Thursday, November 24, 2016

Warp Speed: Loom


Well I finished the project on my loom, took most of a weekend to complete. In case you ever wondered, what you can make with a 6 small skein mill ends bag from a craft store. This is 5.5 yards of handwoven tabby weave 10 in wide, striped teal and white fabric. That is woven on a rigid heddle loom. It has mistakes. Though I was expecting some since this was my first attempt at such a long length.

I like the colors since there is a little of each in the two colors that were in the Mill ends bag. Which makes sense that they were put together they coordinate so well. I found some other Mill ends I am looking for future projects as good practice with this loom. One is a periwinkle blue with coral combination, they are solids but look nice together. The other is green purple and black combo that is going to be lots of fun for  something Halloween like.  Though since I am making pieces so narrow, I am looking at wider dents to use for the loom, it can accommodate a 22" dent.  Though I think it will be challenging to make something fun out of the material made because its fabric that can be sewn or patterned in many ways.

This still has to be washed to give it a more felted together look. its pretty standard to do this for the fibers to knit together a bit. Wool is especially good at this sort of felting locking process, this is not so will see how it does in a bath. Will have to take sometime to get to the laundry mat to have this done and monitor it on the gentle cycle. I do not have a wash-line to hang it out to drip dry on any longer.


Speaking of wool, I have measured out my warp for my next project. This a bi-colored wool white and brown used for the warp and in 660 yards. I am using wool from my stash as the weft. I have it already drafted on spools and on my collection of canoe like hardwood shuttles. Hoping to find more in the future.

Hoping this fabric I can make into a fitted waistcoat and pieced together. So it would be a garment made of fabric: I washed the wool, spun, and wove into existence. Thinking since the Tabby weave dates back quite far, its the safest option to use to make a nice consistent product. I don't think I expressed how much I love my loom. Much more fulfilling now, that I am using yarn I have washed and spun into creation. My soul is happy most when working on a creation process, looking forward to the end product.

Weaving 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