Monday, November 8, 2021

More Room for A Loom

I have been shopping for looms for about three months. I have wanted one that could weave close to a yard width fabric. My parameters for a wider loom are between 30-36 weaving width, it has to fit in the car and is made of quality hardwood. I finally found a winner in New York State, will be picking up this week. Not too far away either. Please see the wonderful pictures to get a sense of this utilitarian equipment made in a beautiful manner. When I am in front of this loom, I can see the love and attention that has gone into its 

Would have liked a counterbalance loom but those looms do not break into pieces for transport, same for countermarch and some jack looms. Seems that Kyra looms come up for sale so rarely that it would be some years before I would get the one by this manufacturer. This one is not branded but breaks down into 4 side hardwoods panels, 4 shafts, two warp bars, and a beater bar. The dimensions are 36 inches front to back, 43 inches wide, 38 inches tall. It’s low and wide which works better in the basement.

The loom has several shuttles and extra swag for free and was $125 less than my first loom. It’s a steal at $275. This loom is an original one of a kind made from furniture-grade plywood. According to the previous owner it’s made so well that it has details that I won’t believe. The shafts- they are hickory hand made and all the hardware is new. It needs tweaking for the shaft lift but is workable in its current state.

This is why I waited for the right one to come along. I didn’t just want a typical-looking loom. Something with lots of character, the reason it’s going is due to room restrictions. I will be selling off some of the spinning wheels that I don’t use to keep the space in the basement less cluttered. Plus I have some household items that needed rehoming for a while. It’s been past time for some decluttering. I did some this past summer, it’s a constant process. One can move along the basement just fine and lots of walking room but I want to not load up the room since it’s meant to be creating space for me.

The former owner is going to label all the parts, make sure I can put it back together, by providing detailed instructions and videos. I definitely found the right buyer who cares about the person buying their item. Learned that the furniture movers/sliders are great for larger pieces. Without putting stress on any joints of larger furniture and home decor pieces. 

Excited to get Weaving,

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