All work and no play...

It's been a hectic month, finally finished my work. I took on additional work to help with accounts needing serviced. Very successfully completed them before my deadline, which makes me happy. Turns out these locations I trained at over 9 months ago, so soon as I entered; recognized them immediately.  Finished them in time to make the trek home to meet up with hubby for us time, yay!

With my extra time was able to watch Maleficent in 3D with hubby yesterday. We had free tickets due to our loyalty club membership. It's not how I expected it to be but was interesting how the story danced in detail around the original animated feature from 1959.  I wish some of the story wasn't so rushed to workout the iconic scenes. Though overall I liked and the animation effects and such were dazzling. Out of the live action films so far I would say this is the best sticking to the original with a twist being from the villain point of view. It uses the first telling as a tale woven through time and the facts were lost in translation, which does happen in history. 

Since I had the rest of the weekend to myself despite being on call, I was able to finish up a small embroidery project that I had been working on for some time. This is the embroidery box that I created as inspired by the 17th-century embroidery caskets used to store embroidery items tools notions. Now this one is just a simple square box,  I was able to cover it over with Aida cloth and some of the edging is a strip of cross stitch fabric, the strip was decorated  for a bell pull.  I used it to go all the way around the edge of this particular box, as well as accent the top cover. I added some looped lace on the top cover for interest.I was able to also add one of my patches of my heraldic arms, there are two sequined peacocks with cockleshell's pearls and glass beads accenting flowers around the sides all done with silk. Most of this is a conglomeration of items that I already had in my embroidery stash of awesome. The peacocks I purchased specifically for this project and they would be considered tree ornaments in their original state.

Contemplating the next project. Though it's best for me to go back to the embroidered jacket to make actual progress on it. Came too far to turn back now, it will look great when done. I just wish it could embroider itself sometimes. Brings to mind my favorite scene in the 1959 movie Sleeping Beauty is, when the fairies are making the dress and it magically sews itself while waltzing in the air. I kind of wish there was that type of magic for creating my renaissance gowns as easily. The gown making scene by birds and mice in Cinderella was good too.
Wishing there were more hours in a day,

Mairin

Great Things Come to Those Who Wait...

Great things are coming, I could feel it in my gutt and for no reason from what I could tell. I didn't know what but I knew it was something good. I told a close friend this exact phrase in an email two weeks ago. Boy I was right! Out of the blue with no communication, I got a job offer from a pest control company for a pest technician job. My Jedi powers are stronger than I thought;-) This is the job that I will be my first salaried job. Myself will make in one year, what combined my husband and I make together at our current employment gross. So its going to be a major step up for Justin and I financially. I hope we can find something as great like this for him.

 Thrilled of course, I couldn't be more pleased and accepted the offter. I am currently working with my new boss to get my old paperwork current, filling out information for various checks and employment tests done. We are thinking that my start date will not be till the 2nd week in August depends when all the results come back. I did inform my current employer but have yet to get an official start date, so I am waiting to get that all finalized. They are appreciative of the notice so they can start looking. I hope I get some more information soon, want to get the ball rolling ASAP.


On the sewing front, I am working on the Teal and Coral Tudor gown and almost done with the outter gown its looking very close to the portrait. Bought some more boning to stiffen bodices, I am going to sew some in the Gold and White Tudor Gown too. So I really think it will give it some pizazz and definition. When they are complete with beading I will post photos and of them on here along with the Renaissance Red Velvet and Gold Brocade Gown, Renaissance Green Brocade White Velvet Gown, and the three embroidered lace cauls just completed. I hope soon I will have lots to take pictures of new gowns to make a feast for the eyes.

Speaking of gowns with the new job I will not be able to devote time to making gowns as much as before. Which it will be nice not to depend so much on gown sales to make income for the household. So any project progress will be slow for me and custom orders will take alot longer to complete. I may work 60 hour weeks being on salary with my new job so its important to focus on my new employment for now. Though custom orders are open for those interested please contact me via email faerydustcollector@gmail.com

Thanks a gain to all my dedicated followers to this blog, your feedback is valuable to keep this fresh and interesting. Over 19,000 views, 16 followers, and over 190 posts later we are still going strong!

Appreciative,

Lady Mairin

Elizabethan Gown Available for Christmas

I have this gown available for sometime and its in need of a home. A home where someone can wear it without squeezing into it, just doesn't fit me right. For sale through Ebay here is the link, SCA Elizabethan Renaissance Gown . I have two days left and would really like to make some room for new creations that will fit properly.

If interested you can email me, faerydustcollector@gmail.com or message me through Ebay itself.

Hope to Make Someones Christmas,

Maureen

Elizabethan Gowns for Sale, Need To Sell!

