Friday, December 28, 2012

Christmas Decorating and Early Gifts



Haven't made much progress with crafts, been helping Justin with his very strong cold. I had it last week so one reason for not being as busy as usual. He took a long nap after work, I took advantage and quietly decorated the kitchen, hallway, and dining room. When we woke up I just finished putting garland on the Christmas tree, Jasper likes to rub against it. Though so far the cats have the sense to leave the garland alone, fingers crossed. They went right for it and had to get scolded several times, I think they are learning. They like to pull the wired branches down and rub on them but its hard to catch them when I am asleep. All I can do is catch them in the act and correct the behavior.

I was able to get alot of mending that needed to be done, completed this week. Also made some small progress on embroidery. Justin, Jason and I exchanged gifts early, saved me from wrapping them. I got my Furby I asked for, Justin got a new board-game; Walking Dead, and Jason got a role-playing book. Furby really annoys the cats, Jasper especially makes low growling like noises at it. So Justin distracts him with lots of play and attention. All the presents are wrapped, finally! The cats liked the shiny paper as you can imagine, part of the reason for Justin working on distraction for them. Furby makes a great paperweight, especially like to talk to the Scotch tape. Really funny it was liking that particular noise. So yes lots of insanity getting all the shopping done but its complete.

After Christmas we got some money for buying of gifts. I bought 4 lace-making books, 24 lacing making bobbins, 1 large illustration book on Fashion though History, and bought supplies and made lacing making pillow and wooden cradle stand. Still have a few gift cards to spend but finding ways of getting them done too. Guess we will see how it all turns out, but for now here are pics showing the total effect of all my efforts with decorating.

Enjoy,  Maureen

Monday, December 24, 2012

Homeward Bound Gryphon


I wanted to share the newest member of the Plotts Gryphon Conclave! That is what I call my gryphon woodbaby collection at home, lol. This new one yet to be named, will be joining us after the New Year. Also in puppet news I decided to sell off all of my Imaginarium Galleries Drabbits! Even though I like Drabbits with their very interesting style difference, available my local renaissance faire, and Imaginarium Galleries has Drabbit giveaways. I discovered much more happiness and contentment with my Midsummer Knight Dream Woodbaby collection and the company that makes these wonders of art.

My reasons for the total switch to Midsummer Knights Dream Woodbabies are; better and wider variety of creatures, much better prices for the puppet you receive, much better communication to customers, and options to order a custom puppet without waiting weeks for a reply. Even though I cannot get them at my local renaissance faire and I adopt them online, my feelings have leaned this way for sometime.  The staff at MSKD is so more engaging, friendly, and attentive to answering questions and flexible to my needs. I guess customer service means alot to me and MSKD has it.  

Hoping the sale will help with Holiday bills and will make room for me to move my Woodbabies from the cold front sewing/computer room, to the areas in the living room on top stereo a place of real honor. I have lots of interest with folks wanting to adopt the Drabbits I have at home and space should clear soon.

Monday, December 17, 2012

Eminent Apocalypse.......let the Skyfall

Mayan Calendar Ending, Senseless Violence, Fiscal Cliff Eminent, 
and Apocalypse Impending on Dec 21st.  
My reaction.....let the skyfall, if the world is to end. Let it.




 Though I heard a rumor there was a miscalculation in the Mayan Calendar and the end was supposed to be last year. The United States Government is scrambling to find an answer to the "Fiscal Cliff", pushing through some sort of miscellaneous policies. There will always be people looking for the epic end to things, the world, government, and humanity.  Personally I think the ending of the "Reign of Men" it going to be sudden and totally unavoidable and unpredictable.

Though as it all unravels Dec 21st and people loose their minds over nothing. Enjoy the link to Adele's Skyfall and REM Its the End of the World videos.

