Sunday, December 18, 2022

The Library

 I realized that combined Albert and I have quite an interesting library. His books are upstairs in my room, I have mine in the basement, easily accessible from the loom and sewing machine. It does photograph well more so the upstairs with this collection of doll cases really gives a museum-like ambiance in that part of the room. Since my work desk is not too far off this shot it really has a nice feeling when I am working and have something to look at during my work day. Good motivation for later after work and some crafting. 

Here is one that is in the basement pillars, this one to the right has my 16th-century tailoring manuals, 16th Century and Early 17th Century clothing, period embroidery, fashion dolls, and other textile arts of the period all on this one bookshelf. The cube bookshelves on the front and back sides of the pillar have my graphic novel collection. This spot works out nicely although it is too close to the litter boxes they needed to go somewhere. As much in life making the best of the space available. Luckily we do have a dry basement compared to the standard Pennsylvania basement. This space also has a Radon filter and fan so there is circulating air at all times. It's safer for me to spend periods of time down there than most buildings.

The downstairs is more a catch as catch can as there are three locations for books. There are two square support pillars that make a great spot for some narrow cases. Then there is some wall space nearby the floor loom. Which is where this next picture is from. AC Moore used to have some great pine bookshelves and book cubes that I have greatly missed since they closed a few years ago now. There is just not the same caliber of this store, where minor pine furniture could be purchased unless you do so online.  So the one on the left is the AC Moore purchase wish I had gotten two more, to be honest. This bookcase has embroidery lace making, doll house, doll making, and sewing books on this shelf by topic. The other one on the right is a pine-cube shelf I located on the Facebook marketplace. Which holds my other mass of doll books on the top shelf and miscellaneous less utilized costuming books on the bottom shelf. 

These could be moved upstairs but are already full and Albert and I buy books semi-regularly. So we do need room for new ones to be stored properly. He has a new collection of gaming books that do need a proper home. So hoping we can get the bookcases after we come back from our honeymoon. The sewing closet was a book haven but I converted it into the Warhammer closet at this time and the books in there are for that game at this point. Good solid free-standing bookshelves are not cheap and would cost a good penny for 3, 6-foot-tall bookcases. Luckily we have time to make a decision but will eventually need to be made. Also, I do have to cull some of my book collections that are not being used since I have upgraded over the years to better books. So here is to hope, that I can get moving on that. In the meantime yay pretty books, it's an aesthetic.

To Good Books,

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