Thursday, April 20, 2017

Fitted Kirtle

Besides working on dolls. Which will be a very slow progress as I research and teach myself new skills and techniques. I revamped this kirtle, making it fit better and removing commercial trim. One learns from mistakes then corrects them. This was a valuable lesson.


I had to remove side back hooks close the seams. Cut the bodice center front. Then finish seams and add hook and eyes. As I went along working on these alterations, I had to take the skirt off replete and reattach.

I hope to take photos of what it tooks like while in wearing it soon. It sits so much better on the hanger than it did before too. A reasonable early Elizabethan middle class dress.

Also been working on another project. An Italian hairnet, replaced pearls and used all freshwater pearls with silk thread. Should be more elegant and sturdy.

Hope to see everyone Saturday April 29 at Hufnagel park for Lewisburg Arts Festival demo

Mairin

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Decade of Dolls

Sorry its been a few months since my last post but in no way lacking in work. Here are images of my next expended project. Referring to it as the decade of dolls , as it may take me that time to make them in their own respective glory.

 

  
Decided that with all the doll research recently completed. That there are some interesting depictions from different countries. Most use the same basis of construction as the Pandora extant doll from Stockholm, Sweden.

So working on drawings to understand the shapes color and construction methods for each.

To begin all this work. I am sculpting faces and hands from papier mache. Gathering spangles, taking stock of what I have and purchasing needed material for clothes specific to each costume doll.
   

So much miniature inspiration and progress. Will be posting more on the specific one I am starting soon

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