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
 




Saturday, October 13, 2012

Progress Yet Again

I have made some embroidery progress all the green is done on both sleeves and now ready for the glorious color of blooms. Hoping to start this progress over the next few days. Will keep you all posted on the work.

I have been thinking and planning patterns for the next gowns I want to accomplish though I don't know when I will have time to complete them. Guess when the time is right and when they have screamed make me the loudest will be the one to start. I had to reorganize my fabric stash so I could contain the abundance I have accumulated recently. Wanting to make some drawings to get some inspiration.

I have decided to pick up on practicing my guitar, in hopes the transition to learning the lute may be an option for me. Luckily I have a good friend that has a connection to get me one of these amazing instruments as half the price of retail. Though I must say this will come in handy if I want to upgrade in the future, that is if I stick with my lessons. My local source for lessons doesn't quite know that he will be teaching me. Sure we can work a schedule for me to learn a song or two. For now I must hope and dream of it coming in the mail.
Until then, I have a few pictures of Lady Mairin going and doing her thing at events, these are older ones. Thought you would enjoy the vintage SCA photos.

Thanks,

Maureen

Etsy Listings Renewed Renaissance Gowns For Sale

Well I have renewed my listings for Etsy and have some new things available. Please take a look, the link to my shop is listed below. Also you can access it through the Etsy tab at the top of this blog. The lovely two piece gown is for sale, as pictured above


Thanks,

Maureen

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Taber Museum Demo


Well this Saturday, my local SCA group, The Shire of Abhainn Ciach Ghlais worked at the Taber Museum Yesteryear Event in Williamsport Pa, a first time we were there. We displayed a medieval encampment showing heavy weapons fighting, various things you can do with string, illumination, weapons making, music, costume, and archery. Fun was had by all!

I would say the day was a success, despite most of us having a later start than we would like. Personally this is how my day went. I got up at 8 am, later than I wanted but needed the sleep.My husband and I arrived home late from the tournament up in Williamsport for Magic the Gathering. I then had to gather the items I wanted to bring and pick out a full Tudor garb to wear. Which I didn't have the hat that I planned to wear so I ended up picking something different than I planned. Which I need to do some fixing to get the underskirt and hat up to par. I repaired the skirt, needed a new drawstring, which took about 5 minutes to pull through the skirt. The hat I worked on while at the event, it was bothering me most of the day, I had problems arranging my hair with no mirror and getting the hat to sit comfortably on my head, though I got it secured 1/3 through the event.
Normally I pack the night before a SCA renaissance event, but that didn't happen this case. I didn't get on the road to pick up a friend till almost 10am, which she slept in and was later than she anticipated. Though I was glad that I was behind, becasue she was ready to go by the time I arrived for pick up.  I wanted to be there by 9am, thought the event didn't start till noon. So we got there around 10:30 or so, and other folks were just getting set up and such, so I didn't feel to bad on being later than I wanted.

 It took a while to get dressed but my part of the demo was set up before I changed. Which means as soon as I was ready I could get right into the things I am working on. Which was working on one of the embroidered sleeves for my jacket, I did get some details done. Though I did have lots of talking and explaining for the large amount of folks that came to our mini medieval encampment, its much smaller than what we are used to putting on for the Lewisburg Demo.

 I fixed my hood after we got started since the people didn't get back to us till well hour after the event started. The staff was super helpful getting us unpacked, dressed if needed, and making sure we knew where to park. We had to vacate our tents when the civil war group was firing the cannon many times throughout the day, was a great chance to take a bathroom or food break . Which either was not very far from the backyard location. So all in all a good day, I included some photos of me at events recently I haven't posted yet. They are action shots and are not that great, plus I am scratching my nose in one, so laugh.

Looking forward to FFF,

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