Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Preparations are as planned



Well I was able to get the tree set up two days ago and finally decorated today. It seems that Tabbetha has the sense not to climb it for now. I will be able to tell when I get home, by the hang of the branches and the bits of chewed tree. Though there is an army of paper wrapped gifts on floor level that I am sure are more interesting and easier to accquire. Today I was also sucessful in wrapping all our packages, save two large ones I ran out of gift wrap paper:-(


So I am picking up odds and ends at Walmart tomorrow, I know madness! I find that the last minute odds and ends will not be a bad afternoon outing, after being the house all day. Also have to go to the bank, pay rent and other similar errands before the holiday, sure I am not the only one tiding up the before holiday errand list.


I work all night tonight and will keep occupied with my sewing. I have to put the fur sleeves on the gown and trim on the bodice and attach the skirt, the rest is hook and eye closures. Though sleep will be the goal when I get home. Dishes, check the tree for disturbance, feed cats, clean litter box before I can hit the hay.


Speaking of odds and ends that is what you see pictured above is a lovely trim I found in Walmarts ribbon section, I am thinking of making ruffs out of it. Though I only have 6 feet to work with. If I can find two more rolls I will be happy it was fairly cheap too. So for now its fun to look at and wait to see how it presents itself in one of my sewing masterpieces.


I am determined to make our gold with blue floral pattern curtains in the bedroom into a gown. Have had my eye on this for a while, the fabric was orginally purchase for the intent of a gown. I have other ones with insulated lining to put up in their stead but will have to find time to get them out of the shed and put up before I head back to work again in the evening. This is not supper pressing


Though I have Friday off which is a delight, I should have everything done for the holiday by then, fingers crossed. I think I will take pictures of a few of my new and never seen gowns in the bathroom mirror. Post those along with Christmas photos of the tree with woodbabies in it, and find time to do some more decorating with garlands if time permits. I will let Justin have the car, don't mind being a house bum for a day ;-)


Well if I want to take a picture of this gown by Friday I had better get cracking. I will post a whole picture gallery soon. Until then have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year my fans and followers.


Regards,


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