Wednesday, July 23, 2025

No Pennsic

It’s only on rare decades long stints that I attend Pennsic War. Mainly due to my dedication to Tudor clothing that is not friendly to heat and rain. Also more recently, I have medication that makes me more heat sensitive than normal. As a few syndromes of circulation already put me in that group of heat sensitive individuals. While I enjoy my medieval events that are more indoors. Also enjoy camping by itself, I just don’t enjoy them together.

If I end up attending again, I’m definitely going to be getting a hotel. At the end of the day, I can get hot or cold shower and be able to soak my feet in a temperature controlled room with an actual bed. I still have to figure out what hotel I would want to book for an entire week. And also need to figure out what they do about parking for just the day at the campground.  Do have to do some logistical questions to solve.

Traditionally, they’re called Pennsic Pity Parties Where are people that are not attending gather together to hang out during the two weeks of war. I do a few crafting projects while everyone is at Pennsic. So I have some dolls to work on which are the 6” and 9” variety. Currently am working on garb for a friend before this event. Will be nice to get back to some dolls projects before finishing out the last pieces of garb for the same friend. 

Pennsic War begins this weekend. So I kicked off my annual celebration by Re-organizing the sewing items in my bedroom. Which normally means collecting a whole bunch of plastic totes from Walmart. So I can stowe all of my crafting items in a way that keeps them clean and organized. I also found the perfect size tote for the completed smaller dolls, and have those ready when needed. I hate losing things, a personal pet peeve, so being organized helps me better keep track of my belongings.

What do you do during Pennsic if you don’t attend?

Crafty Organization for the win, 

Mairin





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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