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
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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