Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Weaving Dragons


Wool warp with same wider lofty weft
produces a similar but not exact scale
like effect though worked for twin
dragon babies ( see below)
Been away a little longer than I wanted though weaving is been a big part of my journey.  Though not been making scarves with the outcomes of my weaving projects. Here be dragons!
As I was weaving I notices some of honeycomb scale-like weaves that can be with wider weft versus narrow warp. So the fabrics look like this.
fabric on loom made into Chinese
 dragon(see below) narrow warp wide
 weft making scale like texture
   My first project was nice neat and tight with same width warp and weft which does make a tighter woven fabric over all. I learned that the varying thickness does make a difference in fabric behavior, therefore able to better understand how fabric works in varying scenarios. When dealing with warp weft, tension, and fiber content make the character of the fabric. Which will dedicates the better applications it can be applied compared to others.
Chinese style wurm creature. Made from handwoven fabric, wool and acrylic stuffing, polymer clay, aluminium foil, glass beads, feathers hot glue, acrylic paint, and acrylic sealer with huge dose of imagination. Need to find a name for my 7ft creature of the deep.
Fur scarf turned into magical
sea cat-dragon creature
Twin Aztec Quetzalcoatl wurm creatures. Made from handwoven fabric, wool and acrylic stuffing, polymer clay, aluminium foil, glass beads, feathers hot glue, acrylic paint, and acrylic sealer with huge dose of imagination
I have done some dragons for fun made out of  faux-fur scarves from Target but this gave the the idea for the woven ones. Though this gives me ideas for toys. What did the period animal toys look like and what materials would they have been made from. Another topic for a class possibly?  I have been working on the pattern for the Tudor gown bodices still and working out how the fabric lays. Need to get these done for the upcoming spring events.

The weaving has helped me take into consideration the way I need to lay my fabric and also layer the inside to make a solid foundation for the topic silk to lay correctly. I have fabric to work on it if it doesn't work out but prefer to get it right the first time if possible.

Fur scarf turned into magical
butterfly dragon creature
 In the meantime as I finish drafting patterns and mock ups, finishing my Viking turn shoes. Started them at Stelonwald schola event near Pittsburgh and its time to get them done.  So Finished the left and now working on the right after the assembly is complete I plan on making my own wool felt to line the bottoms on the inside of the shoe. I am not sure how I want to complete closures for them yet but looking at my options and would be the most period correct.

Working in ideas for more toy based research and youth based games and ideas. Looking at my options to get things rolling again with other chancellor minor related activities on many levels. So lots on the plate but nothing new on that. Have some alterations and repair requests too.

Busy,

Maureen

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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