Toasting Humanity,

Maureen

Friday, December 14, 2012

Back to Elizabethan Garb


Well I am more creative without my cellphone it seems. Instead of obsessing over Furby accessories and looking for them online with my phone. By the way, I found some at Walmart so done with them. Forgot my phone at home yesterday, so I worked on some gowns designs on paper. I wanted to use the metal roses I ordered online for accents on gowns but not sure how I wanted to go about adding them in. So here are the two designs I came up with for gowns.



There is still some yardage of fabric left in my stash. I was uncertain of their destinies as a gown or anything useful. Till I thought of what I had and what I could do with it. Working out some elements in my mind the other day, below are the fabrics I am drawing inspiration from.


What can I say, I'm a gown making machine.Though its going to be sometime before I get these done.
Got to get back to decorating the house and such, will post pics when done with that.

Garb is Great,

Maureen

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

A Look Back...And Looking Forward


Well looks like the sequential dates will be done for a while, which if fine though they were very amusing to post things on dates like that. Its 12/12/12 today, kinda funny how this year has come and gone. Its been one busy year, got married is my big event. Many friends and family had children this year, sister moved back to the states, lots of nice get together with friends and family. Hope 2013 is full of many more life milestones and improvements.

There was much crafting in 2012; may there be much more epic handicrafts in 2013. I like to get thinking early on these things even though there is still some 2012 left to finish. Like to keep motivated so here are the list of Resolutions for 2013; score new and better paying employment, score same great employment for Justin, find a place we can reasonable afford or make a large dent in saving to build our own, make final plans on family planning, buy a new to me car that runs and works well that isn't overpriced, spend more quality time with Justin, finish the Elizabethan Embroidered Jacket, make the Epic Late Elizabethan Gown, take Chancellor Minor office to new and better heights, train new folks interested in becoming Youth Officers, and get some kingdom award for my many toils in the SCA society. I hope that folks have noticed my efforts, though that is yet to be determined.

Well that is all for now I will post some sewing and crafting related things as I get them done. Which there will be some soon. Been working on needle and shuttle tatting, weaving, and embroidery all at once, its pretty neat! Can't say that I am bored.

Back to Work,

Maureen

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

A Furby for Christmas 2012

Voodoo

Greenman
      
Completely off topic, but its fun to find things that are fuzzy and amusing.I have a habit of collecting fuzzy non traditional pets, that affinity has led me to seeing these little guys and just gushing over them.

  Well found something really cute and fuzzy for Christmas, the new Hasbro Furby for 2012. They come in really cute textures and fur colors, have moving expressive glowing LED eyes, can more more than the old ones. They have the capacity to change personality depending on treatment, so the learning capacity is more developed. As well as they changed the design on how they look and interact. You can get a free app for Apple products and later aftermarket Android app for Furby. I hear the app works well to get Furby to try different foods and hear the reaction, though you can also feed the traditional way.

Totally remind me of the 80's flick Gremlins, but in more bright colors and missing arms or legs like appendages. Found out the resemblances had the movie production company considering a lawsuit back in 1998, fascinating. They are not the same though makes you think. Anyway I really like the "Greenman"  the most, reminds me of a baby abominable snow-monster. Told my husband and good pal about these though not sure if I will end up with one.

Not sure how the cats will react to a noisy moving ball of fur, theory is Jasper will run and hide and Tabbi will attack them. Would love to get two so they can talk, but they are pricey at 69.99 retail. You can find them cheaper but it takes work. Well guess I will have to see what Santa brings.

Still have to decorate the house, not motivated or in the spirit much this year. I think its melancholy left over from the new job not coming the way I wanted this year. Figured out what I am getting Justin, checked and he doesn't have what I am getting him. Looking forward to seeing his reaction on Christmas day.

Got to get Motivated,

Maureen

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Wow another Milestone!

Lots of folks looking up Renaissance topics. Tudorosities has over 13,000 views! Thank you for all your support loyal readers/ followers. If you found my interesting corner of the internet and have an interest in Tudor/ Elizabethan History, Costuming, Housewifery, and much more period topics. Consider following this blog, always open to new members with ideas and am willing to answer questions on various related topics to the English Renaissance Era.

