Monday, April 27, 2015

Kirtles, embroidery, and spinning Oh My!

Grey Wool Tudor Kirtle with Blackworked bag, Chatelaine, and Partlet
 I have much time on my hands to craft and create. Currently working on front lacing kirtles to fill up my garb for Pennsic. Have wool ones and making some canvas ones as well. I think merchant gentlewoman is the way to go for the warmer months,besides sporting Italian. The canvas will be orange, and orange and yellow, the wool is black, brown, grey. These make up relatively fast and efficiently. Will post some photos when they are complete. One so far many to go!

Wearing one to the Lewisburg Arts Festival Demo tomorrow. So should have some good period
1560's English photos with me spinning wool. Taking some of my embroidery to show late period examples. Encouraging Sca aren't going to other events to come and join the encampment. Its all day then going to help a friend with a sewing emergency. So a busy weekend!

My friend who was upgrading to a newer vehicle, did get a high mileage used car to get me through the next year or so. I do not want to use it for events, don't trust it far from home. Though I have car pulling arrangements with the same friend to get back and forth from farther away events. Though I have a gold dragon and its name is Nugget ;-)  I'm very blessed to have a great network of  friends and family to lean on in this tough time. I hope to have new employment soon, have jobs possibilities on the line now to hook a good one :-)

Still have to make some leg armor for my friend and some eyelets for a gambeson. Plus pleat a surcoat shoulders and finish the trim for next weekend. Not impossible but a busy week, coming down to the wire. Crown tournament is next weekend and have to get all this ready by then, its my first and super excited. I plan on learning much during this event in regards to tournaments.  I have been working most events so I rarely see festivities much other than court on occasion. This is his first crown too so should be educational.


Sewing Away,

Lady 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