Fixing and Creating

I received the embroidered jewelry box in the mail from Ebay. It's lovely embroidery looks to be inspired Jacobean with 3D elements, made in India.  There were a few issues with this particular piece. The back panel as you open the box made the lid slide around and was unstable. So I took some matching colored thread and stitch the corners on the back panel to make sure that it was much more secure. Which did really help make sure that you could open and close the box without much trouble and not stress the panel with readjusting of the lid. If this was not fixed it would eventually have the lid ripoff. All these details were disclosed by the seller so I knew what I was getting, new little bit of decorating and some fixing was needed when I purchased.

It's really a pretty piece, larger than in the photo, which is great needing lots of space. I added a few of the berries I made to add some more color, looks nice, not sure if I will add more stumpwork elements or not, guess will see.

I am still creating my personalized embroidered sewing box.  Took photos of the crate I am starting with, bought at the thrift shop for a few cents. It looks like it was a display a bath and body works, though any of that will be covered with fabric.  I am debating a few period designs, for this project but it's best to draw them out to see if they will work for  my intentions for this sewing kit. Brainstorming is my favorite part, making items is fun too but time consuming. Though one doesn't get work done just thinking about it.

Finshing my training at work, packing for my trip to corporate headquarters, lots to do and so little time.

Regards,

Maureen

17th century Respite

Machined Embroidered Jewelry Box

You never know what items you may use until you find a use for them. My poor home has a collection of various different items that I found it through the years that I knew I was going to use for project in the future, I just didn't know when. Mostly when I am out shopping for various different pieces of needlework notions, beads and other findings inspiration strikes and another project is added to the already long list of items I want to create. Luckily I do my best to try to make sure the items that I purchased our ones that I will eventually use. A lot of them came together with the 16th-century embroidered waistcoat, that I am still working.

Embroidered Waistcoat 

I have's been seeing a new project put on by a great site; thistle-threads.com, about a course called cabinet of curiosities. Though unfortunately I do not have the amount of money to take the course or for the materials. However I do like the idea of the course topic, and it has inspired me to see if I can make a needlework sewing box of my own. This is going to be somewhat of a spinoff on the same themes as my embroidered waistcoat and will be 16th century needlework heraldry based themes and motifs.

Found the wooden box that I needed for the base as a piece that I had picked up for dollar at a thrift shop, it is a small slatted display box for soap. I am going to get all of the exact measurements off of this box, drawout on my linen the exact measurements that I need to create a needlework outer cover for this box with lining. Then after all the patterns are laid out, I am going to needlework them on the frame, then pad the work with a thin layer of cotton batting. Then stitch all of the pieces together around the wooden slatted box. Pad also the inside with the same cotton batting and then lined the lid and line the interior of the box. This box is not nearly as deep as I would like. Though I'm not finding the other varieties of a deeper box that I feel I could sufficiently needlework in a timely manner.  This would definitely be a useful piece for me to store my small sewing items at home and have it near my favorite sewing chair.

17th C Embroidered Casket

It however will not be a 17th-century replica, as well as the fact that it would not be something that I could document for an SCA related project. These sewing caskets made by young ladies in the 17th-century are post period. Would not be very good to document for the SCA since these are post 1650. This would be one of those projects I would keep to myself and making enjoy as a inspirational-based project, and might be used for gifts for friends and other inspirational based needlework. It seems for some reason I am really inspired lately by things that are passed 1650. I'm guessing that it is a phase, and  I'll be getting back to finishing off my SCA related projects. All artists go through a creational respite from the normal routine. That it does not hinder my ten year long fascination with Tudor and early Elizabethan topics. I found a fun one made commercially that I plan on using for more sewing supplies, which will still be fun to use. Not sure if I will add stumpwork elements or not, will decide when I get the

Besides this gives me another wonderful used to do more fantastic ideas with stumpwork as well as a excuse to use more peacocks, and put my heraldry on something which is always fun. This larger project may give rise to smaller decorated trinket boxes, I could see having something like this with a very personalized name put upon it would be a great gift.

In the meantime I am repleating my ruff and cuffs, resetting then in their bands and we will see how it works out.

