Monday, January 14, 2013

Out with the Old... In with the New


Well 2012 is all done and on to new Tudor interests in 2013. Well I have a few project updates since Christmas. I received a commission for a Tudor gown from a lady in Sweden, really excited. In the planning stages right now and setting the dress form up with the proper measurements, making her custom pattern, etc. Bought some boning for the corset the other day, all the usual planning that a gown takes I am doing right now.

 As I find time between the commission, which is almost set up.  Currently weaving a set of lavender colored garters, and crocheting a lap blanket. Warm yarn based projects for winter, will return to my embroidery this spring. I think I will be making more garters with a multi-colored yarn when I get done with the lavender ones. This is my second attempt at something like a blanket, I made a really long trim in a seashell crochet pattern, it was supposed to be a blanket. Made about 6 inches wide by 9 foot trim and stopped working on it, now can't find the yarn I used for it. Typical of my luck.

I received most of my post Christmas books I ordered from Ebay on bobbin lace making. In the meantime I found instructions on making my own bolster pillow and holder. Also found also some guitar technique and beginner lute lessons by a person on Youtube. Who says the internet is a wasteland of information ;-)

 There are other types of lace making pillows but the roll shaped bolster pillow, I felt would work best for my needs of making trim like pieces of lace. I made the bolster lacemaking pillow from black velvet outer covering, muslin interlining, non-conbustable fused ploy stuffing, and glass beads in the center for weight. Its actually a very stiff heavy pillow. By the time the pillow was complete, the bobbins came in the mail, which I spent the next roleplaying session winding thread on them. The next step is to make some Prickings which contain your lace making pattern with holes for pins to hold your work. Prickings are made of either parchment/light leather pieces and are attached to your pillow. Will have to locate the mass of scrap leather I received from a friend, then I can make these wonderful patterns. Seen some starter lessons on the bobbin stitches, but am intimidated with getting started. Since I still have so much more to get done, between the housework, cleaning from Christmas, commission work, and current projects.. Though I think once I get a pattern worked out I will get the hang of it. Just one more thing I can do with string ;-)

Trying to make crafting progress,

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