Sunday, February 12, 2012

Well Invitations almost done

Still working on ruffs and and I have partlets in different stages of construction. Lacy white ones, so typical ones, I need to make sleeves and body to these. I still have the silk shirt for my peach gown to do and make a hat though its going to be sometime before I get that done. I am hoping before June. Keeping my fingers crossed on that.

I hate when I come up with all sorts of crafty ideas and no time to make them. I want to get the lacy white ones done first then, I will work on the other gold and embroidered partlets later, there is no rush. Not like I am running out of garb or anything;-)

Joined the SCA in late 2004 and I did a tally and realized that I have been in the SCA for 8 Years going on 9 years! Shocking doesn't feel that long ago. I wasn't active for 2 since I had to get my finances in proper order. Though during that time I made 10 Tudor gowns, 6 court ones and 4 plain wool ones. So really I hadn't left just on a sewing hiatus really, kept reading books learning writing documentation in that time, and kept updated on shire goings on but just had no money to get to events. All good things take financing I guess.

Well here is to 8 more years of Tudor and Elizabethan learning, textile crafting, clothes making, and all around SCA fun. Wow time flies when you are having fun is very true indeed.

Lots of Love,

Lady Mairin

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

RIP Dr. Michael Kelly

I wanted to gather my thoughts before I posted, on Friday Feb 3rd, my uncle passed. Here is a few links to articles about the man that was a creative influence on me to pursue a love of history and life long friend. This Irish saying always reminded me of him

May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.


http://www.neiuindependent.com/news/neiu-mourns-the-loss-of-dr-michael-t-kelly-dean-of-students-1.2768088#.TzJghIFSzTo

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/chicagotribune/obituary.aspx?n=michael-t-kelly&pid=155774838&fhid=2180

http://www.legacy.com/guestbook/chicagotribune/guestbook.aspx?n=michael-kelly&pid=155774838&cid=full

May the Lord walk with you Michael Kelly, may you be at peace.

Videos of Michael doing what he loves, singing and playing the guitar. This makes me smile when I miss him, I am sure he is happy with the Lord. http://www.youtube.com/user/NEIUDOS

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Pictures of Lace Trim Ruff





Ruffing It





Its been a challenging February so far not sure how its all going to turn out. So far I do have pictures of the Peach gown, the outter gown is all done save some beading and the silk shirt and floral skirt to go underneath. Its lovely, one of my best works I do believe, its peachier looking in natural light, though I wanted proper full length shots to show off the pleating. Can't wait to wear it but have to get the other pieces done first as well as all the finishing touches.

In the meantime I have finished ones set of ruffs, made from lace trim and am working on the next set, finishing beading. They look great and am excited to use these with the Elizabethan gown line that I am working on, have all sorts of ideas for making the video for YouTube but have far to go before I can get that done.

Also got good news to share on the Chancellor Minor front and will tell more when I announce it publicly to my shire at our meeting on the 19th, will all hold you in suspense till them. Though its really cool.

Right now I am halted by wedding plans for April, most recently side tracked by a death in my extended family. Its unfortunate the events but there are things in life more important than sewing, yes I did actually say that. Recently working on more ruffs and partlet plan in the meantime but am giving myself time to contemplate spiritually before I dive into intense embroidery for the shirt. Oh though the goal keeps me focused.

Though I did not want to leave everyone hanging by a thread, so progress is still progress and I have some to show to you all. Appreciate all your patience with posting and look to be making much more progress soon.

Blessings,

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