Sunday, February 24, 2013

Kitty Plague

Tabby on the left and Jasper on the right
Well no progress made on Tudor/Elizabethan gowns due to illness, not mine or Justin's though. Been nursing two sick cats that caught themselves a virus, which manifests itself like a cold.  Symtpoms: clear mucus from eyes and nose, sneezing, some tiredness due to cold kicking their butts.

Basically given them some steam treatments in the bathroom, some robitussin very minute amount to get rid of phegm once a day, a drop of nasal spray in morning and night with steam treatment to keep air ways open, vicks on nose as needed to keep them breathing through nose at night, and wiping eyes and nose when discharge has appeared. So sort of like treating a human cold but the patient is totally unwilling for meds, assistance, and can't blow their nose.

Tabby caught this first and she had it rough but kept drinking water and trying to eat a little. Jasper ate for the first three days mostly liquids and then stopped.  I have been assisting feeding and watering him every few hours in addition to medication for the cold that I administered just the same intervals at Tabbitha. My schedule between work and nursing the Jasper is exhausting and no sewing has occurred

Got little sleep last night since I had to wake up and administer meds and vicks, when they feel especially crappy they sleep with me and I wake up and monitor their breathing. Said to Justin that if this is any indication, I think I got what it takes to be parent.

I do get breaks and go out do things, this allows Jasper to sleep and rest between medication and food. Went to the gaming store and got sleeves for a new Magic the Gathering deck, which match the nifty deck box I found at Books a Million.  Though the deck itself needs some modification, I will look and see for good replacements from my sideboard. Did sell one gown and had alot of interest in the other, hope it goes too.

Well got to get back to it,

Maureen

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Striving for new Heights


I am selling off one of my early Ice Blue Damask Tudor gown, not for the lack of liking it. My tudorbethan wardrobe again is bursting at the seams. Though I must say I am flattered by all the interest in my historical garments when I do sell them on Ebay or Etsy. I hope they sell soon, hoping to find more wonderful inexpensive fabrics to inspire future gowns soon.  Here is the link for you to see what I have for sale, 2 days left on the auctions. So please hurry if interested!
I decided to keep the green cotton kirtle and convert it to some undergarments. Rather get use out of it than have it sit round the sewing room collecting dust. Answer conversion, not exactly what you may think of for sewing but its a very historically accurate to change garments to suit new fashions and functions.  I want to line the bodice with reed boning and take the open front on the skirt and put an inset for an underskirt. Always planning always thinking about gowns.

I also found the most luxurious white with red pattered damask, it is a large curtain about 3 yards. I plan on making it into a Venetian Renaissance Gown. Most likely in the 1560's or 1570's, with its long deep V bodice with a lacing front I know it will be flattering. I also found the most wonderful matching blood red fabric for the sleeves, which I plan on decorating with fervor with beads and puffs of silk.  I hope it comes together like I am imaging in my mind. Here is my inspiration painting for this gown. I love the scalloped lace and will have to find some fun way of adding this to my red and white confection.

I also am working on the Elizabethan gowns too, this is just another sewing distraction what can I say. Though a gown from another country is always a fun change of pace for me. Not the first time making an Italian gown and also have made a Saxon gown too.

Well got to get some work done,

Maureen 

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Shirts and Collar Gallery







 Mentioned I finished these in my last post and wanted to show how they turned out. Working on more great things right now, so keep checking back. Will be posting more soon.

Busy Bee,

Maureen

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Coming and Going

I modified the shirts I purchased on Etsy. Right now I have a cotton frill on the collar and cuffs that looks like it was always been there. Contemplating black-work embroidery on the collar and cuffs but not certain at this point. I put some hooks on the cuffs and points on the strings of the collar, it really dresses it up. Also put clasps and buttons on the lace collars posted earlier, they look much better and now can be attached to shirts possibly. I also made one last heart-shaped French cap two weeks ago, it fills out the last of the hats I wanted to make for the new gowns. So they are all set to wear when I finally get to an event.

Made a smock, bum-roll and hoop-skirt for the commission I am working on. Found the perfect silk terracotta taffeta material, its was a challenge for sure. Its shipping from India, so its going to be a while before it gets here. Now to work on the corset, have the pattern cut and going to apply boning and such. Making headway slowly but surely. Hope the undergarments are done so I can start on the outer gown when the silk arrives.

I have to work on documentation between working on the commission, which is a challenge but very possible. I have till the end of March to finish it all and have good headway with an interview questions Lady Livia helped with in 2012. Now to make it into a cohesive unit and into many forms of documentation for Ice Dragon 2013.









I am planning on making more gowns while working on the commission that is in progress.  It doesn't take any extra effort for me to make one as it does to make 4. It takes longer to make the underthings than it does to make the over gowns for me. So it will go fast, here the drawings of the gowns I am working on with color ideas for you.

Well got to get back to it,

Maureen

Friday, February 8, 2013

Feathery Puppet Fantasy Magic


      
Simic Guild
Izzet Guild
With the tax returns in and refund back, Justin and I found a few things to purchase. We already got one box of Magic the Gathering: Return to Ravinca to add to an already interesting compilation of decks. I have an awesome Dragon Izzet blue red deck that is pretty mauling. I dabbled with Azorious white blue deck, though its has some kinks that need to be worked out yet. My green white centaur Selesyna deck was tweaked by Justin to be a populating nightmare for those facing it. Return to Ravnica has proven to be one great set for multicolor or theme deck builders like myself.  We also got one box of Magic the Gathering: Gatecrash and are planning to buy a second. Which I am making a blue green deck based on the Simic guild and its array of interesting. I am hoping buying a second box pays off and I am able to get a legendary blue green merfolk creature, guess we will see. I love the artwork and challenge of strategy even-though I have to improve my skills with deck building.



I also found the most beautiful phoenix from Midsummer Knights Dream(MSKD), one that has peacock feather accents. I wanted to get a Jhari's cat with these accents but have not had any luck seeing them in the inventory to pick up. Though I would love to get a custom peacock puppet from MSKD, I am not sure how that would work and if it would be worth it now that I will have a peacock accented phoenix. Its purple, blue, and green the color combo I really like and will be opposite from the yellow, red, and black in my Phoenix, Miracle. She was at one of the renaissance fairs for sale down south, somehow no one bought her. A few folks on the fan site say it was meant to be, so Fate is her name. I also picked up at bright colored gryphon, which I named Keylime after the color of her fur. Tooks some pictures for you to enjoy.

Aso got some terracotta fabric for the gown I am working on commission finally found the color at the right price. Now just waiting for it to come in from India. In the meantime I will finish the undergarments and be ready to cut the pattern by the time it gets here. Excited to see it all come together for this commission.  Well I better get back to the sewing machine.

Regards,

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