Monday, November 16, 2015

Teaching

My AOA Circlet
Improved my 16th Century Coif  Make and Take class by making my instructions to more clear and include pictures with the instructions to make measuring and assembling easier. I have a few small additions to in the instructions but for the most part its much improved.

At Pennsic when I taught this twice, had fast sewers though the instructions were unclear. Half the class was able to complete this within the time limit of 1 hour 30 mins. Which even with taking extra time to explain,  most had the concept by the time the class was done. Made sure to add my contact info to ask any questions when they arose at home.

Wearing my AOA circlet
This time I was a 2 hours class at Aethelmearc Academy but no one finished. I had gone through explaining the instructions and with more than half the class left, had my 4 students cut out their patterns some wanted to take home to do by machine, which is fine. I went into a bit more history of coifs and related items like the embroidered jackets and how most of these were made by a professional embroiderer and these would have been costly luxury items in the gentry and up. I received some wonderful feed back on cheap measuring tapes and can use the ends of soap as fabric marking items. So was educational for me too, a true meeting and sharing of knowledge.

 Received a request for a class on basic period stitches and to make a small sampler.  In period it would be a spot sampler to work out stitches before a project was created. Its not the well organized versions that make up a picture as one thinks about when needlework sampler is mentioned. So I am thinking about this and want to direct this towards the person. So may need to come up with a plan and have Leo work through it as a beginning embroidered and have him be my guinea pig for this class.

It a Clewe
I wanted to thank the AEcademy for their efforts to enlighten and encourage teachers. As this takes time to prepare, money for materials and effort to get up in front of strangers and bare your passion for a historical topic. I love the little gifts and treats, its a small gesture of how one cares. This time they put clewes in the bag and gave hints on how they are used. I think these are neat and hope the little gift research based items will be included in future AEcademy teacher gifts.

Just on a general garb note fixed my cloak, clasp fell off. Mastering the tied up head-covering and veils used in earlier medieval periods. Thinking of making some viking for something different for Pennsic. FFF is coming up working on a scavenger hunt, and plan on taking classes. Looking forward to finishing up my Tudor gowns in progress.  Working on the bodice pattern now and perfecting the fittings to get it just right.

Lots to do,

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