Sunday, September 11, 2022

Local Small Fabric Shops Haul



On my mission to buy local and not from big box stores.  Well I found two awesome fabric at two local fabric shops while online. Both are Mennonite run businesses in the next town over but outside in the countryside. Granted, that happens in Amish country. Have to say, the ladies had the most I interesting patterned fabric for their dresses. That would happen if you own a fabric shop no doubt. Still made in the simple style but nicely decorated with printed pattern. 

So the first place was Verna’s Fabrics which I found silk, linen, and linen cotton drapery fabric.  It’s not the typical things she carries. Normally lots of quilting cotton but they are thicker than what you find at big box stores. I can tell she is picky on what is carried in the shop. Happy to see a small selection of linen, bought out all the silk she had, and the drapery fabric. I know I can special order if needed. Looking forward to going back the cottons are just beautiful.

From Verna, I out there was a doll maker close to where I live who passed away some years back. Looking up that person, she was part of a doll club. Although after  but not finding anything online about it. Would be nice to have a club of like minded miniature and doll enthusiasts together. Will have to see if something can be organized. 

This weekend went to Hoover’s Bernina shop. Besides the modern machines they sell, they provide classes and sell fabric and notions. Also lots of quilting cotton too at good quality as well. Although they have faux fur. If found the perfect faux fur trim to go with the Henrician Tudor doll gown that I am making from the brocades at Vernas fabrics. This doll will have an English hood, she is a blonde haired Sun doll.

 I found a dark grey cotton that is definitely in a Renaissance motif, includes some metallic sheen in the fabric. This will also be a Henrician Tudor gown but in the French style. Which I also have trim to match. With a blackwork embroidered shift black velvet and fabrics to complete for another doll. This dolls will have a French hood, she is a dark haired Moon doll. 

Looking forward these two forces of nature, expressed in color ways for their respective celestial bodies. So excited to have a doll project to sew in miniature. Best things on small packages, especially when it comes to sewing.

Working on the Sun Doll now and found the moon doll online and she just shipped. Should be arriving by the time so am almost done with the current doll. 

We shall see how they turn out. 

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