Monday, July 5, 2021

Marie the Mannequin

 In other news, I finished my sized dress form that fits my curviness. I had some of the parts saved from other items around the house. A bird cage base, an acme vintage dress form base and wheel disc for roll ability. DYI the inner cover made of cotton muslin and ploy fiber stuffing. Finished by purchasing a Fabulous Fit System to finish off firmer body shapes and has a stretchy cover. The black of the stand and the black of the cover were not intentional but it works nicely to have a monochrome look. So I followed suit with the linen stuffed mannequin arms. This time the stuffing is made from cotton batting cut into tiny pieces and also so other scrap fabrics that also were in small pieces. The ends are gathered and sewn shut at the wrist. I did add some of the black fabric around the neck and arm holes to finish the monochromatic look its held in by friction I may sew it closed eventually. I am leaving my options open. 

Marie looks spiffy, I added a wooden knob to hide a threaded metal rod that goes down the middle for support.  So it looks more finished and much nicer than the thrifted small dress form that wasn’t my size and wasn’t being used. Now Marie will be my go to gal for my size clothing and garb.

The final step was to make stuffed linen mannequin arms to match the black outer covering. These are made of a medium weight black linen stuffed with cotton batting and linen scraps. With flaps at the shoulders to pin to the body of the dress form. I made sure to take my inner and outer arm measurements. I found a general pattern online for similar kind of mannequin arms. I am happy how they turned out and excited to get to my first project with Marie.

Stay Tune for more Craft Goodness, 

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