Thursday, January 2, 2014

New Years Resolution and updates.


I am not normally the type of person to make a New Year's resolution, not because of failure. But more or less I don't always have time to commit to a New Year's resolution. Though I have to say this year I do have one. Which is to complete the Elizabethan embroidered jacket that I had finished the sleeves on earlier last year. I went ahead and took a look at my pattern pieces last night. The gore pieces that I have for around the waist and body for well despite being sized wrong originally.

I do believe it's going to take several months until the jacket is complete especially with getting it lined and already to go. I think I'm at least to the halfway point or real darn close to it. I found a few pretty snowflake pillows on clearance recently, that remind me of Elizabethan flowers and are giving me some inspiration to start embroidery on this jacket again.

In the meantime I created a silk pouch to go with a few mother of pearl purse closure pieces that I bought for Christmas with the money my mother gave me for a present. The silk was salvaged from a shirt, so I could create the blue background and use the Elizabethan costuming groups device so I could use that as a way of showing that group that I belong to online. I admit might be looks a little bit big in the body but at this point it's at least a good attempt at doing one. Accented it with gold colored glass beads to give it a little bit of shine, as well as scissor charms that are also red presented on the device. I have currently been using up some of the last of the pre blackwork fabric, shown in previous posts, in an attempt to make a partlet. I have the face pieces beaded already to go I just have to line it and attach a collar as soon as that is done I will post some photos is looking very nice.

As far as the holidays go everything went pretty well. I am still waiting for the book to come in on
London lost jewels for the Cheapside hoard. I had ordered it well before Christmas and I'm not exactly sure since it's coming from England it's taking a long time. That was the main item that I got with my money my mother had sent to me and the other part was some embroidery tools and supplies. I also ended up trading some gift cards with my hubby to get some other books. I had ordered him a box set of books he was looking for a while as his gift.  So I ordered myself the one book I was needing, 17-century dress women's patterns book 1. I received book 2 at a great discount at an SCA event. I enjoyed the book so much, decided that I needed to get the first one to add to the collection.

In more history were cool pattern book news, I found out that they are putting out another addition of a Janet Arnold book for ladies patterns. I believe that this one is to deal with farthingale's as well as bum rolls and other types of stays and corsetry.   I am sure it is going to be a long while before this book comes out. And I have heard that there is a lot of effort to preserve a lot of the notes and original items that Janet Arnold used in all of her lovely research. So from what I gather there is going to probably be other volumes of her books coming out, postmortem. It would've been one awesome experience to meet her, it is unfortunate that she had passed while I was still in middle school. For those of us who make historical clothing, We salute you Janet Arnold.

Other than some recent books, getting through the holiday season, things have been going smoothly at home. Just a lot of prep work and concentration on my new job which I'm very thankful for. Battling the usual chores schedule, trying to get everything done between work and home. The kitties are doing well and avoiding any illness so far, fingers crossed. Hopefully with the added wet food I've been giving them during the winter to help them keep their amino acids and other nutrients up that'll help. Hubby is doing good as well, we just both got over a couple of head colds. We are happy and healthy so far this new year. That in mind, want to wish all of my dedicated readers a belated
Happy Holidays.

Regards,

Maureen
Posted by at
Labels: , , , ,

No comments:

Post a Comment

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