Friday, October 16, 2015

Autumn Milestones

Hitting all sorts of milestones. Very pleased to have had 260 posts since starting this blog back in 2009. Its a journey to see where I started and now how my style and technique has changed for the better. Steadily working away on my stitches being small and unnoticeable. I had posted pictures of the fabrics for the blue and green Tudor I am working on currently. Which is going well, I have the sleeve linings nearly completely attached to the silk outer fabric. Next is pleating both skirts attaching to waistbands and hooks and eyes.

 I am also working on a second Tudor gown simultaneously. Its a pink silk with tapestry sleeves that match here are the idea drawings and materials. Both are a good challenge and its nice not staring at the same colors all the time as I work on a project. Have to buy some white silk for linings on the foresleeves though 2 yard will easily do for both sets based of a different pattern.

Upcoming are projects after the gowns are complete which will be a few months are; Class info gathering on the topic of Accessories of a Tudor lady the research. Coif class preparation and edits for November, and more accurate doll research for a nifty upcoming project. Lots on the horizon to be get prepared and to research.

My fitting on the first Saturday went well, have to pick up more muslin to do  mock up with the new pattern first before working on the bodices of these gowns in progress. Had a great weekend at Coronation for Aethelmearc, very festive and full of symbolism and pageantry.

 Cats did make a mess when I got home with peeing in an empty laundry basket. My Jasper had a cold in his eye I had to keep checking. Though nothing disastrous, just some cats lacking some affection. House was still standing.

On a personal note finished my Halloween costume this past week. Made a slew of items out of one faux suede blazer, a few belts, some dowels, a toy bow, and pvc daggers from walmart. My supplies for my outfit cost me about $10.00 and 8 hours of time. Most supplies I had around the house and adapted things I wasn't using to work for this costume. Going to be an Elf Ranger from D&D for Halloween based on my own character Caitriana Soundinghorn and a mix of Tauriel from the Hobbit movie series. So basically a modified sylvan elf outfit/ranger outfit. Will post pictures when I have my look out all together. Nice to not have to rush to get something figured out.

  Have a party in the office at work, and a party that evening October 30th. Then a second party on the day of Halloween, my favorite time of year!!  Hoping that it all ends up to be comfortable for work and play. Had a few requests to do catwoman this year but wanted to do something different.

Autumn milestones and goals,

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