Regards,

Maureen

In Love... With Books

Looking at the various different types of embroidery out there. I am focusing on new techniques, new materials, and interesting compositions and design layout for inspiration. And I have come across this wonderful book as a suggestion. This comes from online costuming friends who do various time periods of embroidery.

The Complete Book of Stumpwork embroidery by Jane Nicholas is a really fantastic guide to show how to create stumpwork type of embroidery. Stumpwork is a type of 3 dimensional embroidery that occurs in England from about 1650 throughout the 1700s. It builds upon various techniques and stitches from crewel embroidery. Like the buttonhole and detached buttonhole stitches, goes from there and takes it to a new level with adding different materials focusing on three dimensional aspects and texture.

Not only is the book showing you how to create different types of animals plants and flowers, it also shows you various different designs.  From simple small compositions that would make great gifts with embroidering the name of the recipient, to larger compositions that take on a tapestry like feel.  There are many projects shown in this book, there's a list of materials needed for each project, and it goes over the techniques on how to create the project step-by-step.  Love books laid out well showing you exactly how to make the projects that occur in the book. I really look forward to seeing more work from this author.  I found out that this manual is a combination of two different books; one focusing on Medieval flowers and the other one focusing Medieval fauna. These two books were created a paperback format previously they combined them together and put them in a complete manual.

In creating my polychrome embroidered jacket,  I worked with various buttonhole stitches to create levels of texture, and build up upon different levels and different stitches. This takes that and really runs with texture and dimensions. I may be using some of the techniques in very small applications on my jacket, stumpwork would be very hard to wear. Due to the three dimensional aspect, it could get snagged often on a garment-based project and destroy the embroidery or garment. So I will most likely use some of the beading techniques or maybe a few berries for interest but I won't be using three-dimensional leaves or other elements because of the snagging problem. So this gives me a lot of  information and inspiration to continue with more fascinating needlework!

Embroidering like Mad,

Mairin

Reworking with Coincidence

Originally planning to attend War Practice, though a pre-scheduled work business trip has gotten in the way. I received some fantastic feedback with my work last year. This year I will have to send some of my items with friends for the Arts and Sciences display. I wanted to teach as well at this event, though that is foiled with the work trip, maybe next year.

Since I will be going away for work in May, been formulating a way to bring my polychrome embroidered waistcoat with me, so I can work on it with downtime in the evenings. Been working on it every evening right now, taking out machine stitching and replacing it with woolen embroidery stitches all the way around all the pattern pieces. It is looking much better and much more organized. I didn't realize when I had bought the trim for the jacket that it matches one of my Elizabethan gowns perfectly! So I am going to wear this dress underneath my jacket and I really believe that it's going to just accent each other beautifully. Showing the photos to see how extremely close the color match shows. Even with the lights and darks of the silk fabrics playing on each other these were never intended to go together, though it's fantastic that they do!

With the Ice Dragon feedback I know the areas of improvement and am reworking techniques and methods now so the projects will be better examples of my work. I am disappointed I will not be there to field questions. Though it's important to share my work with others, I use all the trial and error with my many projects as a learning lesson. For me it's easier to learn from creating, I sometimes make my best discoveries about textiles and fiber arts.

I recently had found out that there was some new literature, not known about on the polychrome embroidered jackets. It was in a series of individual subject booklets called the complete anachronist, published through the SCA. I had gone through the long list of topics, there happens to be many a useful topic. I inherited a handful of these from a friend, and was able to complete my Elizabethan  embroidered gloves using one of these little booklets. Now I have one for the my current in progress project.  Now I have ordered and received these on various types of embroidery woodworking and other Medieval topics.

So for now figuring out what events I can make an appearance and get my work reworked for arts and science displays in the future. So busy also working on more late period embroidery styles and reading up on better tudor fit and plans to make period patterned linen bodies and woolen kirtle.

Plotting away,

Maureen

New Years Resolution and updates.

I am not normally the type of person to make a New Year's resolution, not because of failure. But more or less I don't always have time to commit to a New Year's resolution. Though I have to say this year I do have one. Which is to complete the Elizabethan embroidered jacket that I had finished the sleeves on earlier last year. I went ahead and took a look at my pattern pieces last night. The gore pieces that I have for around the waist and body for well despite being sized wrong originally.

