Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Arachne's gift


Been working on my weaving more lately. Am officially at the halfway mark. I used 4 standard size old bath towels to separate my warp from tangles. Removed two as completed the new woven wool fabric. So officially have about 6 feet done about the same length to complete. Its still beautiful as it composes a makeshift pattern, happy little accidents. This will be pieced into a fitted jacket for middle class Elizabethan. Excited to reach a new level of making the fabric to eventually make the garment. Its very satisfying. I plan on felting this a little in cool water to reduce some fraying of the weave. This is a tabby weave so its easy to follow.

Contemplating the next weaving project, have an idea waiting in the wings An opposite color combo of the warp so, its white with brown stripe. Possess the brown and white to use for the weft string. Mentally tying to figure out what the combos will look with different natural wool weft colors. I do not want to make stripes so I will have to make a desicion and stick to it.  Though the wool is pretty in the skein. So will have to see if I want a lighter colored garment or more medium colored. Best part is I can spin up more white if I need it. Have so much from years of spinning will be interesting to see what is possible.



In the meantime been working on my class handout for my "Hello Poppet" class at æcademy. So have some pictures to download and figuring out what I want to discuss in class. Lots to discuss and only an hour. Depending on the turnout may make a sequel class.  We shall see, excited to show progress and want to have one doll undressed for the class.

Plotting continues,

Marrin


Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Odd and ends


 So I have been working on miscellaneous projects as the next doll project has been progressing. Able to put a beeswaxes sissle rope in my pink silk petticoat. So now acts as a hoop skirt, keeping me untangled from my other under layers. Yet flexible to not dig into my ankles when sitting prolonged periods. Made a set of pockets from scrap materials from my red embroidered jacket. So hope to wear them soon.

Which was useful wearing the pink hoop petticoat, with my green silk Italian gown to the Queen
a&s tourney this last weekend. So was nice to be comfy though the weather was cool and I forgot my cloak. Able to display my lady pandora doll and the new heads and hands that I am making for the next few dolls. Super excited as folks asked lots of wonderful questions. On where I was taking the project and goals for the folio of future dolls I want to make. Many folks perused the research, so nice since its overlooked at times.
Since completing the replica of the only extant doll in the period.  I want to explore period techniques on the making of the next dolls, so expressed in wood cuts and out of materials such as porcelain, clay, metal and wood. Since I have many paintings showing dolls in period, I have sources to experiment with the techniques and make it look like the paintings. Its great when a plan comes together.

I want to find out more on porcelain, clay used at the time. More on period wood used for easy hand carving. Metal enamel paints and casting if the pieces in soap stone for more options for metal heads and hands. So much to do and plan. The heads are all painted now and ready for Hyde glue sealing from the gouche paint.

So coming right along, taking pictures as I go. Helps the documentation have a nice visual robustness when you can visually show your processes start to finish.

So back to more miniature madness, amongst other things.

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