Too Much of a Good Thing....

     Things have been crazy since, I took on my new job. No time to sew, no time with Justin, and little off to sleep and eat. Which is ok for now, overtime at a good rate is nothing to overlook. With Aethelmearc Coronation next weekend, I will have some pictures to post soon.

      Don't have much time to make anything lately, which has me in a creative craving lately. Though I am unclear on which project to finish or start next. I have a white and pink gown to make, an embroidered jacket to finish, make a proper gift for a close friend, and other pending projects.

Right now there is a lot of planning for the upcoming coronation. Looking at coloring on the morning, a crafts before and after Lunch then play till court. It's a nice schedule that is works well for most events. One thing I am certain, wearing my black silk and linen gown with ermine shoulder puffs. Will wear my whisk collar and I remade the net on the back of the hat. It's ornate beading and coloration accents the hat perfectly. It's time to finally show it off, want to look elegant and a bit understated to not outshine their majesties.

So far that is all that is going on now.

Maureen

German Saxony Gowns

Wanted to show some German Saxony Renaissance Portraits that inspire me, they may not being exactly the time and coutry my SCA persona is located, this was her adopted home. Though I love well tailored gowns, hats and hairstyles of the 1540-1550 German. I wanted to share these jewels of clothing mastery with my readers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

AE Academy

Well other than gushing over my Sycamore Scroll, I did alot for AE Academy. I put up my doll castle for display, which barely fits in the backseat of the car. Its magnificents is too much for my little car to contain I suppose ;-)

 Had to get to the Academy site at opening time to get it and the playroom set up. Which took sometime, then trolled in. Though the castle displayed nicely and such, was able to get it back to my front bedroom all by myself at home though, its easier with two people.

A&S Display at Aethelmearc Academy

Managed to get dressed and wondering why my waist is being trudgy in this weather, which is my summertime specialty. I managed to get in my gown and looked most amply put to place, which was  challenge with sweating so much. 

I started the day with my Elizabethan jewelry course attened by 8 lovely persons. The class is inspired by the Cheapside Hoard now displayed at the British Museum in London. Gave a full color handout showing detail of pieces from the archeological at 1015am. I also explainded looking for similar motifs in costume jewerly as in the pictures.  Explained the benefits of mixing matching, price points of replicas vs costume jewels. Shared my entire jewel collection to show my adaptions in late period jewelry. It was very warmly recepted and got lovely compliments about it all day.

Tudor Doll Castle at Aethelmearc Academy

I was so happy folks liked it and was suggested to do a make and take class to make a set of earrings and necklace. Which I am thinking of a English Hood class and the make and take for Fabric Fiber and Fighting for the fall. I will schedule playtime around those courses, depending on my decisions to teach.

 My afternoon course was well attended by 6 and lots of good questions. I had detailed images of the children at play painting done by Brugel. I want to find more on the political significance of  this painting to beef the content more. It just became an image search and discussion on the games shown really. Folks were kind about the class but I know I can do better.  Plan on changing a few things to get things a bit more interesting. Its a good topic and the pics were really good but needs more beef in the reasearch.

Abhainn Ciach Ghlais Shrine 

 



The food was superb as usual, the weather was warm the warcollege broke a new attendence record, you could tell how touched the organzers were with the turnout. I know the organizer of the Academy classes was happy with the wide range of courses for folks to try, which I was happy with the selection as well. Got to attend the heraldic fan class and the Henry VIII valentine course, both excellent! Was able to get handouts on the others I missed due to confict with my teaching, but its all good.  I wished there was A/C in the venue, it would have helped cut some of the humidity.

I was able to get time to shop, though I really didn't need to buy anything. Bought a book on English Royalty, a netted cault to add to an Elizabethan hat, some decorated pins and earrings. I saw my lovely needlecase full of needles, though I didnt need to get those. These items were to be sold and given to the Royalty for their travel expenses. So my $17 goes to a good cause, will show how the hat looks now in a future post. I plan on wearing it to FFF with my black Elizabethan with Erimine puff sleeves, should be epic.

Teal Tudor Gown

 



During court I was called up for thanks with my many efforts and escapades with the shire children in keeping them entertained.Their Royal Highnesses I know appreciate my efforts, wish I had something more organzied for the day but teaching consumed alot of my time. I did oversee some games and provided the playroom, didn't get used but was still there. Though folks told me the effort and space was thought out and that makes a difference. It is very nice to be appreciated {-D

I have a few pictures from AEcademy these were taken by Lady Livia Valenti, thank you for these.
The last one is an Lewisburg Arts but this is typical me, Tudor rose purse and all. This the wonderful Teal Tudor gown. Will be making another unique compliation soon. I thought you would find picture amusing. Speaking of the Tudor Rose purse, I have gotten more complinents over my creative use of craft felt, than any single piece of garb created. On that note time to get back to sewing I am currently in the midst of garb creation, pics forth coming.