Thanks Again,

Lady Mairin O'Cadhla

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Elizabethan Gown Available for Christmas


I have this gown available for sometime and its in need of a home. A home where someone can wear it without squeezing into it, just doesn't fit me right. For sale through Ebay here is the link, SCA Elizabethan Renaissance Gown . I have two days left and would really like to make some room for new creations that will fit properly.

If interested you can email me, faerydustcollector@gmail.com or message me through Ebay itself.

Hope to Make Someones Christmas,

Maureen

Monday, December 3, 2012

Productive Weekend Crafting

Well been busy with things I want to get done for a change. Besides getting the required chores done that need to be completed by weeks end, I was able to get some crafting completed too. I have had a collection of feathers meant for Elizabethan fans for sometime. I decided to finally make the hat pins and fans I was wanting, though not without complications. I had bought a finial to make a handle for one of the fans, thought to my misfortune  I cannot find it anywhere in my craft room. Necessity is indeed the mother of invention, so I modified some broken wooden handles from some household tools. Though I will buy some decoration for either side of the handle to give aesthetic appeal and cover my glue joint to the handle.

Also on the Tablet Weaving front, I have made some garters in a coral wool yarn. Wasn't sure how the much thicker yarn was going to hold up but it did well. I am now working with another yarn in lavender and using a metallic weft thread, sparkles on the ends of the weave. Looking really cool, hoping the rest of the weave turns out pretty. I am thinking of using my single ply wool on this and seeing how it all turns out. Hmm should be interesting. Thought I would share my progress so far with a few pictures...

Below is an Elizabethan Feather Fan
 Below is a Feathered Hat Pin
 Below is another Elizabethan Feather Fan
 This is the second Feathered Hat Pin 
 Last but not least Tablet Woven Coral Wool Garters

... well that is what I have been up to this weekend. I hope to get pics of the lavender tablet weaving and such when its done. I also started small leaves on the back panel of the Elizabethan Jacket, baby steps I suppose. The jacket is one long and daunting feat, though it will pay off in the end. Well back to the workweek and hoping for some evening time to work and finish the weaving and embroidery.

Crafty Thoughts,

Maureen 

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Elizabethan Jacket- Panel 4 Completed






Well just finished Panel 4, all the sleeves are now done! Super excited and happy with the progress so far. Am using more filling stitches and less other decorative stitches to make more progress faster, though I look to add more detail when I assemble with some herringbone stitches, some more finishing stitches and such. So more things to come.

So total for this project I have all the collar, sleeve tabs, gussets, and sleeves all embroidered. Now on to the body panels. Right now I decided to work on the back and see how it all turns out. I still have assembling and lining the whole outfit yet to do, that will be a feat all in itself. So a few down and lots more to go! Though I am happy with now fast and unique each panel is and now awesome I know they will look when put together as all one unit.

I am thinking some of the cohesive colors and panel assemblage will make this very challenging and unique project, beyond me putting my own personal spin on the flowers, edged pattern pieces, color choice, and design decisions for individual pattern panels with nothing repeating from panel to panel expect trailing vines. Yeah its based on an Elizabethan Embroidered Jacket, though its taken on a life all its own in the embroidery process.  

Well time to get to bed for another exciting day of work, its been a busy night. Hope to make more progress tomorrow. Beginning to see the light at the end of a very long tunnel.

Dreaming of stitches,

Maureen

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Elizabethan Jacket- Panel 3 Finished


Well I have the major parts on this embroidery laid on this sleeve. Now on to the next one! This one I was able to leave some more space but and planning on filling some areas with leaves and more detail. Though I think it is turning out really nice so far. The next one is more cramped with spacing due to the gold work, so I will have to get creative on some of the size and copy some flowers on this one to the next sleeve. Though I am very interested in seeing how this all goes, will have to roll with it.

