Friday, January 6, 2012

Back to the Drawing Table


Considering the new fabrics I showed in my last post, I took the time to sketch the designs of the gowns.

The first is for the peachy shell fabric.(pictured on the left hand side) I was going for a lovely renaissance corseted gown using gold braid trim on the edges, make fancy olive green lined paned sleeves. So you would see this green just inside the panes of the sleeves and split front skirt. I have some lovely floral pattern fabric with an olive green back ground. Considering this since the floral design colors match the pink/peach outer gown and this would give a sense of texture to pump up the plainness of the outter fabric. It worked great for the crewel gown so its worth trying on this one. I am considering doing elizabethan ties on the front with points, to really set off the rest of the gown, though this is a general idea for embellishment, it may change as I am sewing the gown.


The second is for the gold with blue floral pattern damask fabric. (pictured on the right hand side) I wanted a puffed sleeve renaissance gown for this one, simple but elegant. Featuring a special arched panel at the bottom of the sleeves for dramatic effect. This would work great against the plain wool kirtle and slashed sleeves I would be wearing underneath this more classically Elizabethan over gown. I was thinking of finishing off the points of the arches with a bead of some sort and have blue velvet in the depths of the slashes on the upper sleeve. I also would use more of the gold braid to trim to finish off this gown and give it some pizazz. I decided a nice trim is good but letting the techniques and the depths of the fabrics speak for themselves is very important also. So this time the trim will be subdued compared to my previous gowns, though I have no qualms with that.

The sketches don't capture the beauty of the fabric I took pictures of the other day but I am certain it will show through in the final completed project.

Well I go to to run, feel free to leave comments and ask any questions,

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