Sunday, June 28, 2015

Busy Bee

Completed two new yet simple dresses for Pennsic, made from cotton canvas material. Added the new green sleeves to the green kirtle and the grey ones to the grey and yellow tartan kirtle, 2 modified kirtles.  Then made an orange kirtle with yellow sleeves and a yellow bodied kirtle with orange sleeves, 2 more. Then cleaned and repaired the brown and grey wool kirtles, so 2 more. Then one early period angel sleeved maroon dress and one linen green early period dress for around camp. So 6 English kirtles and 2 early period camp dresses. Hopefully will be enough to get by for the last week of Pennsic. I have one wool black one in the works but not sure if it will be done in time. Making sure my straw hat is lined and ready to go and various other preparations.

I tried out my version of skinny garb dress for a local event called Lake Augusta Renaissance Festival, held in Sunbury. Was an all day event that show cases the Sca to the public. I was in charge of the A&S display to explain what we do and create while in the SCA. This was a fun way to show off a dress to new folks unfamiliar with the time. Plus great to fit into it, lost a few sizes and now can wear it.

Two embroidered belts from scrap fabrics are being created at this time. One is yellow the other orange, the yellow one will have a bee motif and bee bauble. The other is going to be some floral or nature motif but unclear of distinct decoration. These are for fun Pennsic belts and are just a miscellaneous use of existing materials. Medieval version of waste not want not.

One leather belt with brass buckle and jeweled square bosses sewn on from another belt. Looks very nice and meant for functionality with my simpler garb. As well as a little sparkle for fun with all the accessories I wear on my belt. Blackworked chatelaine, blackwork pouch, household favor, chancellor of youth favor, gloves, fan, green leather girdle book, paternoster, with apprentice belt over weight bearing belt. So lots going on, I was called a walking A&S display by His Excellency Master Robert of Sugargrove. One of the best compliments I have received to date, Thank you!

10 years ago as one of my first tokens from a war practice A&S display. I received a green leather bound handmade small book, was able to make a hanger for it to attach to my belt for convenience and put a small pencil with it. Inside put all my contact information in case of loss, you never know. So its wonderful to finally put it to use. I hate being without something to write on and this is a great opportunity to use this treasure. More period than a note app in my cellphone but an electronic last resort.

Completed 22 belt favors for their Majesties, I will have to get a drop off time arranged. These are hand embroidered with stem and chain stitch on a linen ground fabric with silk threads. Always wanted to make largess, this was a fun process. Hope to find more projects I can help make in the future. Right now working on Pennsic class preparations and completing some A&S projects to display. So much in the planning stages and more to do. So a long weekend will be useful accomplish some of these items on my list.

Hoping to relax over the up coming July 4th holiday. Just a personal update, I am going steady for a while with a wonderful man named Albert. I feel like the luckiest woman on the planet and haven't been this happy in a long time. May mention spending time with him in up coming posts, so figured to update a little on the personal life to avoid confusion. If you see me at an event feel free to ask.

So Excited and Just Can't Hide It,

Marrin




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