Monday, January 19, 2015

Taking a Bite Out of the Big Apple

Had a whirlwind excursion to New York City on Saturday. Planned a trip, my sisters and I, to go see the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Besides seeing all of the wonderful items that they have at the museum, we made a stop to the American Girl store for my sister to pick up a doll she wanted to purchase. Made me think about how much fun it would be to get one of the 18 inch dolls and dress it up and Tudor an Elizabethan clothing. The closest one they have is a colonial doll that is retired. We took a stroll along Central Park, which is near the museum. Then proceeded to get dinner at Hard Rock Café and visit other stores a long Time Square. So I very productive and fun trip. We are planning on other trips in the future, however I think it's going to take us at least four trips to do and see most of the other sites we want to see.


While my feet were recovering from all of the extra walking we did on Saturday, Made some small progress on my coif project. I decided to put the lace on the edges ahead of time and markout a small bit of seam allowances for when I have to cut out the project. And I'm starting to fill in the goldwork along the bottom edge which is taking some time. I have also taken up learning lucet. Is a form of medieval cord making that helps one make drawstrings. I decided that I wanted to make about a 24 inch length worth of cord so I can use that as a drawstring on the back of my coif.

I've noticed that it's a little easier and making the cord when using string that's a little thicker. I started with shoelace because that was easy to work with. However I tried using some thick crochet string and that proved to be much more challenging with keeping all the tension correct. So I need to find a thickness between crochet thread and yarn. In order to make my drawstring easier to weave. While being able to have it small enough to go through the drawstring channel on the back of the coif.


Lastly, I picked up a few books from the Metropolitan Museum of art shop.
received one that was part of a exhibition from earlier that was on clearance in regards to miniatures for five dollars. Purchased one in regards to unicorn tapestries that I've tried to get at SCA auctions and was not able to obtain. And I got a small book of hours referencing medieval manuscripts, and another on calligraphy and illumination design.  Hoping to find inspiration not only to do calligraphy and illumination, but also seeing if this might be a wonderful art form to do in needlework as well.  So there's a lot of good information and much more reading that I will have to do in regards to these books. But that is at my own leisure.

In the meantime trying to focus on finishing up current projects in progress. And trying to find time and do planning for future projects. It's a never-ending process however it is always a good process. I have some documentation that I want to read in regards to some research for ice Dragon. I'm not exactly sure whether not I can have a project or research completely written by then but I am going to certainly try.

Well better get back to work,
 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