Monday, August 13, 2012

Leaps and Bounds

Well despite having moments of frustration with many errands, I had a good weekend.  Making good progress on my Elizabethan/Jacobean embroidered jacket project this weekend kept me happy. Didn't do that hot in the magic tournament, though my jacket being a pleasant distraction kept me happy.  Still have mowing to do but that is my after work goal today beside making dinner and possibly more work on this project.

On Saturday while the laundry was being done at 6am, I had a revelation! My raw edge of silk is getting so bad that if I soon didn't cut my pattern and bind the edges, there would be no pattern left on certain pieces. I cut out the pattern pieces while clothes commenced to drying. After cutting them carefully arranged them so I could sew the binding and not cause any further damage.

With the fragile in mind, I knew the binding needed to be done soon, if not that day.  So I went right home after getting all the laundry wash, dried and folded. Then worked until I picked up Justin from work on binding, which I was able to complete with haste. Which the binding in combination with my layout for embroidery turned out really nice!  I had dewired the ribbon I chose last week and it was ready for use. I am super excited to see it done now that I feel that I am so much closer than before on this project.

Though cutting before goldwork was less than 3/4 way done, was a tough decision. I knew something had to be done, sooner rather than later. At my local thrift store on Friday, I found some great pearl set in shell vintage necklace and am thinking of ways of using my little discovery to work with this current project. It is far different than the covering with gold spangles and various insects as the period jackets. Though it seems anything associated with this project is just a bit over the top and it seems to fit using these accents in an expressive way.

I am looking for shot silk, thought I could find a teal with purple. Though it doesn't seem to exist, hoping to match the trim which is the teal with purple color change. Though I would be happy with a teal with peach, though that doesn't seem to work either. Guess I will know when I find the material. My plans are to cartridge pleat it and put some coral stripes on the bottom of the skirt. They will be made of the same lining fabric that I am using for under the tabs on the waist, shoulder tabs, and collar. Debating using the same for the inner cuffs but will have to make a decision soon. The coral colored lining should look great against the teal shot with purple, going with complementary colors. Should look great regardless of the cuff decision.

So I have finished all the gold work except  for the two front panels of the jacket. That is my goal is to finish the goldwork on those this week, guess we will see how it all goes. After all the gold work, embroidery is up next. After that lining the body and sleeves with linen, and lining the other parts with the coral satin. Oh its gong to look rich, but that is the goals.

Daydreaming Embroidery,

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