Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Fabric Fiber Fighting 2024

White and variegated single strand silk 

I made it to Fabric Fiber and Fighting SCA event this past weekend. I was on the waitlist, forgot to pre-register in a reasonable period of time. Unfortunately, there were several people that had to cancel, although that allowed those on the waitlist to be able to secure spot. So I feel bad for those folks who missed a really nice event, but glad to be able to attend. 

I didn’t really get to take any official classes. My plan was basically to wear one of my new dresses and spin, flax linen most of the day. My plan worked nicely as they needed someone to keep an eye on the AE Clothiers Guild display, brought a doll for display. Which I am a member and with the experience I have would be able to answer general questions. Which I did get some spinning a flax done.  Of course bringing a pretty spinning wheel and spinning that I had lots of folks coming up wanting to talk with me, which was fine. I’m very happy to explain my process where I started and what I’m currently doing. 

So you have that process I will explain the journey, when I first started in the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA). I learned on an antique castle wheel with Corriedale breed wool roving. Which is an Australian breed of sheep, once their fleece is all combed out and clean, it is quite easy to learn on medium staple length. I have quite a collection of Corriedale yarn in my stash. From all of that first spinning, I was able to create a Tudor Fitted Ladies Waistcoat. Which was really wonderful being able to use Brown known as black, gray and white sheep, color wool and be able to spin weave and then pattern and so a garment in a near sheep to style project. That project I actually did not put in arts and sciences. I just wanted to see if I could actually do it and I was able to do so.  

Knowing that I could successfully create a hand-spun and handwoven garment. This allows me to move onto other kinds of wool like Marino and Alpaca without being afraid that my project wasn’t going to turn out in the end. Currently, I am spinning and plying up yarn for a ladies Tudor fitted gown. Which is going to be made out of Shetland wool, which is a Scottish breed of sheep that does date back all the way to the 16th century. That’ll be my second variety of project done in this similar style. 

I have also woven and spun some bright blue wool to be created into a fitted ladies waist coat currently that is in its woven state. It just needs to be created into the garment. 

Currently, I also have a few other breeds of sheep fleeces to wash and clean and card into roving so much more to come on my wool spinning adventures. As I am currently spinning flax into linen thread to then be woven into linen cloth. I’m nearly done with the pounds worth of linen that I had purchased a few years ago and I found a local vendor that actually is in the same state that I am that has some fantastic Flax fibers and I just ordered a total of 4 pounds more to allow me to make a thread for weaving project. Besides the flax, I’ve also been spinning up some silk. The fiber is considered silk handkerchiefs style silk . They are pulled apart silk cocoons laid flat so they could be easily measured per ounce for sale. I have ordered four in several different colors and a half pound of white silk hankies that I can spin into thread for making lace and trim. 

At Fabric Fiber Fighting, I was able to see several longtime friends receive well-deserved rewards. I got to hang out with people that I have not seen in at least a year and normally I only see them at this particular event many of whom who live a distance away it Was great to be able to network with fellow fiber, historians geek out on some awesome projects and also get to talk about my dolls with people who are interested in what I’m actually doing with my research. I was even able to discuss future projects with someone who might find , a fashion doll as a great steppingstone in the research patterning up fabrics based on scraps from bronze age finds.

Inspired for more projects so keeping it crafty!

Maureen

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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