I do believe it's going to take several months until the jacket is complete especially with getting it lined and already to go. I think I'm at least to the halfway point or real darn close to it. I found a few pretty snowflake pillows on clearance recently, that remind me of Elizabethan flowers and are giving me some inspiration to start embroidery on this jacket again.

In the meantime I created a silk pouch to go with a few mother of pearl purse closure pieces that I bought for Christmas with the money my mother gave me for a present. The silk was salvaged from a shirt, so I could create the blue background and use the Elizabethan costuming groups device so I could use that as a way of showing that group that I belong to online. I admit might be looks a little bit big in the body but at this point it's at least a good attempt at doing one. Accented it with gold colored glass beads to give it a little bit of shine, as well as scissor charms that are also red presented on the device. I have currently been using up some of the last of the pre blackwork fabric, shown in previous posts, in an attempt to make a partlet. I have the face pieces beaded already to go I just have to line it and attach a collar as soon as that is done I will post some photos is looking very nice.

As far as the holidays go everything went pretty well. I am still waiting for the book to come in on
London lost jewels for the Cheapside hoard. I had ordered it well before Christmas and I'm not exactly sure since it's coming from England it's taking a long time. That was the main item that I got with my money my mother had sent to me and the other part was some embroidery tools and supplies. I also ended up trading some gift cards with my hubby to get some other books. I had ordered him a box set of books he was looking for a while as his gift.  So I ordered myself the one book I was needing, 17-century dress women's patterns book 1. I received book 2 at a great discount at an SCA event. I enjoyed the book so much, decided that I needed to get the first one to add to the collection.

In more history were cool pattern book news, I found out that they are putting out another addition of a Janet Arnold book for ladies patterns. I believe that this one is to deal with farthingale's as well as bum rolls and other types of stays and corsetry.   I am sure it is going to be a long while before this book comes out. And I have heard that there is a lot of effort to preserve a lot of the notes and original items that Janet Arnold used in all of her lovely research. So from what I gather there is going to probably be other volumes of her books coming out, postmortem. It would've been one awesome experience to meet her, it is unfortunate that she had passed while I was still in middle school. For those of us who make historical clothing, We salute you Janet Arnold.

Other than some recent books, getting through the holiday season, things have been going smoothly at home. Just a lot of prep work and concentration on my new job which I'm very thankful for. Battling the usual chores schedule, trying to get everything done between work and home. The kitties are doing well and avoiding any illness so far, fingers crossed. Hopefully with the added wet food I've been giving them during the winter to help them keep their amino acids and other nutrients up that'll help. Hubby is doing good as well, we just both got over a couple of head colds. We are happy and healthy so far this new year. That in mind, want to wish all of my dedicated readers a belated
Happy Holidays.

Regards,

Maureen

Partlet a la Francais

Francois Clouet drawing 

       I had made this weekend on projects. I finally completed my French renaissance partlet. It has gold and silver cord trim, purchased at Pillaged Village. I hand embroidered some gold and silver work in a lozenge pattern with freshwater pearls at the intersections. It is based on portraits of nobles from the French court from 1520-1560 by the artist Clouet.

      I have yet to write up my documentation on this project and have yet to do the same on my ruffs. It's hard sitting with  hubby since time is limited in the evening to be together. I still have work on details of this project. It needs to be lined which I do still have some linen to line it with. And I also have to attach some ribbon to the corners in order to have ties. I also need to fine jeweled clasps like on the front of this example Clouet drawing above left.

French Partlet Back

Front French Partlet

On ward to pockets now. I have orange gold silk for the top face of the pocket and I have another fabric for the bottom, most likely be cold lozenge fabric which I'm going to use also as an accent fabric for these fancier pockets. I have silk thread to attach everything together and then the inside is lined with the linen. I was also thinking of using my coral colored velvet as another alternative to make a different style of the Italian  pockets.

Hope to post more progress on the pockets as soon as I can. Have so many ideas on design it's hard to narrow it down. This is why I am doing more than one based on portraiture from the period. That will be more explained when I finally write up the research. I need to get these projects done ASAP and sent to a friend. Let's hope when they are done that they get a warm reception.

