Friday, December 23, 2016

Winter Sit and Spin a Spell


Even though its cold and traditional seasonal bad weather has made travel interesting. I have been working overtime  to cushion the holiday gift giving. Arrive to work early anyway easier to get paid for it. The car is great in the snow, since its manual transmission it has more guts than and automatic transmission. More control of my speed, downshifting is great the engine slows it a bit better so no skidding really. As long as one goes slow and doesn't have to drive through a foot of snow it will be fine. Will feel better when my vacation time comes back in the new year, if it decides to blizzard. Making sure to keep my immunity up, eating well and taking my vitamins. Do not want to be calling off work due to illness either. Though working in an office around people terrifies me with the whole germ factory that seems to happen each year.

 Finding most of my evenings to myself, nothing better than keeping ones hands busy. So I made two distaffs based on some medieval illumination images so I can walk around and spin. Might be easier than to command the spinning wheel around, though it catches the attention of the public.  So I just finished my gray wool using this method. Noticing it does more feeding the wool roving instead of making clumps in my hand or winding roving over my arm. More able to make longer consistent lengths without as much blending from chunk to chuck of wool roving. So I can tell my spinning wheel has helped my hand spinning techniques as far as wool handling which made it much less labor intensive.

On the needlepoint front, have three colors completed on the large canvas and its working pretty well. Looking for more of this style there are 4 kits created on the unicorn cluny tapestries by Dimensions. These were made  in the late 70's and early 80's and are discontinued and the unworked kits are a little expensive. Though when I can see if they are taking a best offer instead of a high price, so worth trying to barter.  Doing the same on some handmade Brenda Price dolls that are historical pieces, have one and bartered for prices on two. They are wonderfully nice and come with tags and they year made, around the 1980's as well. Considering buying a proper curio cabinet to store them safely.

Exchanged early with some friends who I will not see over the holiday weekend. So there are some opened gifts under the tree and thank you's have been given. Went through old Christmas cards from years past and got rid of many cluttering up my closet with my other holiday decorations. So avoiding the mall that is close by since the rush is on for the holiday. Need to pick up cat food, littler and lunch stuffs but thinking that may be reserved for late night trips to avoid the crowds. Nice to have time off, quiet day at home with kitties and crafting.

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,

Maureen

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