Saturday, August 6, 2011

Embroidery, Books, and more Embroidery and Books











While most of my SCAdian friends are off at Pennsic having a lovely time; braving the elements, shopping, and all out medival warfare. I have been working on my small crafts as usual; mainly trying to get my other glove completed. Using the completed right hand glove as my guide, the heraldic crest is done and I am working on the ribbon going around the outside of the crest. Its going to be a while;-) I have three gowns in the works as I mentioned; Peach Elizabethan, Ermine Black Velvet Tudor, Ermine Purple Velvet Tudor. Blue Floral is done thank goodness, its slow progress on my garb until the custom is done. Which is almost there hope to finish it this week:-D


I have two new books also on the embroidery topic. I tried to buy The Needlework of Mary Queen of Scots book on Ebay but the seller was out of this book. I consqently went to Amazon and bought it and another title, new to me copies of course;-) The other titled, Emblems For A Queen. They both focus on Marys embroidery work and what was happing in her life while she was making these amazing tapestry pieces. On Ebay, I bought a Compendium of Knowledge for 1550-1600 instead and was able to use my Ebay bucks to help save on the cost. So I have my "period"book buying done for a while. With Borders closing soon I have my eye on some more tudor books but more for leisure reading; mosly Historical Biographies or Historical Fictions. I am waiting till deeper discounts are taken, I am in no rush to get the titles I am looking at currently. If I can get them for a good price great, if they are sold no big deal I know where I can find them.

For a future embroidery project I want to crewel embroider some of Mary Queen of Scots patterns, maybe do a three dimnsional effect with them. Her designs are interesting and symblolic, its amazing that there are so many suriving examples of her work; such a good embroideress. I am also on my last 100 pages of the Mary Queen of Scots biography by Margaret George. Its great and I saw she has one on Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. No not two more over 800 page books, there are not enough hours in the day for reading ;-)


Speaking of books I got mentioned in a book for helping out. To Die For by Sandra Byrd, I am mentioned in the last sentence of the Historical Biblography as "Tudor Seamstress Extordinare" Its nice to help out others when I can, with the knowledge I have gained while making Tudor clothing. My remarks help her enrich the enviroment, proper dress description, and accessories of the time period. Well that is the book review and crafty updates for now stay tuned for more sewing insanity.

Sew Amused,

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