Back to the Grindstone,

Maureen

Lady Mairin O'Cadhla Persona Background

           Over my 8 years in the SCA, I been working on the details of my persona. Wasn't sure in the beginning what I wanted to be, other than Irish in the 16th Century. When I started I also wanted a derivitive of my legal name, I like it so much I didn't mind having a version of it for the SCA.  I find that some of the research is good to show why I do certain things for my persona. After years of reasearching Ireland when Mairin was living there from 1509 to 1530. I discovered details about the invasion of Ireland by HenryVII and knew this was away to get my persona to England. So here is the story of Mairn and her family:

            Born 1509 the border of what is now Claire and Limerick counties, Ireland. Mairin O'Cadhla is an Irish shepardess aged 21 years. Coming from a large family of Irish Shepards, she knows how to dye, wash, spin, and knit wool to make clothing and thread. Mairin was taken from all she knew, during the invasion of Ireland by the English in 1530.

 Separated from her family and thought dead from the war, Mairin was captured and kept to be sold as a servant woman. Mairin was relocated in a large ship along with many strangers with odd accents and language going back to England. She was acquired and placed in the noble household De Vere’s of Warwickshire, who were prominent in the Tudor court.

 Over time as she worked in the household, Mairin showed her skills with wool in all its forms. Growing the favor of the lady of the house, Mairin was rewarded for her patience, diligence and knowledge, which was profitable for the household. Lady De Vere was pleased, and handpicked Mairin to be taught the skills to be a lady's maid. She eventually lost some of her Irish accent as she became accustomed to her new noble home.

 In exchange for her confidences, Mairin accompanied Lady De Vere to court on several occasions for many years. While attending her lady at court, Mairin learned many fine pursuits. She was expected to be mannerly, gain knowledge, and be devout just like many a fine woman. Mairin learned: prayer and devotion to the word of God, courtly dances, embroidery, sewing, playing the lute, care of fine clothing, care of fine jeweled accessories, keeping the company of children at court and keeping cheerful company to her lady and household.

She eventually wed to fine gentleman similar to her station, to a wonderful household master of horse Lord Justin du Plott. The couple had 6 children 3 of which made it to adulthood. Her husband passed in 1558 due to a bad bout with the pocks. Mairin passed in 1560 of illness due to old age, though it is said more to be of a lonliness for her husband. Their issue Mistress Marie Patrica du Plott,  Master Thomas Larue du Plott and Master Michael Joshua du Plott.

Her eldest daughter Marie Patricia grew up in the De Vere household and also followed in the footsteps of her mother plying her knowledges to gain postion. Spending time under her mothers tutilidge as a young girl. Eventually she went to court with the household with a comission to work as a lady in waiting in the English court.  Gaining more at court Marie eventually wed to a minor noble son, a 4th son of an Duke.

Her son Thomas Larue took on the family trade with becoming a Master of Horse. To which he became known throughout as an excellent breeder of hunting horses. A hearty breed of English horse mixed with some distant lines of the stockier breeds of Irish native horses. He married similar to his station with the lute teacher from the De Vere household.

Her youngest son, Michael Joshua also stayed with the De Vere household, but chose to become a master gardner. He had apprenticed with another household of Lord Cecil and was renoun for creating complex designed knot gardens and certain varieties of fruit trees. After the apprenticeship he came back to work for the De Veres providing gardens to set off the grandness of the De Vere Manor. He also married similar to his station to a well known court lace maker and embroideress.

A Novice No More

 

Well its offical, I won the Novice Pentathalon at Ice Dragon this year. Also recieved the Baroness's Choice Award, plus captured 3 out of my 5 categories. They were Toys for my String Marionettes, Needlework and Heraldic Display for my Elizabethan Embroidered Gloves. I am suprised how well I did, though later I found out there were few enterants compared to years past. Found out that my score if put into the Singles Pent would have garnered me a 4th place over at least 3 people. So all in all I am still pleased with my standings even if I was the only Novice to enter the Pent. Looking at the score there were lots of folks who entered single items at novice that I really completed well against. Next year I have to enter as a Singles Pent enterant, since I won this year.