I listed and additional gown on Etsy today as well as their being another ready made Elizabethan gown on there too. Need to make some room so these have to sell, they are listed at 200.00 a piece, which is a bargain with the work I put in to make them more suitable for SCA events. Need to get some cash for Christmas coming up and running out of room at home for things. These would wow at a renaissance faire not doubt.

Here is the link to my shop, any questions feel free to contact me.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Faerydustcollector?ref=search_shop_redirect

Thanks,

Maureen

Etsy Listings Renewed Renaissance Gowns For Sale

Well I have renewed my listings for Etsy and have some new things available. Please take a look, the link to my shop is listed below. Also you can access it through the Etsy tab at the top of this blog. The lovely two piece gown is for sale, as pictured above

Faerydustcollector Etsy Shop

Thanks,

Maureen

Mad Hatter of a Weekend!

Well not mad, but eccentric yes. I had a change of pace this weekend, trying to keep from being burnt out on embroidery. The current jacket skirt combo, I completed the skirt and these 4 above. Two are snoods one woven one embroidered on the right. The hat is a modification of a 1950's hat, snood added to back trim and rose decoration on front. The feathery hat on the left was a laundry mat creation, a great use of time. One way I get alot of embroidery done is while at the laundry mat, its a a grand thing. So the embroidery project is going well, started on the second panel, though not far along at this time.  Wanted to share my mad millinery skills with you all. Now to get back to the project at hand, the wonderful Elizabethan/ Jacobean Jacket. Though I have pictures of the shell detail on the skirt below and the total look on my dress form pinned up easier for a photo. The same shell detail is on the hat, so its going to be a very interesting ensemble when done.

Though I will be working on another french hood, I have a commission via Etsy. Super excited looking forward to getting it all together and done this week or so. The wonderful lady is good with
time for this project but I want to get it done in a timely fashion. No pun intended.

Well best to get back to all the work before I get to sleep. Hope to make some major progress over the next week.Millinery Madness will continue from time to time before all is said and done with this jacket project.

Back to sewing,

Maureen

Custom Orders are Open, Order Today!

Don't think its too early to think about halloween or too late for Renaissance Faires to get a great Renaissance or Medieval Costume! I am open for custom orders and most basic outfits can be completed in a few days most times over a weekend. So don't hesitate to contact me for quotes and information. I would love to complete your next costumed look and make it as unique as all my customers. email me faerydustcollector@gmail.com

Hoping to be Busy,

Maureen

Custom Orders are Still Open!

Just wanted to let you all know that custom orders are still open till, Aug 9th when my ad on Etsy expires. Its a great chance to get a 16th century couture Tudor Gown made to fit your measurements made of quality materials. This is for the over gown, under-gown, foresleeves, and hat for 200.00 plus shipping is a steal. If you want underpinnings like a corset, chemise and hoop-skirt I can arrange to have them made for an additional fee upon request.

 Here is the link: Custom Order for A Tudor Gown

On a life note, the Mayhem Fest Concert was phenomenal as always, visiting Camden, NJ. Despite getting sunburn on my shoulders and upper back, it itches today though no peeling. King of Prussia Mall yesterday I was able to get some feather earrings from Icing for a 1.00, Sterling silver garnet necklace and garnet rings at my favorite silver smith at the fest for great prices, and bought some band t-shirts at Hot-topic with my birthday discount. So savvy shopping all around, food was a racquet as usual at the festival. Bought less because had to pay more for food, its sad when chicken fingers with french fries cost $9.75. Thanks before a drink, vendors know they have a captive audience.

Working on the "goldwork" with my Elizabethan Jacket, its going to be a while before it all is done. When I get sometime I still have to take and post the last of the Elizabethan Gown photos, didn't forget just busy. I have pictures to post of the fox when I get home, though I have to pick him up from the UPS office on Monday. Happen to miss the delivery man on Friday, so close. They don't leave packages due to theft in the past, not for us but the whole area we live in. Sad you can't trust your neighbors to leave things be.

Figured out a name, Foxy Loxley. A bit of a robin hood reference but wanted something fun, will have to come up with a forest-like collar for him when I pick him up.It will be nice to get back to the swing of things, have chores to catch up on at home. Roleplaying tonight and such so an interesting evening planned.

Back to sewing,

Maureen

Custom Orders and Garb Sale!!!!!!!!

Tell all your friends and shout it from the roof tops!!!!!! I have some awesome sales though Ebay and Etsy.com list for the past week or so.  If you are interested purchasing off the auction, please let me know I am willing to negotiate off site sales. Prices are set as they are these are the lowest I can except for the gowns with all the hard work put in and attention to detail put into each one. There is also a few custom order auctions as well that are really awesome if you see something and want it in your own color or slightly different style. Look at all the lovely link below for information any questions feel free to email me butterfly164_2002@yahoo.com or message though the site.

