Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Striving for new Heights


I am selling off one of my early Ice Blue Damask Tudor gown, not for the lack of liking it. My tudorbethan wardrobe again is bursting at the seams. Though I must say I am flattered by all the interest in my historical garments when I do sell them on Ebay or Etsy. I hope they sell soon, hoping to find more wonderful inexpensive fabrics to inspire future gowns soon.  Here is the link for you to see what I have for sale, 2 days left on the auctions. So please hurry if interested!
I decided to keep the green cotton kirtle and convert it to some undergarments. Rather get use out of it than have it sit round the sewing room collecting dust. Answer conversion, not exactly what you may think of for sewing but its a very historically accurate to change garments to suit new fashions and functions.  I want to line the bodice with reed boning and take the open front on the skirt and put an inset for an underskirt. Always planning always thinking about gowns.

I also found the most luxurious white with red pattered damask, it is a large curtain about 3 yards. I plan on making it into a Venetian Renaissance Gown. Most likely in the 1560's or 1570's, with its long deep V bodice with a lacing front I know it will be flattering. I also found the most wonderful matching blood red fabric for the sleeves, which I plan on decorating with fervor with beads and puffs of silk.  I hope it comes together like I am imaging in my mind. Here is my inspiration painting for this gown. I love the scalloped lace and will have to find some fun way of adding this to my red and white confection.

I also am working on the Elizabethan gowns too, this is just another sewing distraction what can I say. Though a gown from another country is always a fun change of pace for me. Not the first time making an Italian gown and also have made a Saxon gown too.

Well got to get some work done,

Maureen 
Posted by at
Labels: , , , , , ,

1 comment:

  1. Maureen PayneFebruary 25, 2013 at 8:35 AM

    Ice Blue Tudor Gown did sell, still have Black Velvet with Gold pattern Elizabethan Gown for sale.

    ReplyDelete

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