but its hard to say no to such a cute face. She sits on his belly and naps while he watches TV, so adorable. Despite her passing noxious gas, he still likes her though we hope that the gas will go away when she feels better.

Right now, I am giving her cooked rice and hamburger to settle her insides with lots of water to keep her hydrated. Poor thing hope she improves over the next few days. She has been leaving some noxious gas since the diarreah started. Though her case is no where as bad as Jasper had earlier this year. So its a waiting game, she start did eat the rice and hambruger before I left for work and does have a healthy appetite for food and drink, all good signs. Will post pictures of her, hope to get a pic of the two of them its so funny she is so small and Jasper is so big, what an odd couple.

Well that is all the news from here, back to sewing.

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