Busy as a Bee in Spring
I wanted to wish Everyone a belated Happy Mayday! Its been a very busy April and will post more about my exploits in garb and all things Tudor. In the meantime enjoy this wonderful weather and festive time of renewal.
Here is some of the wonderful work pictures I promised. This is the just completed Teal Tudor gown. It features a fine gold trim that goes on the front of bodice and on both sides of split from skirt. I added gold jewels set with teal and cream paired with pearls around the neckline and split front skirt. I have yet to take pictures with the jewel collar line, but it is just striking to behold.
I also wore the same ensemble to Aethelmearc Academy later this summer. I hope to make another teal with pink combo here in the near future. I have to locate my boning to get it and two other gowns stiffened properly.
I failed to mention how wonderful a success Lewisburg Arts Festival was compared to what was planned it was large and we did have folks turnout better at the park with our satilite in Hufnagle telling folks to go to battlefield to check out the interactive displays. These pictures are from Lewisburg Arts Festival. Thank you Lady Livia for more outstanding garb photos.
Blessings,
Mairin
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 assocated 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 6 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 80% of my gowns and accessories. The shoes, corset, stockings, and petticoats are bought online and the petticoats are a close reproduction but not made by me. Though someday I plan on making a reed corset and petticoat to wear under my gowns, as well as other accessories.How long does it take to make a gown?
It all depends on the type of gown I plan on making and 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 10th 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.
King Henry VIII's Wives in Sequential Order
King Henry VIII of England 1491-1547
Queen Catherine of Aragon 1485-1536Divorced,
Queen Anne Boleyn 1501-1536 Beheaded,
Queen Jane Seymour 1508-1537 Died.
Queen Anne of Cleves 1515-1557 Divorced,
Queen Catherine Howard 1525-1542 Beheaded,
Queen Catherine Parr 1512-1548 Survived.
Queen Elizabeth's Prayer at Bristol August 15,1574
Stretch forth,
O Lord most mightie,
Thy right hand over me,
and defend me from mine enemys,
that they never prevayle against me.
Give me, O Lord,
the assistance of Thy Spiritt,
and comfort of Thy grace,
truly to know Thee, intirely to love Thee,
and assuredly to trust in Thee.
And that as I do acknowledge
to have received the government
of this Church and Kingdom at Thy hand,
and to hold the same of Thee,
so grant me grace, O Lord,
that in the end I may render up
and present the same again
unto Thee, a peaceable, quiett,
and well-ordered State and Kingdome,
as also a perfect reformed church,
to the furtherance of Thy glory.
And to my subjects, O Lord God, grant,
I beseech Thee, faithful and obedient hearts,
willingly to submit themselves to the obedience
of Thy word and commandments,
that we altogether being thankfull unto Thee
for Thy benefitts received, may laud and magnifie
Thy Holy Name world without end.
Grant this, O merciful Father, for Jesus Christ's sake,
our only Mediator and Advocate.
Amen
I wanted to wish Everyone a belated Happy Mayday! Its been a very busy April and will post more about my exploits in garb and all things Tudor. In the meantime enjoy this wonderful weather and festive time of renewal. 
Here is some of the wonderful work pictures I promised. This is the just completed Teal Tudor gown. It features a fine gold trim that goes on the front of bodice and on both sides of split from skirt. I added gold jewels set with teal and cream paired with pearls around the neckline and split front skirt. I have yet to take pictures with the jewel collar line, but it is just striking to behold. 
I also wore the same ensemble to Aethelmearc Academy later this summer. I hope to make another teal with pink combo here in the near future. I have to locate my boning to get it and two other gowns stiffened properly. 
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