Thought you would be glad to see I didn't forget with all the happenings and holiday, about this project. Well back to getting the next sleeve done.

Embroidering some more,

Mairin

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Bonnet Bonanza

Well I decided I wanted some Elizabethan Style bonnets also called a snood, and cauls. Since I have the gowns to wear, its time to have proper headgear. So I am making a few heart shaped style hats, and will see about some coifs too. Here is what I have done so far. I also bought some rat like hair accessories, to get the smooth Elizabethan hairstyle. Though I am not sure if I like them as much as teasing up my curls and spraying them to shape. Guess we will see, both methods are perfectly acceptable means to the look.

Thanks,

Mairin

P.S. This is my 150th post! Thank you all for reading the ravings of a woman mad about Elizabethan and Tudor Historical Costume.  Your insights make this blog so much more enriched.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Learning Something New, Lessons Anyone?!?

To further more elgant persuits, I am learning some new crafts. One is learning to play the lute, though I have the grand instrument, I need to find time and get the lessons from local friend. Though my theory is its like a guitar but different. Which I already play guitar, so this should be challenging. Mine came in this nice hardcase to protect it and store while not in use.
Second is learning to tablet/card weave, always wanted to learn to do this to make trim, garters, and belts. Guess we will see how it all goes, here is my progress so far. This loom I made last week with the help of my good friend, Lady Aibell. She has been doing tablet weaving for sometime, we wanted to make a simple learner rig for people to get a grasp with, been lots of fun to work with.
I also wanted to let folks know that I am available to give sewing lessons to the public. We can start with an small easy project and work to make challenging crafts. Contact me if interested, we can discuss ideas and cost:  faerydustcollector@gmail.com

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Happy Veterans Day 2012

Happy Veterans Day 2012

God Bless The USA

by Lee Greenwood
If tomorrow all the things were gone,
I'd worked for all my life.
And I had to start again,
with just my children and my wife.
I'd thank my lucky stars,
to be livin here today.
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom,
and they can't take that away.
And I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.
From the lakes of Minnesota,
to the hills of Tennessee.
Across the plains of Texas,
From sea to shining sea.
From Detroit down to Houston,
and New York to L.A.
Well there's pride in every American heart,
and its time we stand and say.
That I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.
And I'm proud to be and American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land.
God bless the USA

Poufs, Pearls, and Trim

Well I have been working on one last gown to clean out the large amount of farbic in the stash. Right now I have large scrap pieces that will do well to make some accessories. We will see what I come up with. This gown has turned out like the picture, though there is still more work to be done. Though it is still in need of silk poufs added to the sleeves, pearls to adorn it all over and some trim to finish of the slashes on the sleeves.


This is the example drawing of the gown I made with marker and pen. I suprised someone who has seen my costumes, with the detailed drawings that I make before I even cut the fabric. Though if I do not make a drawing, my mind has a hard time calculating my pattern and steps to make the garment.


Here is my progress so far. As you can see I have alot of details to complete yet. More finishing than anything else. This gown I had to put a false front to the skirt, didn't have enough fabric to make a full skirt. The feature on this gown that really sets if off, is the trim bands on the sleeves. I am going to add more trim to isolate the puffs into three sections just like on the drawing for the sleeves. Then will add pearl details all over. There is delicate pink trim on the bands that is hard to see from this distance but its really pretty, just had enough to do the whole gown.

So that has been my project for the week so far. I hope to get a better photo when I make more progress and eventually with all these new gowns I can take pictures wearing them very soon. I am also considering several hats to make to match that would be appropriate for the period, would require me to get versed in the Heart Shape Elizabethan Hairstyle, will have to find some rats to pouf up  my hair.

