Saturday, September 3, 2011

30 days hath September






September already and I have finally collected all the parts to make my two Tudor gowns. I was able to pick up two upholstery fabrics from my local thrift shop for 5.00 for the whole roll, each roll looks to have 3 to 4 yards each. They are beautiful textural brocades one that has 3-D oval scallops in off white. The other has Jacobean flowers in gold with a tan and white back drop that has a 3-D effect too. They just feel so nice, I know they will make fabulous Tudor items like underskirts, foresleeves, French and Gabled hoods. They were a steal at that price!

I am debating on getting more purple velvet for my one gown since the fabric is only 45 inches wide, I like 60"fabric better. I have 4 yards but an thinking of getting 4 more yards to be certain to have enough bulk for the overskirt. Though I did find the original seller on Ebay and I added to my favorite sellers list, found in my feedback listings that I bought from this person twice. Love the fabrics I bought just gorgeous.

Mentioned already in another post that I got the fur for the sleeves in the mail, love it so much! I know that these gowns will be very texture heavy. Though I believe that the Tudors would have done this too, since some boldness would have shown their wealth, power, and high position through their clothing. It is just going to take some time to get these done. Though first I am going to get my friends renaissance shirt started. Will only take me a few days to complete.I hope to get that at least started if not done on Thursday when I have off, its good to have goals.

Well I hope to start on these and possibly make some progress to report. Hope everyone has a great Labor Day weekend, I am working but its not all that bad. Some sewing progress will be made ;-) Feel free to leave comments and suggestions anytime.

Talk to you all soon,

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