Thursday, October 11, 2018

Flax to Linen


Taking knowledge away some from recent research with some hands on trying at Heritage Days. Was able to sort out of the tricks with spinning flax being a plant fiber versus wool being an animal fiber. There isn’t any stretch with flax it will just snap eventually. There are distinct behavioral differences in the fiber arrangement and features when spun for flax.


Drawing a broken to new pieces one has to pick and fluff to separate fibers as wool but differently. Flax to linen is on the docket to do a small project with handmade thread or weave into cloth then embroider. Lots of options to consider though have bought some raw fiber to try out and see if I can get it to be nice as I did on last weekend. I have 8 oz of flax and 8 oz of hemp on its way.


Though the main task is to spin up a bunch of linen to get used to the plant fiber. I also ordered a hemp to make a fine thread of that as well to keep practicing with other form of the plant based fibers. Nettle I would need to find a stand and harvest it myself, so eventual goals. In the picture you can clearly see the thread like twine on the spool. Then the whispy  hair like plant fibers towards the bottom for drafting more to be spun into linen thread.
Here is an upclose look at the dried plant above. Then a finished flax fiber ready to be made into linen threads. It’s soft and smoother than it looks. Reminds me of corn silk but different. Which I have an image of the fiber to the right.  I was able to eventually get a good closeup of the thread made at the event. So will show progress on this along with doll planning and blackwork embroidery as I finish projects.

Busy as usual,

 Marrin o’Kealy
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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