Friday, November 6, 2020

You Spin Me Right Round


 In the need for making more items with my weaving loom, least I have about 4 projects that I purchased materials for spinning and weaving. Means I need to be making yarn to weave as a result, I have not been looking forward to that task as of late. My flax spinning wheel has been having issues, its come more pronounced as of late. The original flyer keeps breaking and seems super thin compared to other styles from this time. I works fine for wool but does draft the fibers quicker with less twist for that fiber. Since the flyer and bobbins seem so brittle and the new flyers and bobbins that were made do not seem to fit well. I decided to retire my flax wheel as a functional display piece. 

 I do plan on seeing if flax with her makes a better difference. My original wheel still may have a good use yet. She still spins but not at a rate I like for wool,  additionally not running smooth as it should. I do keep oil for this and it helps but I feel there is another solution. The new flyer pieces do work and are smooth functioning only to a point.  This wheel has always been temperamental for me, so after 16 years time for change.

 Which means I need to locate sturdy spinning wheel with smooth function to complete the tasks for spinning and plying. Meaning there needs to be a built in lazy kate for plying and many bobbins. So I looked on etsy, ebay and fb marketplace, not finding anything to my liking or what was located too far away. I found some fiber tool groups that sell exclusively wheels, looms, and other fiber processing equipment. I have found a person who is moving and needs to thin out their herd of wheels. This seems to be a maple or cherry wheel made in the late 1970's early 1980's.  The brand name is Croft, I was given some website research material on the style and manufacturer. This upright castle style wheel is a double drive as I am used to. She has the built in Lazy Kate with a total of 3 bobbins for $250.00  The only damage is the flyer did have a split in the lower part, which has since repaired and is holding fine. I did find out this break seems to be common since they are made out of wood and its more due to the grain. Since I have manufacturing information, will see if I can get additional parts. Alternately see if the new parts I have, will work measure against the stock pieces. 

 The other options I had was to purchase new, which seems too costly. New wheels are $400-$800 depending on the manufacturer and that doesn't always include the shipping.  The cheapest was one made by a master wood craftsman for $300 free shipping with 6 bobbins. Although a good price nice style and plenty of bobbin, there is a lengthy waiting list for your wheel. This seemed silly as there is a plethora of gently spinning wheels that need a good home. So going to take a trip to eastern NY state next weekend to pay and pick up my treasure. Until then sharing some pictures with you.

New to You Toys,

Marrin 


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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