Sunday, January 19, 2020

Unfinished Objects (UFO) Completed

Well with the snowy day, it was perfect time to catch up on some sewing projects that were outstanding.  I first worked on something small as that would be the easiest to get done. It is good to start out all with a sense of accomplishment for the other projects. So the Tudor dress hooks were the first one up for completion, I needed a length of linen tape just enough to go around my lower back and hang just below my hip at the front to catch skirt material.  So stitched the ends of the length of tape and added the hooks. Making sure the sharp hook will be facing down to hook into the skirt material. I know this part of my kit will be very handy.  Especial with the numerous dresses I own and could use this for some of the medieval wool ones too. Love utilitarian items.


  The next was sewing some trim on the back of a dolls coif.
I mostly completed this one last year although realizing the back of the bonnet trim was not stitched to place. So fixed that quickly. I didn't include her in my previous YouTube videos about dolls. So made a quicker one about her and the inspiration for her outfit. Although a name is needed for her I realized in hindsight. So if you know of a good older circa 1600 Dutch/Netherlands name for a girl, add a comment. Always happy to hear from my readers, even if you don't have a name in mind.

Lastly on this mini marathon of sewing, I finished the trim for my wool cloak. This cloak I have in my possession for 15 years. Its made from an old army blanket and is well loved. Although it was plain and one could see the over-lock stitching on the edges for its original intention as a blanket. So I added red woven trim around all edges and down the middle of the hood and back of the cloak to hide the back seam. This trim added a much needed pop of brightness against the drab green color. I also changed the clasp to an black iron Pen-annular knotted style clasp to be more medieval. I still have more of the red trim and am contemplating either different uses for it. An other option would be adding a second stripe all around the outer edge of the cloak, if I have enough left. I am waiting to see what I think of it as it is in the current arrangement.  At least for a little period of time, I will be contemplating if it really needs more.

Sew Pleased,

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