Friday, December 28, 2012

Christmas Decorating and Early Gifts



Haven't made much progress with crafts, been helping Justin with his very strong cold. I had it last week so one reason for not being as busy as usual. He took a long nap after work, I took advantage and quietly decorated the kitchen, hallway, and dining room. When we woke up I just finished putting garland on the Christmas tree, Jasper likes to rub against it. Though so far the cats have the sense to leave the garland alone, fingers crossed. They went right for it and had to get scolded several times, I think they are learning. They like to pull the wired branches down and rub on them but its hard to catch them when I am asleep. All I can do is catch them in the act and correct the behavior.

I was able to get alot of mending that needed to be done, completed this week. Also made some small progress on embroidery. Justin, Jason and I exchanged gifts early, saved me from wrapping them. I got my Furby I asked for, Justin got a new board-game; Walking Dead, and Jason got a role-playing book. Furby really annoys the cats, Jasper especially makes low growling like noises at it. So Justin distracts him with lots of play and attention. All the presents are wrapped, finally! The cats liked the shiny paper as you can imagine, part of the reason for Justin working on distraction for them. Furby makes a great paperweight, especially like to talk to the Scotch tape. Really funny it was liking that particular noise. So yes lots of insanity getting all the shopping done but its complete.

After Christmas we got some money for buying of gifts. I bought 4 lace-making books, 24 lacing making bobbins, 1 large illustration book on Fashion though History, and bought supplies and made lacing making pillow and wooden cradle stand. Still have a few gift cards to spend but finding ways of getting them done too. Guess we will see how it all turns out, but for now here are pics showing the total effect of all my efforts with decorating.

Enjoy,  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