Monday, April 6, 2020

Foundations Revealed


Hoping to complete one
of these doll dress forms
my FR first project.
Besides looking into source materials about dress making from the early 1900 for my own wardrobe. Well before the quarantine began for Covid-19.  I began collecting long wool skirts and giving my wardrobe a more vintage style for the office. I hope to have a more complete wardrobe by the time I return to the office for my mundane desk job. Although I have a feeling work from home will be something I will look forward since the travel costs me 2 grand in gas a year.

Since being a self taught seamstress I feel there are steps I didn’t learn. Can’t learn what you don’t know and that my process is complete for my sewing skills. All be it sewing with the SCA for 16 years, I  want to sharpen my sewing skills and also learn more about tailoring. With any kind of lessons it’s important to me to have one on one enrichment as needed. So I purchased a Foundations Revealed membership during their advertised open enrollment.

This membership would be better than reading a book, for which I have a library. What this membership offers me is support to ask questions, some professionals giving instructions on projects to help achieve better results. Which will take my work to the next level quicker than the past. I had tried the book method for a long time and it works but slowly and not any easy access for questions.

Even if one doesn’t sign up there are loads of free reading material about a multitude of sewing topics. I am including a link to the page: Foundations Revealed I am going to get a Document on my computer for all my notes and set up for classes. Here is to never stop learning and perusing excellence.

Happy sewing,

THL Marrin O’Cadhla
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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