Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Packed and ready to go!


Well I spent last weekend on the finishing touches. Finished the control portions of the puppets, and made sure they worked. I also finished labeling my Ice Dragon entries with the 3x5 card with information. I hope doing this ahead of time will save me some aggravation and stress on the day. I still have to finish my name cards for each and need to punch holes in the papers to get them put in their individual folders. It was challenging since I do have two items cross entered into other categories.

I still have alot of car related things to get done before I leave, just want to make sure its all set to go with new struts, oil change and inspection before I leave. Its needed but I hate car repair bills but its a necessary evil.

Currently I am working on an Elizabethan whisk, its the wing like standing collar that is used in alot of portraits from the period. Decided yesterday my gown needed some extra decoration, so I used some hanger wire I had been saving for a supportass ruff holder.  So I worked that and wrapped and taped intersections to keep them firm and secure. The sharp ends are wrapped in tape to not snag the silk organza. I began sewing the trim on the edge which covered the wire and have to sew the organza to the trim and cover both sides. Did finish the train that will attach to the whisk.

This will be my first time wearing such a collar but I am excited! Used my larger organza ruff for the trim, it needed reworking and wasn't sitting properly. I wanted to make a robe to match with trim but it didn't pleat quite right. Though I am happy with just the long veil train and the whisk for this gown. Over the weekend also made an organza hat with the same trim to match the chemise and whisk, so it will all look coordinating, love it!

I am not sure how easy it will be to wear all this but I want to give it a dry run this week and hope that it all works out. Making the packing lists now and will pack up for Ice Dragon over the next three days. Hoping all my hard work and planning pays off.

Here is to Success,

Maureen

P.S. Leaving the puppets to be a surprise will post pics after Ice Dragon, check out my Elizabethan gown though in the next post.

Monday, March 18, 2013

New Books and Documentation

Well had lots of progress this weekend, its good being busy. Its been whirlwind with my local SCA meeting this weekend, being in charge of a demo is taking up some time, though its not that bad. Now just have to figure out who can make it and who cannot.

  I just finished three documentation papers for Ice Dragon this weekend. All edited, citations, and sourced to perfection. I now just have to put them in folders for display and bring items with me in two weeks. More worried with getting the car all up to shape before I leave, have to get the struts done and inspected. I changed the rear brake lights this weekend, saved lots of cash doing my self best thing is  they work! Wish I could change the struts my self but that is unlikely.

Its nice to have one big hurdle out of the way, cut it closer than years before. Don't want to run this close again. I do still have to string and weight my marionettes, but its a minor compared to the big documenting pressure. I have time now to get some commission work done and proceed with getting it done as much as possible before I leave in two weeks. 

In the mean time, I recieved the new book The Tudor Child. Its very throughout, excelllent photos and references. I think it is just as well detailed at the Tudor Tailor, if not better. There area few ideas for expanding clothing for pregnancy, and a one early Elizabethan gown I would like to make for myself, that is listed as teenage gown.  So good things all around, was so pleased getting it in the mail this week. Well worth the wait and the money.

So here it goes, best get back to doing more comisson based work,

Maureen


Sunday, March 10, 2013

Sewing and Documentation

Well the kitties have made it through their colds, though a little lighter for the experience. The tips I looked up online have been invaluable and I look forward to using them in the future, when needed. Kitties seem very appreciative they feel better and despite not being happy with me about the medicine treatments.

I recieved the silk from India, finished with the outter kirtle with skirt and finishing the stomacher sleeves, hat. I made major progress in the past few days, suprise even myself with my speed. While I was waiting for the silk from India,  made up pleated skirts and bodices for the yellow and green Elizabethan gowns. So they are started, in the meantime almost complete with a red and white damask venetian Italian gown, have some more decorating details to finish. So gorgeous I am super excited to get it done and take some pictures for everyone. Its so beautiful and I think it will be a stunner for sure.

 Still have lots of work on the commission but I was at a standstill so not much can go on without fabric. Though I am excited to get rolling and with working on the other gowns in the meantime.

Though that doesn't mean I have been lazy and not working on anything. Over the past two days I wrote three complete drafts for my documentation for my Elizabethan Gloves for Ice Dragon. So very good in that respect now to edit, complete the final drafts, print and put into folders. That will cover three categories; heraldry, embroidery, and accessories. Finished the paper on the 16th century hand puppets and am making them from scrap fabrics. I am entering a card woven belt in fiber arts  and examples of on 16th century hand puppets in the toys, so that makes my 5 categories. Working on the documentation for the card woven belt but not sure how that is all going to work out at this point, need to find some books on my list for sources found lots of website. Though I need to get these papers ready asap, so that is a goal this week.

Though I preregistered and am as ready for 2013 pent as I will ever be, got lots of preparation in the meantime and best get back to doing it.

Hope to be ready soon,

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