Regards

Lady Mairin

Order of the Sycamore Scroll...Worth the Wait

     Well this is "the scroll", recieved via messenger at AE Academy. What a scroll it is too! I was expecting a lovely scroll but nothing as the masterpiece I recieved. I am crafting my words carefully for this email of appreciation for such wonderous work.
     All credit goes to THL Iohannes Weiswald for such masterful art and wordcraft.  It just so fits the 10"x 13" frame I purchased though I like my scrolls to take up a large amount of space in the frame, not a huge fan of matting want the scroll to speak for itself.

     I took a few pics to show what it looks like on my wall displayed with my Order of the Sycamore medallion. Which they really look like they go together, I chose not to wear my medallion this weekend to keep it clean since it was very hot weather but will at future events.          I love the blocked style of letters and this form of calligraphy is really beautiul close up, some of the other pictures show off the niuances that this british style creates. Also the picture is very personalized a depiction of me recieveing my order medallion.                        

As seen on the picture to the left, I am in the middle with a doll in my left hand an child in my right amusing him. Am wearing what looks to be a gold tudor like gown with red trim, its the right shape and  a english headress. My red hair and glasses are seen in this too, he captured my likeness for certain. His Majesty Maynard on my right it hand on my shoulder and Her Majesty Liadain holding a Sycamore medallion in her hands standing on my left. To complete the scene with a mannerly dog and cat at the bottom.

All the floral illumination work on the edges does remind me of English crewel embroidery and the large blocked M in the top left is just magnificent. I guess in closing, its just so much more than I expected.

Very Humbled,

Lady Mairin

Fabric Jewels Gallery

I recieved more fabrics to inspire my Tudor pallate. Some were gifts others were dollar finds. Oh my the stash is going to grow ;-) Well since I was showing the one fabric, I wanted to show the other fabric jewels from the past few events I have been to lately. Its amazing how fabrics just follows me home like a lost puppet. Those find their way to my house too, on a good note none named Jigsaw
 ;-) My friends do give me pieces they cannot use themselves for garb. Lady Aibell Diamarta keeps an ever watchful eye for handmade lace in its many forms for me to use with garb. I have used her various forms to make lace partlets, hats, and bun covers.

I love battenburg lace, its a tape lace and they are period but not woven into the shapes battenburg lace is done. Though its one of my few Anacronisms that I readily give. Though I do look to make my own lace soon. I have a lovely Mistress in the Barony of the  March Debatalble Lands (BMDL) to teach me bobbin lace. Which I should use for my projects, but just have not taken the time to learn. Was invited to take my supplies to her area at Pennsic for an impromptu class, sadly I am not going and have not gone to Pennsic for many years. Getting back to fabric, here are some shots to get a sense of the stash I am recently accumilating lately.

I have all my class information completed and ready for photocopying. Really excited also I received confrimation forn Sylvan Signet that my scroll will be delievered to AEacademy. So I will bring my scroll case to make sure that it can be protected, will have to locate a frame worthy of its maginificence. Which knowing Aethelmearc scribes oh yes it will be magnficent! Will post photos of it here just like I did for the Ice Dragon scrolls.  Keep this up and I will run out of wall space, but that is not a bad thing.

 With the comisson complete and mailed, I am working on more garb for me again. Am pleating a skirt for the teal and coral, cream and gold, and burgundy gowns. I am renewed and energized to make more Tudor gowns and French hoods. So I am going to roll with it and to figure out a plan of all this wonderful fabric.

Sewing Bee,

Maureen

English Tudor Gowns

Wanted to show some Tudor Renaissance Portraits that inspire me, they may not being exactly the time and coutry my SCA persona is located, this was her adopted home. Though I love well tailored gowns, hats and hairstyles of the 1540-1550 English. I wanted to share these jewels of clothing mastery with my readers.

 

Best Year Ever!

     I have been plugging away on a comission, nearing the end. I have hat and beading then its all done and soon ready for shipping. Will post photos when done with the gown, I am testing it now to make sure all the seams are tigh. In the meantime I have been organizing Lewisburg Arts Demo and so begins the Scadian Spring and Summer busy season.