Sew Crazy,

Maureen

P.S. I have no clue which gown I want to wear to FFF this coming Saturday. So many gowns and not enough local events to wear them ;-)

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Elizabethan/Jacobean Gown Gallery


Here are some pics of my new gowns on hangers, they are heavy that they are starting to straiten the hooks on my over the door rack of hooks. I have one more currently in progress and am gonig to take pictures wearing these. When I am are all done with this last one. They are looking fantastic, I must say that I lean towards the floral ones the most.  Though  I think if the others were accessoried right you could really make them wow people easily.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

This is it!

 
Well the big day is finally here! Election Day we get to choose the President, well not totally the Electoral College has alot more say in the decision in the end. Will go vote on our way home from work today with Hubby. I don't talk politics much but just saying a small bit then I will be done.

Things need to change for the better and the party nickpicking needs to stop, lets be mature adults and get the job done. Not telling who I am voting for, since all it does is lead to political comments and people cant leave opinion alone and try to change my mind. I am good enough at that on my own, thanks. I will end it with this, go vote. Its important, being a sheeple of any type; Democrat Sheeple, Republican Sheeple, Tea Party Sheeple, Green Party Sheeple, or Non-Voting Sheeple. Dont be a Sheeple, make your voice and choice heard VOTE! This is Maureen Plotts and I appove this message ;-)
Now back to what is really important ;-) Here is a pick of some of the new gowns. Just in time for election day! Not sure which one I want to wear to Fabric Fiber and Fighting event next weekend, decisions decisions. I will take pics of me in these as usual, and some on the hanger separately and post them up.

For now I leave you in suspense,

Maureen

Monday, November 5, 2012

Guy Fawkes Day

Thought I would post the Traditional Poem to Celebrate Guy Fawkes Day


Remember, remember the Fifth of November,

The Gunpowder Treason and Plot,

I know of no reason

Why the Gunpowder Treason

Should ever be forgot.

Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, t’was his intent

To blow up the King and Parli’ment.

Three-score barrels of powder below

To prove old England’s overthrow;

By God’s providence he was catch’d

With a dark lantern and burning match.

Holloa boys, holloa boys, let the bells ring.

Holloa boys, holloa boys, God save the Queen!



Sunday, November 4, 2012

Elizabethan Gowns for Sale, Need To Sell!


I listed and additional gown on Etsy today as well as their being another ready made Elizabethan gown on there too. Need to make some room so these have to sell, they are listed at 200.00 a piece, which is a bargain with the work I put in to make them more suitable for SCA events. Need to get some cash for Christmas coming up and running out of room at home for things. These would wow at a renaissance faire not doubt.

Here is the link to my shop, any questions feel free to contact me.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Faerydustcollector?ref=search_shop_redirect

Thanks,

Maureen

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

This is Halloween, this is Halloween, Halloween, Halloween, Halloween!



Well its the big day, when all the ghosts,  goblins, and other little monsters would descend on the neighborhood begging for treats. Though the past few Halloweens, we don't get trick or treaters though there are lots of kids in the neighborhood. Their parents take them to the offical Trick or Treating in town, some 5 miles away. I find it discouraging since I like to decorate and this is my favorite holiday, free candy by asking is the best idea ever.

Since I won't get any visitors, though I keep some candy in case. Wanted to leave you with a  picture for halloween.This is called The Great Picture. A panel series showing Lady Anne Clifford during the 16th century. A woman who broke the rules of male inheritance and won her right to own property, act as a noble authority in her lands, and gained the inheritance she was deemed to get. Thought it was a fun series. Plus it has an interesting feeling of the Maiden, the Mother and the Crone feel to it, appropriate  for  Halloween.  For those who go out to celebrate, enjoy and be safe.  

