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

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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