Tuesday, January 3, 2012

New Fabrics for a New Year

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Well here they are in their full curtain-like glory. Retrieving the curtains from their previous owners, delightfully discovering I have enough fabric to make three outfits. Most pleased of course, because the warm tones do well to warm up my cooler skin tone and set off my red hair. I am really considering making a gown that looks like the Embroidered Elizabethan blue with this fabric, though with some differences in tailoring. I don't need two exactly the same style gowns. Happy, my crewel fabric has a multitude of colors so I can make it match most hues. Though I am also considering a Catherine Parr Late Tudor fitted gown with puffed upper sleeves, though I want to learn how to get the proper styling of the sleeves and bodice first. I will have to study my green one to make a proper pattern. I have a feeling that I won't be making a Pink Renaissance outfit for Justin out of this fabric, though it would look nice. I will have to see how that will all work out and ask him how comfortable he would be in this color.

I also have this lovely gold with blue floral damask fabric, also a set of curtains. Taking into consideration making a puffed shoulder sleeved Renaissance gown. Something really regal to match the sumptuous richness of this fabric. Considering dark blue velvet in the slashes of the puffs. Oh I know I have blue velvet scraps out in my fabric tote saved for something like this. I would wear my black wool kirtle underneath this to set off the lighter blue pattern. Wearing two floral patterns one as a top layer one as an under-layer can be visually confusing, unless their patterns match. Which my crewel floral and the damask floral blue on gold really don't match in pattern. Though I have been looking at my crewel fabric and wondering of crewel kirtle as the under-dress for the pink might be an option, I want everything to have a fluid smoothness.

Oh so many things to decide, when designing gowns. There still time to figure it all out, and its nice to find ways of using all this wonderful scraps and details. The planning I say is the best part, next to seeing it all take shape before you as one sews. Well there is lots to decide wondering if sleeves would have to be a consideration, hmm I love pretty mix and match options.

On the book front I am reading The Ultramarines Omnibus, as background reference for Justin's Deathwatch game which is set in Warhammer 40k world. Not sewing related reading but that is ok. Though on a sewing note I did order two books from Tudortailor.com. They will be coming but I am not sure how long from Britain it will take. Still working on some embroidery for the gloves but it is taking time. I want to have the borders done by this week, we will see how successful my progress is later.

Busy bee,

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