Happy Halloween,

Maureen

P.S. Not sure about  hardcore Trick or Treaters going out in the rain! Most Halloween events were done earlies this weekend due to the storm.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Rocking Me like a Hurricane

Well we are going to get slammed head on by Hurricane Sandy, was hoping it would turn out to sea. Just not that lucky, supposed to start raining tonight and not stop for 4 days or more. Stocked up on drinking water and groceries, set up cans to catch rain water and tied them to the porch, the water will be used to flush the toilets. Tied down trash can to the porch and brought in all the outside decorations so they won't be taken by the wind. I live in a mobile home, so this is going to be one wild ride. Hoping that the tree outside the bedroom widow stays outside. As well as hoping the land lady does have the trailer secured/anchored to the ground. Beyond hoping that the power stays on, otherwise we will have to trek to a friends house for the next few days. Well if it floods as its did with Tropical Storm Lee in Sept 2011, will be interesting trek to work daily if we can make it there.  We will see if this storm is worse than Lee from last year. This is a pic of the storm at its heads toward the coast 20 hours earlier.


 Supposed to get some 30-60 mile per hours winds. That is what I am most concerned with is the power to keep heat and cooking. The park's water pump can go and we could manage with that, otherwise its going to be one long week.  I am more worried on the power outage, since we don't have alternative heat sources or cooking sources its supposed to get cold this week too. So lots of ready made food in the pantry that can be eaten cold if need be, yay chef boyardee, sandwiches, and other easy foods!
Sewing of course will be going on as the wind roars outside, dont need much light to do this and it will pass the time if the power goes out. I added some photo sketches of the gowns I am going to be making this week. I should call them the Hurricane gowns ;-P
In the spirit of the preparations thought would entertain the internet with The Scorpions song,
Rock You Like a Hurricane  I need to laugh to keep from worrying too much, looking into a portable heater that won't cost me an arm or leg. 
I can work on sewing and Justin can read in the dark but have a feeling we will be taking lots of naps or go to be early from eye strain, headache, or boredom. Though with the wind, I doubt I will sleep well.  I don't remember winds higher than 30 mph with Lee so Sandy being 30-50 mph wings this should be interesting. Wind sounds like more of a problem for us than the rain, they are expecting rain of 3-5 inches of rain or more depending on how long the storm sits over us.  Hope its faster moving than expected and less wind and rain than forecasted, fingers crossed! Well I plan to get some sewing done despite the weather, here is to hoping! If you don't hear from me in a few days its dues to power  issues, will keep you all posted.

Hanging Tight,

Maureen

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Creative Dissonance

Well  I have been at it again, I am working on garb! This gives me a break and keeps my interest with embroidery, so I don't get burnt out. Though I am making progress on that too. The first gown (pictured on the left) is an Elizabethan Loose Gown and is mostly complete except for the gold trim and more frogs going down the front need sewn down. The second one is a green gown made from my favorite thing, curtains. The green is more olive green than the picture. The gown features a split front skirt with floral underskirt and matching sleeves. They have a spanish like outter sleeve and I plan on using some button and beaded details to add interest. So should have most of this done today.

Well I hope this change of pace with making with garb, will help me get all the sewing projects done that I have been procrastinating over the summer. I made three more over skirts for three other gowns. Oh yes this is going to be a busy sewing month.Though the cats are wanting all my attention and are all like sitting on my fabric, its nice to see them but don't want fur all over the fabric. Its a double edge sword with pets.  Time to sew the trim on these, can't wait to get these all done and can make a jacobean video. I have the template all set up just need to add photos. Well back to it because the
Devil in the Details,

Maureen

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Veni, Vidi, Vici!


Well last week I came in fourth in the wacky sealed deck tournament, it was a mix of some old and standard cards from the current block of Magic the Gathering. Waiting for the next shipment of the new set. Last week I won got prizes and did almost the same the weekend before. This week only made it to the third round in the losers bracket. Its very interesting how things change when you have an influx of people with different deck stradegies. At least I held my own for a few rounds, thugh I am going to see how I can improve the speed and more so the lethalness of my Elf Centaur Green White Return to Ravnica Deck. I also have a vicious Dragon Drake Blue Red Izzet Return to Ravnica Deck. Just have to come up with better stradgedy to make this all the more interesting. Though for me and stradegy this is great improvement.

