Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Elizabethan Jacket- Panel 4 Completed






Well just finished Panel 4, all the sleeves are now done! Super excited and happy with the progress so far. Am using more filling stitches and less other decorative stitches to make more progress faster, though I look to add more detail when I assemble with some herringbone stitches, some more finishing stitches and such. So more things to come.

So total for this project I have all the collar, sleeve tabs, gussets, and sleeves all embroidered. Now on to the body panels. Right now I decided to work on the back and see how it all turns out. I still have assembling and lining the whole outfit yet to do, that will be a feat all in itself. So a few down and lots more to go! Though I am happy with now fast and unique each panel is and now awesome I know they will look when put together as all one unit.

I am thinking some of the cohesive colors and panel assemblage will make this very challenging and unique project, beyond me putting my own personal spin on the flowers, edged pattern pieces, color choice, and design decisions for individual pattern panels with nothing repeating from panel to panel expect trailing vines. Yeah its based on an Elizabethan Embroidered Jacket, though its taken on a life all its own in the embroidery process.  

Well time to get to bed for another exciting day of work, its been a busy night. Hope to make more progress tomorrow. Beginning to see the light at the end of a very long tunnel.

Dreaming of stitches,

Maureen

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Elizabethan Jacket- Panel 3 Finished


Well I have the major parts on this embroidery laid on this sleeve. Now on to the next one! This one I was able to leave some more space but and planning on filling some areas with leaves and more detail. Though I think it is turning out really nice so far. The next one is more cramped with spacing due to the gold work, so I will have to get creative on some of the size and copy some flowers on this one to the next sleeve. Though I am very interested in seeing how this all goes, will have to roll with it.

Thought you would be glad to see I didn't forget with all the happenings and holiday, about this project. Well back to getting the next sleeve done.

Embroidering some more,

Mairin

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Bonnet Bonanza

Well I decided I wanted some Elizabethan Style bonnets also called a snood, and cauls. Since I have the gowns to wear, its time to have proper headgear. So I am making a few heart shaped style hats, and will see about some coifs too. Here is what I have done so far. I also bought some rat like hair accessories, to get the smooth Elizabethan hairstyle. Though I am not sure if I like them as much as teasing up my curls and spraying them to shape. Guess we will see, both methods are perfectly acceptable means to the look.

Thanks,

Mairin

P.S. This is my 150th post! Thank you all for reading the ravings of a woman mad about Elizabethan and Tudor Historical Costume.  Your insights make this blog so much more enriched.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Learning Something New, Lessons Anyone?!?

To further more elgant persuits, I am learning some new crafts. One is learning to play the lute, though I have the grand instrument, I need to find time and get the lessons from local friend. Though my theory is its like a guitar but different. Which I already play guitar, so this should be challenging. Mine came in this nice hardcase to protect it and store while not in use.
Second is learning to tablet/card weave, always wanted to learn to do this to make trim, garters, and belts. Guess we will see how it all goes, here is my progress so far. This loom I made last week with the help of my good friend, Lady Aibell. She has been doing tablet weaving for sometime, we wanted to make a simple learner rig for people to get a grasp with, been lots of fun to work with.
I also wanted to let folks know that I am available to give sewing lessons to the public. We can start with an small easy project and work to make challenging crafts. Contact me if interested, we can discuss ideas and cost:  faerydustcollector@gmail.com

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Happy Veterans Day 2012

Happy Veterans Day 2012

God Bless The USA

by Lee Greenwood
If tomorrow all the things were gone,
I'd worked for all my life.
And I had to start again,
with just my children and my wife.
I'd thank my lucky stars,
to be livin here today.
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom,
and they can't take that away.
And I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.
From the lakes of Minnesota,
to the hills of Tennessee.
Across the plains of Texas,
From sea to shining sea.
From Detroit down to Houston,
and New York to L.A.
Well there's pride in every American heart,
and its time we stand and say.
That I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.
And I'm proud to be and American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land.
God bless the USA

Poufs, Pearls, and Trim

Well I have been working on one last gown to clean out the large amount of farbic in the stash. Right now I have large scrap pieces that will do well to make some accessories. We will see what I come up with. This gown has turned out like the picture, though there is still more work to be done. Though it is still in need of silk poufs added to the sleeves, pearls to adorn it all over and some trim to finish of the slashes on the sleeves.