So its offcial I am a novice no more! So I recieved a scroll for the Baroness's Choice for my Marionettes and Overall Novice Pent, dragon medallions for the category wins. Hey I will take a win anytime. Also looked Elizabethan Fabulous in my Spring Green Crewel Embroidred Gown, garnered many compliments including Her Royal Majesty. So all in all a very wonderful time at Ice Dragon and happy I did decide to enter this year.

On the shopping front, I found many wonderful things to purchase for a late period persona this year compared to years past. I bought a whole fox stole to be made into a zebellino flea fur, a black work pin cushion and tape measure, a brooch with black stone and pearls, a teal cabachon brooch with pearls, teal brocade fabric and teal velvet fabric to match for a new gown, also off site bought some books on medieval life, theater and puppets. So yes, a good shopping year and everything was well priced, so haggling was really not needed. It is a nice option in case you are short on cash though.

Also got to see my good shire mate become a knight, a long standing persuit if his. Which was a wonderful sight to see his total suprise when we sprung it on him. As well as giving back some profit from our event FFF to their Royal Majesties. I had to wait for Baronial Court to get my awards, but also collected for two other shire mates who left the site early. So all in all it was a great day for our shire.

In the process of finding frames for the Baroness's Choice scroll which need a 11x17 frame  I am using a 10x10 shadow box to show off the smaller Novice Pent scroll with the medallions. Using a paper background to hold it in and not glue anything to the scroll, want to keep it free if to be reframed for later in case. So I will post pics when done, though I know they will look great.

Unfortunately back to the Mundane,

Mairin

Out with the Old... In with the New

Well 2012 is all done and on to new Tudor interests in 2013. Well I have a few project updates since Christmas. I received a commission for a Tudor gown from a lady in Sweden, really excited. In the planning stages right now and setting the dress form up with the proper measurements, making her custom pattern, etc. Bought some boning for the corset the other day, all the usual planning that a gown takes I am doing right now.

 As I find time between the commission, which is almost set up.  Currently weaving a set of lavender colored garters, and crocheting a lap blanket. Warm yarn based projects for winter, will return to my embroidery this spring. I think I will be making more garters with a multi-colored yarn when I get done with the lavender ones. This is my second attempt at something like a blanket, I made a really long trim in a seashell crochet pattern, it was supposed to be a blanket. Made about 6 inches wide by 9 foot trim and stopped working on it, now can't find the yarn I used for it. Typical of my luck.

I received most of my post Christmas books I ordered from Ebay on bobbin lace making. In the meantime I found instructions on making my own bolster pillow and holder. Also found also some guitar technique and beginner lute lessons by a person on Youtube. Who says the internet is a wasteland of information ;-)

 There are other types of lace making pillows but the roll shaped bolster pillow, I felt would work best for my needs of making trim like pieces of lace. I made the bolster lacemaking pillow from black velvet outer covering, muslin interlining, non-conbustable fused ploy stuffing, and glass beads in the center for weight. Its actually a very stiff heavy pillow. By the time the pillow was complete, the bobbins came in the mail, which I spent the next roleplaying session winding thread on them. The next step is to make some Prickings which contain your lace making pattern with holes for pins to hold your work. Prickings are made of either parchment/light leather pieces and are attached to your pillow. Will have to locate the mass of scrap leather I received from a friend, then I can make these wonderful patterns. Seen some starter lessons on the bobbin stitches, but am intimidated with getting started. Since I still have so much more to get done, between the housework, cleaning from Christmas, commission work, and current projects.. Though I think once I get a pattern worked out I will get the hang of it. Just one more thing I can do with string ;-)

Trying to make crafting progress,

Maureen

Noble Progress Indeed

Well I have been abundantly motivated to finish the gowns I have to decorate and take their pictures. I find that for some reason I get a second wind after working a 2nd shift and want to sew till midnight. Though its great to get things done, it is at the cost of some sleep. I have a few boxes around the house I want to make disappear and a few days ago rearranged my sewing room and put somethings away. If I get the sewing done, it will eliminate one of said boxes from cluttering up the room. The other is in the living room, have to finish putting the contents of that away too.

I was able to finish the collar on the black doublet gown, looks nice and the color brightens up the ensemble. Tryaing to see if I want to add some beading or more trim to the edges before I say its done. Undecided right now though compare and play with some of my trim and see what looks the nicest out of my stash at home. Last night I worked on the black silk gown with billowy sleeves, was able to make them look like spanish sleeves and sewin down trim in all the right places. I am adding an inner sleeve that is pink to match the trim and will add trim to the cuff of it. So still lot more to do before its done. Though on the right track am suprised how well it is working out so far.

