Friday, March 30, 2012

Finishing March on a Busy Note

Well finished the embroidery on my elizabethan hankerchief earlier this week. In working this small sample project, it gave me an idea on how the silk thead I have works with the silk fabric for the elizabethan shirts.Also was visited by the inspriation fairy, to make an elizabethan embroidered jacket. This is meant to match the same olive green demask skirt I am using for the underskirt of the peach elizabethan gown. I have enough of the olive green floral damask fabric to make a whole skirt not just a fronted skirt like I normally make for most of my gowns.

In addition to working on plans for the wedding and such, I made a herladic pendant of my own heraldry. I have no idea what necklace I am planning on putting it on, its on a silk ribbon right now. I did get a chance to try on some of my new gowns, the plan black silk elizabethan with puffy sleeves fits beautifully. Though I am still waiting and debating trim to start revamping and decorating the gowns. The white velvet ribbon is late in the mail and I have ideas to match it with a gold lace trim that will completment the Black Shoulder Puffed Elizabethan gown really well. I still m working on a theory for the coral fabric to go with the gold and black doublet gown, its going to be epic if I can get it to work right.

So small victories this week, I have had lots of requests for custom gowns via email and right now. In the process of weeding out those who are serious. One commission I am waiting for fabric in the mail. I am looking at selling off some of the less worn garments in my trunks, though I have to dig in my trunk to get them out and ready for sale. I just have to get rid of those I am not wearing and make room for ones that are worth my time.

The new gowns have loops for hangers, so I am hanging them up and putting the childrens totes out in the shed. They are taking way too much space in the front bedroom closet, which is the garb closet. There isn't anything that can be damaged in the totes being in the shed, so that is my goal tomorrow. Beside cutting the grass and going to do laundry. Also have errands to finish up just general picking things up for the cats and all the fineries of household management.

I cut down in my to do list by doing dishes and vacuuming the house this morning. Ah well at least I have the day off, sewing will be in my future certainly on Saturday;-)

Make it a Great Weekend,

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