Friday, December 26, 2014

Christmas Wishes

Well it's been a very productive  December. I worked as much blackwork as I can be done with the supplies in stock. Placed an order for more black Silk thread, now to wait for the mail.
However when I was able to visit my local stitchery shop, I was able to pick up many beautiful colors of splendor silk that now I have a plan for a future project. So a polychrome silk embroidered coif on linen is in the works. In the meantime idle hands are bad, I have pulled out my gold threa transitioning some of the goldwork on this piece. Best to be productive and useful, while I wait for the silk to come in the mail.

 For Christmas I bought a six book series in regards to goldwork and stumpwork. The series is interesting, I had picked up a book about her before; named Jane Nicholas. I discovered this author wrote many other books in regards the topic and decided that the one book that I had was not enough and I want to see other projects that she has made and researched. So I bought the series of books and there's a lot of interesting information in regards to stumpwork. I do look forward to finding ways of putting a little bit of stump work and some goldwork into a few projects as long as I can document it. In the meantime I'm going to come up with the composition then I can work and put in some small three-dimensional frames as an examples.
Of course the past couple weeks of been transitioning a new cat, her name is Star. She has been an early Christmas gift to myself. It's been wonderful to watch her blossom and be accepted by my other two cats. It wasn't until Christmas eve we really had a breakthrough with everyone getting along. Really do look forward to watching her grow up in the new year.

As far as actual Christmas gifts I received a few phone calls from close friends on Christmas which was lovely to hear from them. Received a gift card, a body lotion kit, and another bottle of my favorite perfume for Christmas. Along with a large goodie bag which will probably take me some months to actually finish.

The house has maintained being clean and organized and does not need as much upkeep know that I know where everything is located. Even with the transition of the new cat, the house is maintained being fairly clean. Just the normal struggle of trying to find time to do laundry and plug in a few chores here and there. A secondary Christmas gift that I was able to do for myself, was retrieve my maiden name. I was able to submit some paperwork to the courts to have that transition back. I was able to get that switched through a few government agencies on Christmas Eve day. So a great gift to myself of having my old name back for Christmas. Over the past month I was able to get all bills switched into my name for the household which is also been a relief. 2014 has been work and transitioning to a new life. 2015 is getting opportunity to live that life to the fullest. The world is my oyster; full of possibilities.  Looking forward to seeing what's in store for me in 2015.

We are all works in Progress,

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