Hopfully get some time to work on my embroidery would be a real plus, but one project at a time. Heres to more quality and speedy sewing ventures.

On a book note, I have recieved my Queen Elizabeth's Wardrobe Unlock'd. Just one word, Wow. I can see why so many costumer make a fuss over this expensive book. Though it doesn't have all the topics I look into for the period, I do find alot of very useful information. I also have been enjoying my Elizabethan Compendium of Knowledge, great read for doing laundry. Can pick it up and put it down without missing too much details. Though I have so many more books to read and enjoy, going to take me a while to get through them all. Should not be able to say that I am bored for a while.

Family is doing well and have things caught up at home which is amazing with all the time I have been pulling at work. Did some major spring cleaning, though I have a feeling there will be much more to do soon. For now better I should return to my sewing progress lest I fall behind.

Busy Sewing,

Maureen

Pattern Books and Progress

Finally received my two books I ordered online from Tudor Tailor.com they shipped from England sometime ago. Isn’t always the case when you mention something, it finally arrives the same day. The Queen’s Servants and The Kings Servants exceed my high research standards for costuming books, though I would not expect any less from the creators of the Tudor Tailor. The example pictures, pattern drawings, and explanations on Tudor specific costuming aspects are spot on.

Very happy to see demonstrations on how to stuff padded pleats. There are good pictures of box pleats and sewing to stabilize them properly. Which I use box pleats with knife pleats often to save yardage, so I was really happy to be using correct techniques. I love the demonstrated layout of patterns use on yardage of fabric, which helps show the amount of fabric for the project. They have some really interesting early Tudor hats too, which I am keen about making in the future. I am working on early Elizabethan gowns so these simpler styles will have to wait for a while.

I have sewn in the boning for the bodice on the Elizabethan Peach gown, though I have to add some side panels to get the proper fit. Though I am thrilled with the progress I made the other day and hope to do more today. Looking to get the fitting right then sew on the elaborate trim, oh its going to look super nice.

Well back to sewing,

Lady Mairin

Getting Things Done, Finally!

Well being productive this week so far, I was able to finish my book about Mary Queen of Scots. It ends sadly of course though happy they way they finished it off with pazazz and talking about how her death effected the course of history, all very intersting. Hoping it doesn't take me another three years to finish off my other books I just purchased;-) I am starting the three book series on the Legend of the Guardians: Owl of Gahoole. I love the movie so I want to try the books. Yes more youth level reading but I love being able to get a good story and plow through it. Harry Potter was a complex enough story and world to keep my interest, hope this is the same. I was also told the Eragon Dragon series is pretty good too, that will be after my owl books though. I have had alot of adult reading so something soothing on the brain certianly helps. My Owl series is another thick book but this is a omnibus of three books so it will take some time. Just wanting to read something else other than renaissance history for variety sake. I found there can be such a thing as history overload, shockingly.

Off the topic note, I was able to make two decks for my Legend of the Five Rings Card game at home. Revamped my exhisting Mantis deck to be a Raid effect deck and made the other to be my Tsruchi Archer deck, all very cool and these are diamond editon. I have to make a Nezumi deck, which are humaniod rats and a Phoenix deck which are elemental magic users these are gold edition. The editions have to be kept separte though there are transition cards that can be used with both. I have two unicorn decks one gold one diamond editions and looking into a third possibly. Still have to find something to do with my Lous edition L5R yet have 20 booster packs and two premade decks, though this may take some time.

On a garb note I have taken the time to start my light blue french hood, looking nice so far, I have to attach the front and back pieces, sew on the veil, bead and trim it too. I am also looking to start a mens renaissance shirt on Thursday, so smaller projects. Tip toeing into my two Tudor gowns, though the suspense is killing me about getting them started;-) If the vision in my head is as beautiful as they turn out, I will be one very happy lady.

