Sunday, January 12, 2020

Wooly Goodness- Part 2

The number one question I get since I take the knitting with me, to medical appointments for my parents, is what am I making? Which I just make large squares and rectangles most of the time, it seems off putting to those asking that I do no know. With most projects I do wait to see, what is calling to me from the source material to be made into a particular object. Which I know that seems odd to some but this is meant to keep the hands busy at leisure and at work. So sometimes needlework is a fidget for me so to speak. Just like the blue yarn that turned haphazardly round into a caplet, it worked out and still need to find a fastener for that yet.

So knitting away on the delicate black wool right now, so that will take a while since I have several balls to use up and this is a thinner gauge yarn. The next step is to carefully felt the knit fabric to a solid wool fabric. I have the purple berry color and the black with orange all ready for some felting trials. I am working on the thinner and much more delicate black wool that is more lace like to see how that will turn out. Considering the felting, especially if I want to cut the fabric as this will prevent a certain amount of fraying.



I am on the look out for a bright crimson and a scarlet wool fabrics for making some items as well. In the past I lucked into some good ones, although local stores of changed the offerings. Currently its more challenging to find the weight I want at a good price at all. As is with all things I will need to shop and keep my ear to the ground on this. A great source for online linen is known to me but the wool is tricky.

So if anyone know of a good one send me a message.

Wool is happiness,

THL Mairin 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