Saturday, August 22, 2015

Pennsic Treasure

Here are a few items I picked up at Pennsic.  Few I found components and made like the necklaces, most other are purchases for future projects.  A medieval shopping market like no where else on earth. I was looking for thick buckram, thick millinery wire, and more linen but they were sold out before I was paid at the end of the week. Though I know sources to get some outside of Pennsic. Especially since I spent so much time not going to war. Which will change, dependent on life circumstances. Hoping that life will straiten and settle itself out soon, a girl can dream ;-)
Garnet with silver freshwater pearl necklace 

Silver , gold, and white freshwater pearl necklaces

Peacock Hand Puppet

Pearl with gold bead necklace and  A and S Token pendant

Set of sleeves made my Lady Domencia

Mauve pink and pale blue silk taffeta fabric

Left to right: Black velvet 3yds,
Tabby weave copper wool 2 yds,
 Slate Grey wool 2 yds

Brass with crystal hair comb, 
Brass hair stick with fairy and crystal drop,
 and Brass barrette with crystal
 
 
 
Three books about the period.
Two on embroidery
One on Mary Queen of Scots
 

I also bought 2 cotton veils, a market sack in an coral color, purple fabric and chancellor minor patches to make belt favors. Received old wedding dresses to revamp into something wearable, gosh who knows!! Though I didn't take pictures since those would be less distinguishable . 

All sorts of fabric and now to actually do some things with it. Here's to some time to create something beautiful. There are plans, gorgeous plans indeed ;-) Spent my morning embroidering and going to the dentist. Now that my gums and teeth ache going back to embroidery and more season 3 of Downton Abbey. 

Painfully,

Lady Mairin
 
 
 

Friday, August 14, 2015

Knowledge in Practice

Old Gable No Lining
I had an opportunity to rework an older gabled hood from my collection. Using knowledge I learned in a class my Lady Margaret Wolseley from Kingdom of Atlantia.  This will not make it as near accurate as her depiction but be more wearable and suited to give the look more properly. I will make new but for now these will make do.

On my old gable I took the veil off and adding a linen lining as it had been needing one for a long time. Was able to add a looser veil to add an earlier look. Considering for Pennsic and warmer weather an earlier transitional look of 1500 might give me the hat I like with more comfortable clothes. Then for winter the 1530's -1540's court.

Revamped Gable linen in linen, different lappet, and longer veil
Still plan on dabbling in Elizabethan as I find it a different challenge all together in 1550-1600. I have to decide if the new silk fabric is to made into Elizabethan gowns or Tudor gowns. Decisions, decisions?

This is going to be a different way I wear this style. For this is earlier than the 1530's I like to wear. Came 3 colors black white and red. White worn many for holy orders, the other two in combinations worn by upper middle and noble classes. The lappets being patterned with some form of brocade or embroidery pattern.

Do wonder if this was a court style only or if the lower classes wore a version that was out of wool or cheaper materials?

Considering all the Possibilities,

Lady Mairin

Monday, August 10, 2015

Pennsic in a Nut Shell

My Pennsic was a very busy and productive 10 day vacation. Posted my Pennsic 44 gallery previously so more detail to see in the photos. Nothing like spending time with family and friends that I do not get to spend enough time with on a regular basis. It was relaxing despite the hot dry days and cold nights, with a 8 am cannon alarm one can't go wrong.  Was able to pick up a free standing embroidery frame, two cotton veils, a book on Mary Queen of Scots, a book on German needlepoint, a book on the Hardwick Hall Textiles, three brass and crystal hair combs/clips, a garnet and pearl pendant made into a pearl necklace, silk More fabric in mauve- 9 yards, black cotton velveteen- 3 yards, tapestry in mauve and white pattern- 3 yards, a set of tie sleeves for late period gown, chancellor of youth patches and purple fabric for belt favors.

This is a view of my pavilion I spent time working on some projects, like a few pearl strand necklaces. Made it comfy to live in since I was to spend loads of time working on items and relaxing from the heat. I wore some earlier 14th century clothing later in the day after my middle class Tudor to keep cool. I also received a belated birthday gift from my Laurel, 9 yards light blue silk more fabric. Have another piece of teal tapestry as a gift from her, I am planning on matching and seeing what I can make with it. Also received a gown that has good material to remake into something late period, thinking a French style possibility. I tried it on the skirt and sleeves are just the right length, need to reshape the bodice, remove petticoats, and match it with another lining fabric.


 Taught my classes on the 16th century coif, both well attended. Had to turn some folks away with a limit of 8 to a class. With such a great response I plan on teaching this at AEcademy and Fabric Fiber and Fighting both in November. I was also able to display my works and plans for future projects at the Knowne World A and S display. Which I met many wonderful people with great ideas and suggestions to further my efforts, Thank You!!! Took many wonderful classes but the most standout one was for the English Gabled Hood, very informative and educational. Need to figure out to make more of this hat for proper court garb. Going to see about getting heavier millinery wire and thick buckram for these future hats and make them as period as possible. Here is to more geometric millinery goodness!!

Well back to Mundane living for now,

Lady 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