Sunday, December 7, 2014

All That Glitters.....

After a while of freehand drawing, I finally have my new coif project underway. It took me a while to design from a picture of the extent coif  which is located in a private collection in England. This is a 16 century coif embroidered in coral stitch and then has the Elizabethan loop stitch done in goldwork. The black work itself is very small work so I know is going to take a while and use a lot of gold thread to complete the looped effect.


As I'm working on this project, I decided to do a small change instead of stitching spiderweb stitches inside each of the flowers I put in beads instead. The beads I have already worked into the center of each individual design so as I embroider around them, they will fit properly. I am working this in a black silk thread a 12 ply Splendor hundred percent silk thread. I have two cards of this particular silk. I am sure I'm going to need more eventually. There was just enough pearls and glass beads to fill all the centers. I feel very fortunate that there was just the right number to give this project a dimensionality that I think will be very eye-catching.
I have as of yet to order the proper gilt gold embroidery thread. It is on my to do list and is going to be probably part of my Christmas money to spend for actual guilt thread for this project. Really want to give its true authentic glow. There is something different about true guilt thread, it has a shiny luster that you cannot get from regular DMC or other artificial Goldthreads.

 Along with the particular thread there are other features and materials for goldwork that I plan on ordering as part of my Christmas gift to myself.  I want to design a goldwork specific project for a heart on green fabric done with gold work materials and techniques. And this is a strictly personal item it is something that could be document to pull through this SCA. However I'm going to be designing the project myself so it would not be an extent version however it could be representative of goldwork materials and techniques.  I do want to say particular thank you to THL Jaqueline de Moliere of the SCA for such a wonderful course on Goldthread's and their uses. And her experiences that she was willing to share with my local embroidery group. It has truly inspired me to look into other forms of embroidery and try my hand at something new and exciting. I have received all the Royal school of needlework inspired spiral workbooks. So I have those to look up technique. As well as a received an early 12 night gift from my wonderful friend Thorvaldr of a goldwork technique book.

It's late, best ready for work in the morning. Hopefully gold fever and will not keep me up.

Regards,

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