Monday, August 1, 2022

Drying Herbs

 This year's garden has a wider selection of herbs. For the past few years, I typically tend to potted herbs keep them to keep bugs from hanging out near the front door. So a collection of potted herbs with their essential oils are what creates the strong smells we associate with herbs for cooking and for beauty products.

It has been particularly dry for a period of time this summer, which is good. Most Herbs are part of the Mint family, Lamiaceae. Members of this plan family grow in poor soils. They do not do well when tended to in a manner not consistent with their original environment. For example, most herbs will not do well if you overwater and have rich soil, since that is not the environment that they grow in well. So potting up the herb plant, I put glass beads into potting spoil to help, the soil drains faster and keeps the root ball drier. In this case, drainage is key.  Since it has been dry I do need to water them every few days or they will begin to wilt. The selection for the Lamiaceae I have in this year's potted garden is; Peppermint, Sweet Basil, Italian Oregano, Rosemary, Catmint, Lemon Balm, Spanish Lavender, German Thyme, and Garden Sage.

I did a small harvest to start drying all of my herbs.  The best method is to tie bundles and let them dry naturally over 2-4 weeks. The microwave or food dehydrator will pull out many essential oils when using this method. Unfortunately, it defeats the whole purpose of drying and keeping the oils in the leaf.

So far I have dried and mixed equal parts of Lemon Balm, Catmint, and Peppermint to make my own herbal tea.  Will have to get my tea ball out and give it a try. The other herbs will be used for other purposes and not for cooking. I will later harvest in the fall for cooking and set up a spot away from feline reach. Feel very connected to the Creator when tending to the plants and it's very calming.

Hoping Everyone is Well,

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