Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Weaving, sewing, and mischief

Besides a bunch of weaving that is now down to its last panel of fabric for the weft. Working on many a
project all at once. As living alone has given me loads of free-time, its high time I get some projects done.  Its coming along quite nicely but not sure what I am going to do with the handwoven fabric just yet. So I thinking the finished product will be 10 possibly 12 feet. So we shall see, had a weft break and manage to continue to repair and weave it back in, so that's a success. Its a noticeable flaw but these things are learning opportunities.

I have finally decided to work on more waistcoats to wear a more simple gentry garb for late period. So this is the red one with the very much anticipated embroidery. I have a black-work one I just cut out and is read contrast to the red. Ready to be sewn will have black collar and cuffs in the similar style .Much more portable and something I can change into unassisted. Planning on making more silk skirts, than the one I have as pink needs some washing. Looking to make a red, black one and some in wool as well. So that will be interesting. I plan on making several sets of silk sleeves and have a few bodices in mind to make a nice Elizabethan bit of wardrobe selection.

Worked out the embroidery pattern for the doll sleeve and embroidery for the face of the doll. I have a make shift stretcher frame to get these prepped for embroidery. I pleated all 3 skirts and sewn the layers to together, the armature is made, and hair is plaited. So major progress on this front.


With my birthday approaching next week been wondering what to do for my time off. Have opportunity to pay off a student loan or go to an SCA event before Pennsic. Didn't realize how much I could change my finances by staying home a few months, it was really needed as well. Though the downside is not getting to see friends or be social. So these topics have been on my mind.

Lots of exciting things on the horizon and looking forward to the future,

Mairin

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