Saturday, December 7, 2019

Wooly Goodness

      Just to give everyone an update for the next few months: Besides completing the wool partlets with matching wool aprons. I am knitting up a storm lately. Looking at felting the wool yarn into fabric for making more accessories. Since the wool was king for a majority of the low and middle classes for clothing in Tudor times. It was time to return to this fabric to see how it all works in various  applications.

      For the winter I am looking for wool yardage to make outer garments for my Tudor kit. These would be lined at least in the body portions of the garment. I am trying to reduce bulk and would use binding on raw edges if needed. Along with tape for trim on the garments, will keep them middling class and simple clean lines. So slowly compiling the right materials, not in any rush.


     I am still spinning the flax into thread but that is going to take most of the winter to finish. So I am keeping busy with multiple projects all at once, which is business as usual. On a side note, miniature painting on weekends to complete a gift for Albert requested for Christmas. Also keeping up with my parents and their needs. So I work on items when I get a free moment but those are reduced by work and life. Not impossible but will take time.
The linen kirtles I finished in summer and the silk ones the prior summer are the building blocks of the next tasks. I am looking forward to making outer garments in the New Year. For example, making Tudor fitted and loose gowns to go over top those base kirtles. Plus reworking some of my wool fitted jackets, I found some fitting challenges and need to rework them.

      After this in the spring, I want to begin the Medieval Doll Initiative. Lots to do but no major deadlines which is the best.

Lots to do,

THL Marrin O’Cadhla
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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