This is the example drawing of the gown I made with marker and pen. I suprised someone who has seen my costumes, with the detailed drawings that I make before I even cut the fabric. Though if I do not make a drawing, my mind has a hard time calculating my pattern and steps to make the garment.


Here is my progress so far. As you can see I have alot of details to complete yet. More finishing than anything else. This gown I had to put a false front to the skirt, didn't have enough fabric to make a full skirt. The feature on this gown that really sets if off, is the trim bands on the sleeves. I am going to add more trim to isolate the puffs into three sections just like on the drawing for the sleeves. Then will add pearl details all over. There is delicate pink trim on the bands that is hard to see from this distance but its really pretty, just had enough to do the whole gown.

So that has been my project for the week so far. I hope to get a better photo when I make more progress and eventually with all these new gowns I can take pictures wearing them very soon. I am also considering several hats to make to match that would be appropriate for the period, would require me to get versed in the Heart Shape Elizabethan Hairstyle, will have to find some rats to pouf up  my hair.

Sew Crazy,

Maureen

P.S. I have no clue which gown I want to wear to FFF this coming Saturday. So many gowns and not enough local events to wear them ;-)

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Elizabethan/Jacobean Gown Gallery


Here are some pics of my new gowns on hangers, they are heavy that they are starting to straiten the hooks on my over the door rack of hooks. I have one more currently in progress and am gonig to take pictures wearing these. When I am are all done with this last one. They are looking fantastic, I must say that I lean towards the floral ones the most.  Though  I think if the others were accessoried right you could really make them wow people easily.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

This is it!

 
Well the big day is finally here! Election Day we get to choose the President, well not totally the Electoral College has alot more say in the decision in the end. Will go vote on our way home from work today with Hubby. I don't talk politics much but just saying a small bit then I will be done.

Things need to change for the better and the party nickpicking needs to stop, lets be mature adults and get the job done. Not telling who I am voting for, since all it does is lead to political comments and people cant leave opinion alone and try to change my mind. I am good enough at that on my own, thanks. I will end it with this, go vote. Its important, being a sheeple of any type; Democrat Sheeple, Republican Sheeple, Tea Party Sheeple, Green Party Sheeple, or Non-Voting Sheeple. Dont be a Sheeple, make your voice and choice heard VOTE! This is Maureen Plotts and I appove this message ;-)
Now back to what is really important ;-) Here is a pick of some of the new gowns. Just in time for election day! Not sure which one I want to wear to Fabric Fiber and Fighting event next weekend, decisions decisions. I will take pics of me in these as usual, and some on the hanger separately and post them up.

For now I leave you in suspense,

Maureen

Monday, November 5, 2012

Guy Fawkes Day

Thought I would post the Traditional Poem to Celebrate Guy Fawkes Day


Remember, remember the Fifth of November,

The Gunpowder Treason and Plot,

I know of no reason

Why the Gunpowder Treason

Should ever be forgot.

Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, t’was his intent

To blow up the King and Parli’ment.

Three-score barrels of powder below

To prove old England’s overthrow;

By God’s providence he was catch’d

With a dark lantern and burning match.

Holloa boys, holloa boys, let the bells ring.

Holloa boys, holloa boys, God save the Queen!



Sunday, November 4, 2012

Elizabethan Gowns for Sale, Need To Sell!


I listed and additional gown on Etsy today as well as their being another ready made Elizabethan gown on there too. Need to make some room so these have to sell, they are listed at 200.00 a piece, which is a bargain with the work I put in to make them more suitable for SCA events. Need to get some cash for Christmas coming up and running out of room at home for things. These would wow at a renaissance faire not doubt.

Here is the link to my shop, any questions feel free to contact me.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Faerydustcollector?ref=search_shop_redirect

Thanks,

Maureen

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