Thursday, December 29, 2011

Tudor Gown Gallery







Well I finally had time to take the garb pictures. Surprisingly before the New Year, I geared up after supper today to take these photos I have been promising. There is a total of 90 pictures but am showing one from each of my looks.It took about 4 hours to change through all these dresses, but it was worth it.
Now I am able to add more accurate additions to my Facebook of me in garb and show off my new gowns and hats to match. Oh the green brocade gown I bought off eBay some time ago. I wore it to Wills Revenge this past year but no one took pictures of me in it, neither at Ladies event with my blue gown with matching hood. Though my green velvet hood matches the green brocade gown like I made it to match the gown. Irony is so awesome sometimes.
I hope you like them all, which gown do you like the best? Feel free to comment.

Best Wishes in the New Year,

Maureen

Monday, December 26, 2011

Christmas and all that Loot



Well it was another good holiday this year everyone liked the gifts I bought, so success! Food was great at both places we visited, didn't expect anything less. This is the way the Holidays should be every year. Here is the list of loot we receieved and bought with money and or gift cards: Strike Up the 12 Days of Christmas Carol!

Justin got me a sterling silver necklace and bracelet set, Katana handled chopsticks and a CD from our friend"Fig", got a copper colored silk scarf from my sister Melissa, Walmart Gift card from my Sister Teresa; which bought a lovely turquoisey-teal queen size fleece blanket for the couch. A Gift card from my Parents, which bought me some gold hoop earrings with fresh water pearl dangles and 18 inch freash water pearl necklace. Hmm dare I say real jewelry for Tudor Garb? Another Walmart gift card from Justin's aunt (not sure what to get with this one), a Joanns Gift card from Justin's uncle( you know what that will be used for;-) and two festive bath washes, loofa, and sewing bobbin with needle ornament from Justin's cousin. Money from Justin's Grandma, money and lottery tickets from Justin's parents, which I won $59 total on the lottery. Justin won money off his tickets too $29, we are just a lucky bunch. What can I say my future in laws are good to me, they picked the good ones.

Justin got gift cards to Books-a-Million, Cracker Barrell and Applebees, same gifts from Jason as I got, as well as money, lottery tickets, etc. He got a Arabian Dagger from my sister Melissa. He used his gift card from my parents to purchase a new pair of boots for work, I got him two hard to find Deadlands RPG books for his collection and a pair of fuzzy dice. He was very happy with them both, also his other Gram found some of his old comic books, so those are going safely away in his trunk. So a lost and found gift ;-)

We both got gifts from our job, nice throw blankets and gift cards to Dunkin Doughnuts, haven't used all mine from last year but that is ok lots more money for fancy coffee ;-) I still have gifts from the roleplaying gaming group to disperse and my local 12th night to attend, so there is more gift giving on the horizon.

As far as the money is concerned, I am using some of the money to buy two costuming books online from Tudortailor.com, they have two patterning books called King's Servant and Queens Servant(which just came out this month) so I am picking up both of those. I also am looking into a dress watch online, ooo sparkly. Also thinking of 5 real golden rings with gemstones, yet more real jewelry to wear with garb, and well anytime actually. That will probably use all my money but its well worth it. There are a few things I am considering, like some other Tudor garb online also but the books are a definite.

As far as sewing garb, I have made some real progress on my black velvet gown. The bodice fits properly and trim is sewn down on the bodice. I have the skirt pleated and ready to add trim then attach to bodice. So hope to have it all together today and add fur sleeves tonight. When Melissa goes back to Saudia Arabia, I want her to pick up more of that wonderful fabric to make more embroidered renaissance shirts. Decisions, Decsions am able to get alot done in peace while things are slow over the holidays. Oh to be done and take pictures of this and my other recent creations would be lovely. Its a goal for sure, well that is all that is going on right now.

Best Holiday Wishes,

Maureen

Friday, December 23, 2011

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree and other photos!
























Pictures of this years Christmas Tree, I put my woodbaby puppets in for something different. Its a fantasy theme, turned out really cute. Love all the gifts underneath, looks like a happy Christmas for all.

