Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Peachy Gown Pictures- In Progress






Well the bodice is done, except for stuffing the slashes in the sleeves with white silk, oh my its looking nice. It fits without a corset, so I am really interested in seeing how it will look with a proper corset. I have to place hook and eyes for right fit yet, that is why you see safety pins for now.

The skirt is hemmed and trim pinned on, now the sew it down and pleat, oh the joy. Wanted to show how it looks with a chemise to fill in the sleeves for now so you can get a taste of what is yet to come. Still have one embroidered shirt to do yet, that is going to take some major time, though its going to look just like the painting when done, its the icing on the cake.

On a reading note, three chapters away from finishing the first space marines saga, yay! still have lots more to do to get the next book done so I can get a background on my character. Really good reading a historical fiction at work and the space marines at home, wow two books at once. Its a miracle, I never read this much. Thanks Justin for being a reading inspiration, he strives for me to be well rounded what can I say ;-)

On a pet note, Tabbetha is recovering from her spay surgery last Thursday. She has the "cone of shame" to keep her from picking her stitches. She was ok the first night but really was licking and started tugging on her wound, so instead of a visit to the emergency vet for chewed stitches and leakiness. I was proactive and took her back to the vet the next day on Friday. Had her looked at, which they mentioned the stitches will hold an set her for a cone collar. The scab is about ready to peel, I know she is super itchy. Though the stitches are loose and probably will fall out here soon. So here is to hoping, Jasper has been a pins and needles around her especially when she got home. He was super concerned I could tell he missed her and was sad she was ouchy. Funny how he doesn't like to be without her, and its only been three months. Glad they get along so well.

Received at Token at my local shire 12th night, a feather for Arts and Sciences excellence. I wasn't able to attend due to work. Alas I will get it at February's shire meeting, though its been wonderful to be recognized. Alas its time for reading and bed.

Dreaming of the next awesome Gowns,

Lady Mairin

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Lady Mairin O'Cadhla's Elizabethan Gowns Teaser

I have an idea for another Youtube video, as soon as I finish making more Elizabethan Gowns I can complete another picture slide show set to music for all your viewing enjoyment. Though I have a feeling that it won't be complete till Fall 2012. Something to look forward to this year.

For now here is a 30 second teaser for you to think about:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVVcbq1UgAk


Speaking of Elizabethan Gowns, I am making some room in my garb trunks by selling two velvet gowns, more information in my previous post. Also looking on thinning my jewelry since there are only a few selections I wear often, I am reducing my collection to just my favorites. So look for some awesome Renaissance Tudor jewelry sales and pictures to be forthcoming.

Progress, oh yes there has been wonderful progress on my Peach Elizabethan gown. I am almost finished with the bodice, just have to sew sleeves, stuff sleeves and work on hemming and pleating the skirt before embellishing it. So lots done but still lots to do, super excited how it looks very close to the painting with some creative but tasteful differences. Can't wait for the shirt to be done to get the whole effect, but all in good time.

Back to progress,

Lady Mairin

Tudor Gowns For Sale to Support My Wedding

I have two tudor gowns I am selling to make some cash to help pay for our wedding cake and fiance's tuxes. I am selling my blue velvet Tudor and green velvet Tudor gowns. For $200 each

They have been worn both once and are in excellent shape. They are tailored to fit a 34 bust 29 waist and free in the hips, the polyester velvet fabric does have some stretch, so they will fit larger sizes by 3 inches. There is boning on the inside to give support though suggested a corset to wear underneath for proper support. The sale is just for the outter gown only not the accessories or underpinnings.

The gowns are done in the Tudor Tailor pattern, so there is a lacing section with a stomacher that pins off to one side, so really accurate in the pattern.

email me if interested: butterfly164_2002@yahoo.com I have a 332 seller rating, 100% positive feedback on eBay since 2004, I don't mess around with orders and communication during the whole process is very important to me. I have PayPal and only accept PayPal.

Oh here is my etsy link for the auction:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/80937541/sca-tudor-gowns-ready-made-think?ref=sr_gallery_1&sref=&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=sca+tudor+gown&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_ship_to=US&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=


Hope they sell,

Maureen

Friday, January 20, 2012

In the Midst of Peachy Perfection

Well I have made progress on the gown this week. Yesterday I was able to add all the trim on the bodice and sew it down. Which was on the tedious side, since there were the lace then the cording both to sew down but it was all worth it in the end, it looks gorgeous and works well together to achieve the look in the painting.

Currently working on the puffed sleeves, was able to dedicate some time after an afternoon nap to some serious sewing trial and error. I have been pondering for a while, how to pattern and approach making the sleeves of this gown and it’s been challenging for me to take the 2 dimensional and bring out the third dimensions in this project. Instead of making the sleeves look like Elizabethan shoulder rolls, I patterned the puffs in triangles to achieve the look closest to the painting. I have cut them out and attached the lace and deviating from the painting a little, I am adding the cording on the edges of the triangles currently. I worked on the scalloped band this afternoon and it all ready to go by bed time. I sewed the gold lace scalloped trim to a peach satin strip of fabric. Making sure it would fit my bicep with a sweater on; for room sake. After sewing down the lace trim I put cording on the edges for definition and sewed that to the peach fabric. Took a lighter and singed the edges to prevent fraying and get a close edged to the scalloped sewing down cording. Looks lovely so far, excited to see how it will all turn out.

Right now I am considering using the gold lace scalloped trim to make a scalloped edge on the split front skirt. The painting shows no split, though the noble woman’s hands are in front of that area of the gown and there is no way of telling in there is a split front to this gown from the painting. So for creative and variation sake, I am considering copying the scallop from the bottom of the puff sleeves for the spit front. Personally, I like to repeat a motif more than once to stabilize the intent in the design as long as it is subtle. Though this stems on the amount of trim I have left over, which is promising right now.

I included some pictures of the progress so far for your enjoyment. It’s going to look like I stepped out of a painting, if all goes right. Super excited to get this gown done so I can start on the embroidery for the shirt. All in good time I suppose.

In the Midst of Peachy Perfection,

Lady Mairin

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