Roleplayging is turning out interesting with Winter Court in L5R Rokugan, its a pretty gathering but full of danger and pit falls. We are looking at changing our game on Tuesdays to Promethean the Created, a White Wolf System game that works with created humans to discover more about humanity. Not sure the type of character I am thinking of this, will have to see.

Right now I have made an Elizabethan Loose Gown. Still in progress of adding frogs buttons and trim. Will post photos soon. I finally used the majority of the wool crewel embroidered fabric I had at home. Wondering if I want to make foresleeves with the rest of the fabric left. Not sure right not but I think could be fun, though not totally period correct. I will ask my costume group and pick some brains to find out ;-)
Lost my embroidred gloves and one set of sleeves done for my jacket, I think I misplaced them when I packed up from the Taber Museum Demo. I have an idea where they may have gotten, will check when I get home, this is what happens when I rush to pack things up. Heres to hoping I find them.
I have been daydreaming of making garb alot lately, though I don't know if I have the time to get what I want done. I think right now I will work on the skirts for both gowns and get them all squared away, then agonize over bodices when I have more concentration.

Well waiting for the lute, lol. Should be in the mail now, just have to see how long it will be till it gets here. Coming UPS, hope the neighbor can get it. Looking at making a set up to cardweave myself some belts and garters. Wondering if some of the silk floss I have may be used to make some neat pieces, I have lots of the stuff.  I leave you with a picture of me from the Taber Museum Demo, I am talking about my Tudor Dolls and how they look like real people from the era, I have a picture of a painting in my hand, besides my embroidery.

Regards,

Lady Mairin

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Halloween Is Around the Corner

Well its that time of year again! Turning on the heat in the house, turn under the garden, put away the lawn mower for the season. Wishing that it would stay warm till November, even though that is a pipe dream. Thought I would post a spooky Renaissance picture of a painting and wish all my readers the warmest Autumn wishes and Happy Halloween that is soon approaching. May you all be blessed in this change of the season.

Regards,

Maureen

Monday, October 15, 2012

New Fabrics More Inspiration


Well I did tell you all about the fabric that I newly acquired and wanted to show you some swatches. I found two fabrics both being curtains of course. I have been told that I put Scarlet O'Hara to shame with the garb clothing I make out of curtains, which I reply a humble thank you. All of my Tudor Gowns are made from Curtain Panels, save one my Red Velvet Tudor Gown is made from regular fabric.  I have to say its grand not needing to do much lining or hemming, as long as one plans placement of pattern pieces well. Which all of these luxorius fabrics will be made into Renaissance styles gowns some point in the future.  I still have lots to make when it comes to getting gowns ready and actually working off my stash.

Right now I have acquired a green faux silk unlined curtain panels, they look more olive in the picture, but are a shade between a sage and olive. Also found some floral panels from Bed Bath and Beyond that will be great for an Elizabethan gown, may use these for a replica coronation gown. Not sure right now but they are very pretty with a gold background and red flower and green stems and leaves.

These are the major ones I recently recieved, though I still have 3 yards of the floral Crewel fabric yet to find a use for, thinking a loose gown with the blue faux silk trimming. Would be really pretty and a good use of what is left of both fabrics. Plus I have lots of trim to still use for my garments.

Well I am compiling my list and getting groups of things ready, I am going to need more hangers  for my garb closet.

Ta ta for now,

Maureen

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Vintage SCA Gallery In No Particular Order



Mairins attempt at German 1530's Lewisburg Arts 2009
 

Close up 1530's German Gown Mairin Cira 2009
 
Deputy Chancellor Minor Mairin at Wills Revenge 2006



Wish the Tent stake was in the way Lewisburg Arts 2012
Maureen being introduced to the SCA through the Lewisburg Arts Demo 2005

Chancellor Minor Mairin Circa 2010



Greetings From Mairin at 12th Night 2010






    
Feasting Mairin at 12th Night 2010


Spinning Wool Mairin Beaver Springs Demo 2006
 




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