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

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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