Saturday, September 4, 2010

Elusive Fabric


Well I thought I had a grand discovery yesterday, but turned out to be a missed opportunity. I have been looking for crewel embroidered floral pattered fabric and my quest have been going on silently for 4 years. Crewel is a type of woolen patterned embroidery circa 1500-1600, seen even in early america. Now adays it is a home decor fabric but is still mainly done by hand and the price reflects the work.

I have been looking for this type of fabric to make an Elizabethan gown. It was inspired by a gown on the movie Elizabeth, the picture of this gown is on the left. I know the gowns are not crazy accurate but this was just a period inspired pet project of mine. I guess to say putting the creative in the Society of Creative Anachronism is a way to have fun with a period inspired twist. This is in no way going to be an A&S project, the judges would kill me if they knew the inspiration came from a movie. The gown was going to be made to have elizabethan corsetry and all the normal features of a gown from this period, but was to include a set of ornately embroidered sleeves and forepart to match the gown color. The fabrics like theses are expesive $20-$50 a yard, so I have been looking at many fabric stores, websites, and local locations to find a great price. I am willing to have $10 -$18 a yard, and I need 3 yards, so I am trying to keep this in my budget.
I am making the main part of the gown in a french blue taffeta and wanted the embroidery for the inset skirt and sleeves. The colors I chose wouldn't make it look so sullen, though this gown is lovely with the blackwork all over with black and might be copied by me later. For now I wanted something more summery in color. The various flowers on the fabric I wanted in soft, blue pink and yellow with green flowing stems and leaves, so yes sping summery look. I do have the taffeta already to go but don't want to start anything till I get the crewel fabric for the sleeves and inset skirt. Well back to my relentless search for the finery I know exhists, it is possible my goal is just alofty dream.

Dreaming in fabric,

Maureen




Posted by at
Labels: , ,

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

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