Monday, May 27, 2013

Best Year Ever!

     I have been plugging away on a comission, nearing the end. I have hat and beading then its all done and soon ready for shipping. Will post photos when done with the gown, I am testing it now to make sure all the seams are tigh. In the meantime I have been organizing Lewisburg Arts Demo and so begins the Scadian Spring and Summer busy season.

      This is the time of year my shire works on Public Relation more and really we pull out all the stops for making the demos amazing. This year was no exception, I was able to put out a small advert in the booklet this year about our new activites. Also was in more than one location as well as featured times for dancing and fighting. We had a stand amongst other no profit organizations in Hufnagle Park near the beginning of the vendors and our usual interactive medieval encampment in Soliders and Sailors Memorial Park at the other end of the festival. So I floated between both all day, was well tired, sweaty, sunburnt, and had a headache by the end of the day. Though it was well worth the effort, because I think it was one of the best public concenious festivals we have worked in many years. The day was a sucess though still alot of work for folks, though I feel that this is just the way this demo goes. I heard nothing but good from those who saw us and the public is always curious to talk to us at both locations. I consider it a triumph, and my first time Democrating an event was not easy. I couldn't have done it without the aid of my local Senechal who is just wonderful, Lady Anoinette De Lorraine.

     Its turning out to be the best year ever, aleast Scadianwise.  I won Ice Dragon Novice Pent Award, Baroness Choice Award, I am new companion to the Order of the Sycamore, was accepted into Haushold WeisserLowe received my favor, and now found I won two 2nd Place Sylvan Quill awards! I am just speechless with all this happening within the past few weeks, its alot to take in.

       The Sylvan Quill is recognition in many categories showing excellence in writing, content, layout and for authors and newsletters AE Kingdom wide.  I recieved Best Article and Best Article in Kingdom Newsletter both 2nd Places. 2nd Place Best Article was for A Home of Their Own; Aricle on 16th Century Dollhouses and 2nd Place Best Article in Kingdom Newsletter was for Evolution from Fashion to Toy: 16th Century Dolls. Three other shire mates cleaned up with Sylvan Quill Awards: Lady Vivienne Yardley recieved 1st Place in Best Article with an article on Modern Medieval Traditions, Matire Gille Beauchamp recieved 1st Place for Best Regular Feature with his continuing Dietary Series and Lady Ariel Grenwich recieved 2nd Place for Best Over All Newsletter.  This has been my first time putting in articles and have been new to the whole process, it was just an honor to get one of my articles asked to be put in the Kingdom Astel.  I am just in total shock really and very flattered everyone thought so much of my articles to vote for them.

     I wish my mundane life could be so cheery, my personal finaces continue to be a struggle with limited hours at work.  I am working very hard to find better paying employment, that doesn't want to own your soul for working at their place. Its a tough job market, I feel lucky if I get an interview. That "good job" itself seems to be a challenge of the ages, and the goal of countless. All I can do is pray for blessings in this area as I have been blessed Scadianlife.

In the meantime I look to Living in the Dream,

Lady Mairin

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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