Thanks and Happy Buying,

Maureen

Ebay Listings:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SCA-Tudor-Gowns-Ready-Made-Think-Halloween-or-Renaissance-Faire?item=290701226160&cmd=ViewItem&_trksid=p5197.m7&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D5%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D7897997489902380136

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Italian-Renaissance-Gown-with-Loose-Gown-/290701519026?pt=US_Costumes&hash=item43af2928b2

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Italian-Renaissance-Wedding-Gown-MUST-SELL-/290701519034?pt=US_Costumes&hash=item43af2928ba


Etsy Listings:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/80711770/sca-tudor-french-hood?ref=v1_other_2

http://www.etsy.com/listing/97023974/sca-custom-tudor-gown?ref=&sref=

http://www.etsy.com/listing/80937541/sca-tudor-gowns-ready-made-think

A Gown in the Works and Other Mudanities

Since I do not have any Christmas orders for Garb this year :-( I am working on my everpresent list of garb for myself. I cut out three linen bodice linings. One for the black velvet gown, one for the peach gown and one for the gold gown. Each has its own uniqueness in styling. Of course I will let the outter fabrics and trims do all the talking and let your eyes do the walking ;-)

So I have progress sewing seams on all edges of one of the linings, not sure if I want the grain of the gold fabric to go vertical or horizontal. I went with a diagonal for the front pieces so they will v where they will close and the back is vertical. It looks very interesting, the goal with the directionality of the fabric, I hope it will make me look thinner and taller. Really interested in seeing how it all works out when I am finished sewing them on the linings. If its like the vision in my mind, its going to be a good one.

Though I am distracted at the prospect of working on some jewelry, though I don't need more to add to my crazy trunks full. Though I have a friend willing to cast some metalic decorative pieces with colored enamel for jewels. So I am interested in seeing how that will turn out, gave some paintings as jewelry reference. Though I think it will be months before I see anything I can work with, the castings are to be made from scratch. So I will keep stitching for a while unless some orders come in the mean time. I am hoping no one wants a last minute Tudor miracle. They take 2-3 weeks to complete the outter gown with hat, foresleeves, and underskirt. To make a total gown from the skin out takes 4-6 weeks depending on complexity. Its nice to get nice things but they do cost a penny or two.

Today besides cooking supper for Justin ahead of time, I hung up my Tudor Ladies Tapestry in the hallway this morning. Bought a rod with fancy ends at Biglots, it entends up to 84" though I didn't need it that long. It also had hardware to hang on the wall, I added 4 loops made from 2 1/2 wide trim to hold the tapestry on to the bar. It didn't have a pocket for a rod so the loops were whip stiched in the back threads. So the weight is distributed evenly but won't pull the back too much. Its just the right size for that wall, I tried to pin it up behind the couch but its too long to see the bottom row of tudor ladies. Wanted to make sure it was properly given full view since its such a magnificent piece.

On mundane life news, I am half way done with my christmas shopping. The last ones are the in laws side of the family and that will take care of the list. Very happy with how I was able to get a good jump this year. Not feeling the pinch as other years. Guess we will see how it all works out too, there is still lots of time. Hope to get some good deals on nice things for them all.

Good Luck to all who haven't started,

Maureen

Hatimania with Fancy Hat Pins

Hi all,

Well I am still working away at the french hood, its looks adorable. I need to find some thicker gauge wire to reinforce its curved shape at this point. The stuff I have is not cutting it right now but does give some stability. I have to finish sewing the trim and putting some beads on it and I will post some pics when I am done. I can't wait to make some matching foresleeves trimmed in black satin, its just looks so sharp.

Though on Saturday I did get some sparkly awesomeness completed. I made 12- 6" hat pins for my renaissance riding hats. I hope to add a peach riding hat eventually but its taking some time to get through the french hood right now. I realized my stock of stiffened felt is running low, So I will have to stock up on that and thick wire for more millinery insanity ;-)

I made a fold over piece of brocade fabric two Saturday's ago and had no idea what I made. Just sewing during a roleplaying session to keep awake, I was especially tired that day. When I was driving home after getting some take out earlier this week, it hit me like a bolt of lightning, I just made a fold over hat pin folio. Lol I must be getting really good at sewing and such. After all foreshadowing my own needs to making things even before I know that I will need them is a really awesome talent.

I am putting out local one page ads at all my local laundry mats, libraries, and grocery stores for my costumes and seeing who bites. More wedding money is always good plus folks get some awesome costumes out of the deal, great way to spread the Halloween love. Well that is about it from here, hope to post more hatimania soon.

Tata for now lovelies,

Maureen