Monday, December 26, 2011

Christmas and all that Loot



Well it was another good holiday this year everyone liked the gifts I bought, so success! Food was great at both places we visited, didn't expect anything less. This is the way the Holidays should be every year. Here is the list of loot we receieved and bought with money and or gift cards: Strike Up the 12 Days of Christmas Carol!

Justin got me a sterling silver necklace and bracelet set, Katana handled chopsticks and a CD from our friend"Fig", got a copper colored silk scarf from my sister Melissa, Walmart Gift card from my Sister Teresa; which bought a lovely turquoisey-teal queen size fleece blanket for the couch. A Gift card from my Parents, which bought me some gold hoop earrings with fresh water pearl dangles and 18 inch freash water pearl necklace. Hmm dare I say real jewelry for Tudor Garb? Another Walmart gift card from Justin's aunt (not sure what to get with this one), a Joanns Gift card from Justin's uncle( you know what that will be used for;-) and two festive bath washes, loofa, and sewing bobbin with needle ornament from Justin's cousin. Money from Justin's Grandma, money and lottery tickets from Justin's parents, which I won $59 total on the lottery. Justin won money off his tickets too $29, we are just a lucky bunch. What can I say my future in laws are good to me, they picked the good ones.

Justin got gift cards to Books-a-Million, Cracker Barrell and Applebees, same gifts from Jason as I got, as well as money, lottery tickets, etc. He got a Arabian Dagger from my sister Melissa. He used his gift card from my parents to purchase a new pair of boots for work, I got him two hard to find Deadlands RPG books for his collection and a pair of fuzzy dice. He was very happy with them both, also his other Gram found some of his old comic books, so those are going safely away in his trunk. So a lost and found gift ;-)

We both got gifts from our job, nice throw blankets and gift cards to Dunkin Doughnuts, haven't used all mine from last year but that is ok lots more money for fancy coffee ;-) I still have gifts from the roleplaying gaming group to disperse and my local 12th night to attend, so there is more gift giving on the horizon.

As far as the money is concerned, I am using some of the money to buy two costuming books online from Tudortailor.com, they have two patterning books called King's Servant and Queens Servant(which just came out this month) so I am picking up both of those. I also am looking into a dress watch online, ooo sparkly. Also thinking of 5 real golden rings with gemstones, yet more real jewelry to wear with garb, and well anytime actually. That will probably use all my money but its well worth it. There are a few things I am considering, like some other Tudor garb online also but the books are a definite.

As far as sewing garb, I have made some real progress on my black velvet gown. The bodice fits properly and trim is sewn down on the bodice. I have the skirt pleated and ready to add trim then attach to bodice. So hope to have it all together today and add fur sleeves tonight. When Melissa goes back to Saudia Arabia, I want her to pick up more of that wonderful fabric to make more embroidered renaissance shirts. Decisions, Decsions am able to get alot done in peace while things are slow over the holidays. Oh to be done and take pictures of this and my other recent creations would be lovely. Its a goal for sure, well that is all that is going on right now.

Best Holiday Wishes,

Maureen

1 comment:

  1. If all goes well I may have time just after the New Year to take the pictures of the garb that I have been mentioning. Well here is to hoping that time permits.

    ReplyDelete

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