Friday, November 28, 2014

Sweet Bag

In the meantime, I have been working on a practice embroidery. Its a striped floral arrangement that is 4 inch square. Actually turns out to be the size of a sixteenth century sweet bag. I decided then that is what I was going to create. So, I took some silk from a pre-existing shirt that had been cut up and lined at on the inside and back. Then proceeded to braid up some draw strings. Used some silk floss and some of a glittery yarn that I happen to have. The work itself is completed using beads and pearls. I also have some split stitch trailing stems on this particular piece.

Arranged in a stripe pattern horizontally. The pattern was actually taken from a coif', however I found out that proceeded to use it on the front of my sweet bag. Its not uncommon for the period to use beads, however it is a little later than the time I am trying to depict.

I plan on getting some photos of my embroidered 16th century waistcoat, while I'm at the event this weekend. Did take a few photos for friends recently to show what it looks like while wearing it. However I wanted to get a much better quality photo at the event of the outfit for you. So patience being a virtue, all will have to wait. It will be nicer instead of me holding the camera in the mirror to get a photo of everything.

Currently laying out the arrangement for coif.  With that I am trying to figure out how I'm going to make the design set right on the fabric I have prepped and waiting on a scroll frame. Took a picture of the design to show you what it looks like. This is a very interesting 16th century coif from a private collection. That not only has black silk work done in coral stitch. It also contains some interwoven gold work within the coral stitch not and some cool gold work woven pea like features.

So at this point that is what the current project is on the table. I also plan on working on a gentleman's Tudor outfit for a friend. So that is going to also take some time and effort to get it completed by January. Always so much to do, and so little time. My holiday for Thanksgiving was nice it was great to spend it with family.

Happy Stitching,

Maureen

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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