Monday, December 21, 2015

Weaving, Belts and Buttons

Well been working on small projects since my last event, not wanting to dive into something during the holidays. So been enjoying a much lighter project bag of late. Not the less, working on projects for the upcoming year including a class on intermediate black work embroidery.

 This week I made two belts out of trim to wear with some earlier
period garb. They look good not sure if I am changing the settings on some but am considering some options. Finished the green wool dress and working on the buttons for the sleeves half way done. Its nice to make some progress even if small.

Finished the beginner weaving project and it turned out well. Using it as a scarf for now, not sure what the future will hold with weaving but its fun. A for me to use up my stash of yarn that has existed since college in 2005. Have a few practice projects on the slate in my mind to see if its worth working with my single spun wool.

Looking forward to working on some toy research still working out some of the kinks. Also perfecting the Tudor fit and silhouette that I love so much. So here is to a happy holidays and prosperous 2016. Stay tuned folks its going to be another great year of Tudorosities.

Excited,

Mairin
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Monday, December 7, 2015

More Teaching and learning

Completed my wool greenland dress that I bought pre-cut out at FFF. It was meant to fit a size 12 woman 5'4". I was able to complete the hem lower and it works for my 5'7" self. Though I need to take more in on the sides if I want it to fit very tailored. The traditional one has 12 gores but other styles have had less gores to create a fitted dress.currently working on wool buttons for the sleeves, I hope to get pictures soon wearing it.

Over the weekend stayed in Pittsburgh. Its is an interesting laid out city, lots of hills
and small communities all around make up a varied selection of neighborhoods. Its bigger than I thought plus not as much laid out on a grid system as I would have expected. First day visited the Zoo and Aquarium, which is a first I never did this as a child. Does make a difference seeing it in real life than in a book or photograph. In the evening lots of good food, Christmas market and skating rink, and nice indoor festivities for those wanting keeping warm.

Spent my Sunday teaching and learning. I went to Steltonwald's teaching event which is more informal. No garb required, which was nice to see what everyone looks like in mundanes. So many of us work on our garb and look its nice to see what the real world sees. I taught 3 people my coif making class, two out of the 3 completed their projects. I patterned and cut out a pair of viking turn shoes and now have a project to lock stitch together. Figured if I am doing viking at Pennsic, might as well have the proper shoes.

 So after a long drive down on Friday and back very tired on Sunday. Wishing for a day of recovery time with my cats and Vince. Though its time to get back to the work week pace.

Back to it,

Lady 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