Monday, June 3, 2013

Fabric to Suit my Inspiration


Well this is the triumph in my most recent fabric shopping trip. Compared to the painting there is alot less coral color and more green acanthus. Though the background shade is perfectly right, the green is just glorious and the coral is really pretty, though it shows in a stripped coral color effect compared to the vining in the painting. Best part it was under 10.00 a yard, I found it locally, and had to pay no shipping.

I need to get to the Barn and Fabric center more often, though that is a double edges sword. Its very tempting and don't want to spend more than my small bit of personal spending money on just one bit of fabric. Which is very easy to do with, damask, brocade, and heavy decorator fabrics for costumes since they take a decent amount of yardage to create. This is why I mention curtain fabric more often, since its perfectly cut two panels will make a gown just right for my size. Though I may need to buy a third panel or complimentary color of fabric for Tudor hanging sleeves.

I had asked for some input through the Elizabethan Costuimg group on Facebook. At first I wanted to find a fabric close in green and blye and paint the more coral color in. Though very period technique to make fabric decoration, I didn't want it to effect the fabric negitively. Painting fabric can cause drape issues, possibilty of fade of paint over time, running of color, and other issues.  Though I have a plan, I will do nothing!

This fabric really has grown on me in the way it is and I think represents the painting without copying it verbatum. So the gown is inspired by the painting but not a complete copy, besides its nice having your own Tudoresque twist on things.

I am changing something else from the original painting, to bring out the much smaller amount of coral in this fabric. Devised a plan to make the underskirt, foresleeves, and French hood all in coral velvet or silk fabric. Non pattern fabric to really punch up the soft pink color color in this gown. I am considering using some of the velvet or silk from the underskirt, on the neckline and on the sides of the open skirt as a trim, thinking of some gold braid with pearl work to add some interest.

 I like the ouches and pearl neckline with matching jewel suite, though I am not sure if this is something I am going to use in my version. I do plan on using black velvet ribbon on the edges of the foresleeve as seen in the original.

So that is the news on the Tudor garb front. I would like the have this done by the end of June, though I have alot of overtime coming up and having trouble finishing projects already in progress. So this my not be ready by AE Academy June 29th. Though I have my other Teal tudor ready for a propery debut, so all is good.

I am above 17,500 page views  since starting my blog in 2010 when I started this blog and at the end of this summer I should be approaching my 200th post. I wanted to thank my 14 follower and invite those interested in costuming to come and stay a while. There are so many topics to talk about and I look forward to posting more interesting and educational information well into the future.

Until Next Time,

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