Sunday, March 29, 2015

Little Bo Peep

Made to major embroidery progress over the weekend. Able to complete 25% of my coif, which leave three quarters done. I still have 25% more to go but it's making up quickly and looking very beautiful. So I'm very excited that when it is completed. It'll be really nice to be able to pair it up with some of my riding hats.

Speaking of hats, I've been going through my garb and seeing what outfits I currently own. Definitely have to make lighter layered garb for Pennsic . However I was able to locate two peasant dresses. So a little less sewing that I will have to do. Took a few pictures of one that I had to go out with other Scadian  friends over the weekend. So a very productive weekend, I'm hoping that I can find some time in the evenings for the rest the week to complete the embroidery. And start on belt favors that need to be completed by Pennsic.

My persona started out as a shepherdess in Ireland. That is some of the inspiration for the
conglomeration in the picture you see above, She was basically sold off to the English on the 1530s by her father who happened to be a tradesman in Ireland. So with everything going on in her new home, she learned to become a lady in waiting to the noble lady of the house. And through earning favor she was placed  as head lady of wardrobe for her noble woman. And eventually ended up being a trusted enough to accompany her to court. That's a little bit of background in regards to Mairins' roots.

The outfits that I was thinking about making was to make Italian Florentine. This way they will not have many layers and should be easier to wear in the summer. They will all have a very similar bodice, the one will have a  skirt of copper the other will have a skirt of sage. I have a blue velvet fabric that'll work great with a satin bodice top. And I have a few ideas in regards to some multi layer later structured italian based gowns matched up with a few of my silk ones that are very light and easy to wear in warm weather. It would probably take one or two simple tudor gowns depending on how many I can make before August.

So many possibilities and so little time,

Lady Mairin

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Garb and Embroidery

A few new garments for events I have procured recently. These are purchases but I have plenty slated garb and fabric for new creations. Going to make proper custom patterns from canvas and keep them as my pattern and will size them to my new shape. So lots of planning before I start making. Good news my sewing machine is repaired and working well. Hope to get things rolling on more Tudor based gowns, excited to get back to basics. Will need garb for Pennsic, so time to Tudor basic kirtles. Picked up fabric for making bodices and mix and match skirts. Want to take my time and find the appropriate materials so I can make very breathable. I am considering a few Italian gowns besides some English ones too.
Found this painting but its slightly post period about 1610-1620. Though I like the Blackwork embroidered waistcoat, its edged in coral silk ribbon and matched with a similar skirt. So something for fun but not A&S at this point. Its lovely thought, any excuse to make this lined in coral silk is good for me. With the outfits I want to make for Pennsic. I wanted to make a few light weight waistcoats they are very flattering. Plus I could make them with detachable sleeves. So as you can see a lot of good ideas floating around in my head.

On the embroidery front steady progress on goldwork. I am also working on planning for my next projects. Wanting to do some embroidery for the kingdom so that will take away from my personal work but well worth the delay. So here are a few pictures of recent projects that I have completed recently. I topped my trunk with stuffed embroidered top cushion. Made shoe rosettes to make them more period styled. So little things but looking for period correct small projects for some evening projects. So I have a few in mind, will see if they will work out.

So here are some pictures of recent purchases.

  


And for fun a small poem based on warm kitty poem, just because ;-)

Soft Garb, Warm Garb,

Snug, Silky, Shiny

Happy Garb, Sleepy Garb

Pearl, Pearl, Pearl.


Smiles,

Maureen

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