Though I lost my tree topper, I plugged it in and it made a popping noise, so its done unfortunately, going to have to pick up another with the after christmas sales. Will have to check Walmart and such. It was a really cool color changing 8 pointed star. Hope I can find another one just like it, its so pretty.

I included a picture of my new drabbit, this is Tourmaline the Glistening. The check is cashed and she should be on her way. I hope to see the UPS man soon so I can find a spot for her on the entertainment center with her brothers and sisters.

I also got my Citrine jewelry in the mail, looks lovely as ever. More updates on presents to come.
In the Spirit of the Season,

Maureen

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Preparations are as planned



Well I was able to get the tree set up two days ago and finally decorated today. It seems that Tabbetha has the sense not to climb it for now. I will be able to tell when I get home, by the hang of the branches and the bits of chewed tree. Though there is an army of paper wrapped gifts on floor level that I am sure are more interesting and easier to accquire. Today I was also sucessful in wrapping all our packages, save two large ones I ran out of gift wrap paper:-(


So I am picking up odds and ends at Walmart tomorrow, I know madness! I find that the last minute odds and ends will not be a bad afternoon outing, after being the house all day. Also have to go to the bank, pay rent and other similar errands before the holiday, sure I am not the only one tiding up the before holiday errand list.


I work all night tonight and will keep occupied with my sewing. I have to put the fur sleeves on the gown and trim on the bodice and attach the skirt, the rest is hook and eye closures. Though sleep will be the goal when I get home. Dishes, check the tree for disturbance, feed cats, clean litter box before I can hit the hay.


Speaking of odds and ends that is what you see pictured above is a lovely trim I found in Walmarts ribbon section, I am thinking of making ruffs out of it. Though I only have 6 feet to work with. If I can find two more rolls I will be happy it was fairly cheap too. So for now its fun to look at and wait to see how it presents itself in one of my sewing masterpieces.


I am determined to make our gold with blue floral pattern curtains in the bedroom into a gown. Have had my eye on this for a while, the fabric was orginally purchase for the intent of a gown. I have other ones with insulated lining to put up in their stead but will have to find time to get them out of the shed and put up before I head back to work again in the evening. This is not supper pressing


Though I have Friday off which is a delight, I should have everything done for the holiday by then, fingers crossed. I think I will take pictures of a few of my new and never seen gowns in the bathroom mirror. Post those along with Christmas photos of the tree with woodbabies in it, and find time to do some more decorating with garlands if time permits. I will let Justin have the car, don't mind being a house bum for a day ;-)


Well if I want to take a picture of this gown by Friday I had better get cracking. I will post a whole picture gallery soon. Until then have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year my fans and followers.


Regards,


Maureen

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Snow, Sewing and Embroidery

Well finished the gold outter gown with attached outter skirt and fox faux fur hanging sleeves, it matches wonderfully. I am going to wear the gold and black french hood, foresleeves, and underskirt with this gown. I do have to finish a stomacher for this ensemble and sew some trim on the gown yet. I hope to take photos of this gown and the purple one in more detail soon. Hope to get more of an idea of how it will fit too.

I will be starting on the black velvet gown next.I have to say the new gowns are really coming along nicely. Its nice being more motivated to get them done, wish I had the motivation in the summer. Though having large amounts of fabric on your lap when its hot doesn't seem as nice in the summer as in the winter. Guess it comes out to jewelry summers and garb winters, everything in cycles I suppose. I like snow but not wild in driving in it, though I rather snow than ice for sure there is just no winning the road battle with ice.

I am on and off working in my left glove embroidery, have the white ribbon and classical pillars done and have to make the black outline yet. Turning out really nice so far, will have to make the floral edging and peacock supporters to finish. Though it will take some time to get done and I am in no rush.

Still have 9 people to finish on my Christmas list but I have ideas that I need to research some other gifts yet. Still have not put the Christmas tree up or any decorations actually, thinking of doing some tomorrow on an unexpected day off. Have other errands to run but nothing that will take loads of time. At this point things are looking at catching up on household and hobby things, which is nice for a change. We did get snow last night about an inch or so but its all melted away by the late afternoon. Its cold and clear but pleasant really for December, guess we will see if more snow is on its way to make thing seasonally interesting.

Being the Domestic Diva,

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