Well got to go,
Maureen

Ahhhhaha! More books

Well I went to Borders and found the last of the books I wanted to purchase. I know I said I was done with buying more books, but I wasn't expecting to find the titles I did still in the store. Most things are 50 to 60% off the original retail price. As expected things are picked over, but luckily the topics I like are one not alot of other folks like to read, mainly Tudor history and fiction. I got 4 books for $30. That is only about $7 a book, not too shabby if I do say so myself.

So I have one on Anne Boleyn and her daughter Elizabeth, one on Catherine De Medici for good measure to keep and eye on the French, and for good measure William and Kate to represent the modern monarchy. Way more reading that I can get done in a year but I shouldn't be complaining about being bored. If I do remind of the stack of period books I have yet to dive into :-) Friendly reminders are important.

So many books and so little time to read them all, the story of my life.

Curl up with a good read,

Maureen

More New Books

The Mary Queen of Scotland and the Isles is the book I am reading right now and have less than 100 pages left and its at the good part where she is about to commit treason in trying to escape.

Though with the sales at Border's especially with the clearance is deepening cuts up to 50% off I was able to pick up a new book for after I finish my current selection. It is called Elizabeth and Mary: Cousins, Queens, Rivals. I believe it will compare the two reigns of the monarchs and see how their lives were intertwined with each there even if they never met in real life. Should be a real page turner, though I got to finish the one I am reading first. I'm not the type to read two books at once, I could keep the stories strait but I just don't have alot of time to read that much.

I picked this book up the other day along with another book on The Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Kings and Queens of Britain, it follows the English monarchy from ancient times to modern. It had alot of very interesting facts about some of the more obscure Kings and Queens, quite a few I never heard anything about. Its doesn't have William and Kate marriage and all that but this book is not all that new. I may pick one up one those two later, they are an interesting pair for sure. With all the research I do that involves the British Royal Family, it was necessary for me to pick up a quick reference guide like this one, it was under 4.00 so it was worth it. That is all as far as new Tudor and Elizabethan books right now, but as always more to come.

Passing along good reading,

Maureen

Embroidery, Books, and more Embroidery and Books

While most of my SCAdian friends are off at Pennsic having a lovely time; braving the elements, shopping, and all out medival warfare. I have been working on my small crafts as usual; mainly trying to get my other glove completed. Using the completed right hand glove as my guide, the heraldic crest is done and I am working on the ribbon going around the outside of the crest. Its going to be a while;-) I have three gowns in the works as I mentioned; Peach Elizabethan, Ermine Black Velvet Tudor, Ermine Purple Velvet Tudor. Blue Floral is done thank goodness, its slow progress on my garb until the custom is done. Which is almost there hope to finish it this week:-D

I have two new books also on the embroidery topic. I tried to buy The Needlework of Mary Queen of Scots book on Ebay but the seller was out of this book. I consqently went to Amazon and bought it and another title, new to me copies of course;-) The other titled, Emblems For A Queen. They both focus on Marys embroidery work and what was happing in her life while she was making these amazing tapestry pieces. On Ebay, I bought a Compendium of Knowledge for 1550-1600 instead and was able to use my Ebay bucks to help save on the cost. So I have my "period"book buying done for a while. With Borders closing soon I have my eye on some more tudor books but more for leisure reading; mosly Historical Biographies or Historical Fictions. I am waiting till deeper discounts are taken, I am in no rush to get the titles I am looking at currently. If I can get them for a good price great, if they are sold no big deal I know where I can find them.

For a future embroidery project I want to crewel embroider some of Mary Queen of Scots patterns, maybe do a three dimnsional effect with them. Her designs are interesting and symblolic, its amazing that there are so many suriving examples of her work; such a good embroideress. I am also on my last 100 pages of the Mary Queen of Scots biography by Margaret George. Its great and I saw she has one on Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. No not two more over 800 page books, there are not enough hours in the day for reading ;-)

Speaking of books I got mentioned in a book for helping out. To Die For by Sandra Byrd, I am mentioned in the last sentence of the Historical Biblography as "Tudor Seamstress Extordinare" Its nice to help out others when I can, with the knowledge I have gained while making Tudor clothing. My remarks help her enrich the enviroment, proper dress description, and accessories of the time period. Well that is the book review and crafty updates for now stay tuned for more sewing insanity.

Sew Amused,

Maureen