Sunday, March 25, 2012

In like a Lion out like a Lamb, well just the Lamb!

March is pretty soon at a close and we had overly pleasant weather the whole month. Yeah it was a Lamby March. Yesterday was Ice Dragon, I found out from my lovely friend Lady Jacqueline De Moliere that there were few who showed to Ice Dragon. If I had entered in Toys this year, I would have been the only one. So amazing really I could have clenched another Toy category amongst other enteries if I so desired. Along with being there for the Chancellor of Youth installment for Kingdom would have been nice too. That is typical of what happens when I don't get to an event, I miss all sorts of things that I would have liked to participate in. Well I heard that gas prices really cut into the attendance, it was over 4.00 a gallon in New York State according to Jacqueline. Not sure if the Barony up there will be able to defray costs and get the same venue next year. Guess we will see, I do plan on coming next year with enteries in garb, embroidery, accessory, jewelry and toy entry next year. I did miss going, but the wedding does take precidence.

On a small life note, I have to say expensive gas hurts alot of us. I feel so fortunate to work so close to home. I really don't know what I would do if we lived a few towns over. Though I have to admit with a new job I am looking at; gas will not be an issue with a company vehicle and gas card. Wish I could secure it sooner, here is to hoping.

Ironically I did have Satuday off for once, though I spent a majority of my day working on chores. Laundry and Grocery shopping mainly though I did work on two elizabethan smocks for the new gowns. The smocks are needing narrow sleeves to fit in the gowns. I have to cut out add sleeves which is the plan today. The fabric is a cotton blend with a little stretch, which is good since I will need it be form fitting to the arms. I was able to use a wonderful net crochet for the top and use the last of my organza leaf trim for the collar. I have single leaves for the bottom to add an nice accent just going to stitch it down the the top.

Well the gowns did arrive last Thursday and they look just the pictures posted last. They do fit but just. The gowns do have some extra material space to extend and make modesty panels and such. Which will be good idea at this point I don't think I will be losing weight but they are only small by and inch so its a fixable solution either way. They are all just as described and very beautiful! I am pondering just on how to decorate each and give them a more distinct period feel. I am reasearching early Elizabethan portraits to see what transformation I can make to each gown. The skirts are perfect and will work with the hoop skirt I just acquired. Which I love and can't wait to wear. Though I will have to bide my time and see how it will all work out as I get them modified and decorated I will post them.

Here is to quality speedy sewing and decoration. I am excited at all the new garb prospects.

Its going to be a busy summer,

Lady Mairin
Posted by at
Labels: , , , ,

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

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