Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Crown Tournament

 A very magical day was had on Saturday. Attended my first crown tournament and being fought for by my good friend Lord Leo Ignatius. Have been spending the month getting all the preparations done with his armor which we patterned, he sewed and I advised his progress. I made his red and black edged surcoat and painted a heraldic banner for the procession.

Was asked to wear my Polychrome Embroidered Jacket, for this event. If Leo is taking hits fighting for my honor, I have no issues wearing garb he requests. Was also told I should let it see the light of day for something that took 3 years of my free-time to complete. It looked great as usual, didn't realize how much I will have to take the under-dress in to make it fit my current size.

It was a sunny day but avoided sunburn except for the tip of my nose and just under my neck. Which didn't hurt nor peal at this point. The heart-shaped coif only protects so much. Will have to look at period portraits and see if I can devise veils for these coifs as well.  It may save me some discomfort with outdoor events in the future. Going to invest in a 10 X 10 easy up for events like these to have some shade to seek. Forgot all about this being an outdoor event, so focused on just completing the armor and garments needed for Leo. The roses were a lovely thank you and were distributed by the Queen for the consorts.

Glad I checked on Leo and left Queens tea early, he needed inspected and help with finishing getting into his armor. So it was good to make myself useful. I was able to finish getting our set up arranged and get ready for procession. Which was a long wait of about an hour and a half in the sun.  I didn't mind being in the back,  more time to watch what everyone else was doing and learn. I feel most humbled and in awe Her Excellency Countess Elena d'Artois had asked to be our herald, which she came up with a creative introduction on the fly. Also in awe that Her Excellency Countess Anna Leigh asked to be our banner bearer, didn't notice till later her dress matched Leo's heraldic colors. So that's a nifty detail as well as we were the only pair escorted by two ladies of the rose, a good omen I thought.

Leo fought his bouts very aggressively and with much honor. I am very proud of his performance, the
first combatant he fought THL Bluestar came in 3rd. Lots more practice and more time to adjust to his newer kit, I think he will find his comfort zone and may surprise a few folks. Leo was able to watch and listen to some instruction from other knights later in the day, which he found the information very educational. My educational part was just making and sewing armor parts and learning how it all goes together.

Another portion of my Sca education is teaching. I am working on my class for Pennsic on 16th C. Coif and how they are constructed. Drafting my pattern and coming up with my example piece this week is my goal. Currently seeking how to make silk organza covers for my embroidered coifs to save the stitches from snagging. I saw one made this way and covers like these in Flemish 16th century paintings. As well as veils for my heart shaped coif is on the docket of projects. So making accessories right now for a change of pace.

I did complete my second wool kirtle for Pennsic this is in shades of
brown. So one in grey and one in brown is currently ready for war. I have yet to make one in orange cotton duck and one in black wool.  A blue Italian is in the works but have to work out the details. On the embroidery front, I did complete a beaded embroidery with, ruby, emerald, and sapphire beads and freshwater pearls. Thinking its going to be a pouch at this point since it wouldn't be in the right shape nor wide enough to make a coif. Its non documented project, it was a just for fun. Well got to get back to searching for work and sewing.

Busy as Usual,

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