Monday, June 25, 2012

Noble Progress Indeed

Well I have been abundantly motivated to finish the gowns I have to decorate and take their pictures. I find that for some reason I get a second wind after working a 2nd shift and want to sew till midnight. Though its great to get things done, it is at the cost of some sleep. I have a few boxes around the house I want to make disappear and a few days ago rearranged my sewing room and put somethings away. If I get the sewing done, it will eliminate one of said boxes from cluttering up the room. The other is in the living room, have to finish putting the contents of that away too.

I was able to finish the collar on the black doublet gown, looks nice and the color brightens up the ensemble. Tryaing to see if I want to add some beading or more trim to the edges before I say its done. Undecided right now though compare and play with some of my trim and see what looks the nicest out of my stash at home. Last night I worked on the black silk gown with billowy sleeves, was able to make them look like spanish sleeves and sewin down trim in all the right places. I am adding an inner sleeve that is pink to match the trim and will add trim to the cuff of it. So still lot more to do before its done. Though on the right track am suprised how well it is working out so far.

Hopfully get some time to work on my embroidery would be a real plus, but one project at a time. Heres to more quality and speedy sewing ventures.

On a book note, I have recieved my Queen Elizabeth's Wardrobe Unlock'd. Just one word, Wow. I can see why so many costumer make a fuss over this expensive book. Though it doesn't have all the topics I look into for the period, I do find alot of very useful information. I also have been enjoying my Elizabethan Compendium of Knowledge, great read for doing laundry. Can pick it up and put it down without missing too much details. Though I have so many more books to read and enjoy, going to take me a while to get through them all. Should not be able to say that I am bored for a while.

Family is doing well and have things caught up at home which is amazing with all the time I have been pulling at work. Did some major spring cleaning, though I have a feeling there will be much more to do soon. For now better I should return to my sewing progress lest I fall behind.

Busy Sewing,

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