Sunday, March 23, 2014

Ice Dragon 2014

Entered the Ice Dragon Pentathlon this year in singles entrant; my polychrome embroidered Elizabethan waistcoat in heraldic display, needlework, and post 1400 clothing. I also my suite if ruffs in accessories and medieval rope knight game in toys.

After doing so well in the novice level competition in 2013. I figured that it would be interesting to see the level that I could do this year, as a singles entrant. Felt that I would be in the middle of the pack of folks that decided to enter the Pentathlon. Which was a good start I thought, comparing scores last year I would have been third place in singles if I had tried that level in 2013.

I was riding with friends but had to leave early before the end of court. Before I left, received Prince's choice for the rope toy puppets. Later found out I was runner up for the Pent, which is second over all, and captured Toy category. Very pleased with the results for a first shot as a singles entrant!

This really motivates me not only to continue to at least enter one thing in every Ice Dragon A and S
competition. It also gives me the motivation to fine tune my projects and make sure that they are the best that they can be from now forward. Checking to make sure that the quality of the materials, the application of period methods, and period techniques are executed to higher standards.  Am interested in seeing where my standings sit in the point rankings. They will not be posted at least for another few weeks until then, my curiosity definitely is peaked.

My Teacher, Her Grace Mistress Illish ODonovan is pleased with my performance, that is the most I was concerned was disappointing her. I want to bring honor and glory to the household in word action and deed. Constant improvement and progression is the goal. I don't know what a great ice dragon pent performance, what this means for the future but it's certainly positive. With winning Novice Pent and Baroness Choice last year along with this years attaining runner up on Singles Pent this year and capturing Prince's Choice.  That means something I should hope, it's not easy and a real struggle to get it just right.

Now on to getting exact replicas, in materials technique and execution if all possible. In the meantime much more work on the embroidered polychrome waistcoat. Knowing my luck will take another 2.5 years to complete ;-) It was the real entry of talk amongst many a gentle, I met during Ice Dragon. Standard gentles can't believe how elegant and pretty it's turning out, there are lots of details for improvement but when it's done will be a stunner. I am hoping I can get it complete to wear by War Practice.

Well back to work and catching up on household chores. The hubby and cats missed me tremendously.  I have much more work to do but looking forward to a healthy challenge.

Excited for the Future,

Mairin





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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