      This is the time of year my shire works on Public Relation more and really we pull out all the stops for making the demos amazing. This year was no exception, I was able to put out a small advert in the booklet this year about our new activites. Also was in more than one location as well as featured times for dancing and fighting. We had a stand amongst other no profit organizations in Hufnagle Park near the beginning of the vendors and our usual interactive medieval encampment in Soliders and Sailors Memorial Park at the other end of the festival. So I floated between both all day, was well tired, sweaty, sunburnt, and had a headache by the end of the day. Though it was well worth the effort, because I think it was one of the best public concenious festivals we have worked in many years. The day was a sucess though still alot of work for folks, though I feel that this is just the way this demo goes. I heard nothing but good from those who saw us and the public is always curious to talk to us at both locations. I consider it a triumph, and my first time Democrating an event was not easy. I couldn't have done it without the aid of my local Senechal who is just wonderful, Lady Anoinette De Lorraine.

     Its turning out to be the best year ever, aleast Scadianwise.  I won Ice Dragon Novice Pent Award, Baroness Choice Award, I am new companion to the Order of the Sycamore, was accepted into Haushold WeisserLowe received my favor, and now found I won two 2nd Place Sylvan Quill awards! I am just speechless with all this happening within the past few weeks, its alot to take in.

       The Sylvan Quill is recognition in many categories showing excellence in writing, content, layout and for authors and newsletters AE Kingdom wide.  I recieved Best Article and Best Article in Kingdom Newsletter both 2nd Places. 2nd Place Best Article was for A Home of Their Own; Aricle on 16th Century Dollhouses and 2nd Place Best Article in Kingdom Newsletter was for Evolution from Fashion to Toy: 16th Century Dolls. Three other shire mates cleaned up with Sylvan Quill Awards: Lady Vivienne Yardley recieved 1st Place in Best Article with an article on Modern Medieval Traditions, Matire Gille Beauchamp recieved 1st Place for Best Regular Feature with his continuing Dietary Series and Lady Ariel Grenwich recieved 2nd Place for Best Over All Newsletter.  This has been my first time putting in articles and have been new to the whole process, it was just an honor to get one of my articles asked to be put in the Kingdom Astel.  I am just in total shock really and very flattered everyone thought so much of my articles to vote for them.

     I wish my mundane life could be so cheery, my personal finaces continue to be a struggle with limited hours at work.  I am working very hard to find better paying employment, that doesn't want to own your soul for working at their place. Its a tough job market, I feel lucky if I get an interview. That "good job" itself seems to be a challenge of the ages, and the goal of countless. All I can do is pray for blessings in this area as I have been blessed Scadianlife.

In the meantime I look to Living in the Dream,

Lady Mairin

Suprise Sycamore

Well War practice was fun and eventful. Had lots to do and little time to get it all in, one whirlwind weekend.Arrived Friday had a small supper and then to run an errand with Duchess Ilish and the girls, and was glad to wear by black Elizebthan gown with Ermine Fur puffled sleeves. It breathed when it was warm and kept me warm as the night drew colder.  Met friends and waited for Duke Duncan, though the girls got tired and we had to make way back to camp.We went back made a snack, brushed teeth and off to bed. The drums went on most of the night, which was soothing. Though the folks did stay up till 3am, which is typical at Pennsic in general. I woke to cold feet, just the way my body works sadly but I was confortable for the most part.

On Saturday I was the first one up at 7am, got dressed and was working my hair. Everyone else woke and starting getting ready for the day. I finished and packed for Arts and Sciences  Playtime, wore my red on white damask Venetian gown. Very pleased how it wore and was confortable all day, looked very period which is always my goal. It was hot and a bit sticky so Italian was the best choice, though its not my specialty.  Arts and Sciences playtime was very good and a great way to advertise about my classes for Academy coming up in June. Lots of advice and new reasearch information learned, wish I hadn't left my documentation on the kitchen table at home. Duchess Ilish worked on cloth buttons and the girls made butter, which was very tasty by the way. It was a fun time for all. Went back and relaxed in camp, made a small lunch and made way to Duchess's class. I opted to look at merchants nearby, I was able to get a gold lozenge fabric for 1.00 bought some trim for two gown for about 25, bought a lucet and book to learn lucet cord making. Ilish had some lovely brocade that she couldn't use for garb and generously gave it to me, which a gown is in the planning stages at this time.

 Later that day I was installed into the Haus WeisserLowe, so I am Duchess Ilish student. My goal is to learn and serve the hausehold in all scadian possible. I will get some pictures from the day if any were taken. I will also take a picture of my medallion. Hopefully I can find someone who took pictures. Its very late period looking, my scroll will come soon. It didn't make it to the event, hope to see it at AE Academy next month.

By a miracle I found a picture before the crown of Aethelmearc recieveing of my compansionship to the Order of the Sycamore Medallion, praise technology and its wonders. Picture is by Isabel Fleuretan, thank you Isabel. I am happy with my hair despite the heat and humidity, that was done by feel and with no mirror. Medivalist to the end I suppose. I just wish I wore Tudor gown instead. Since that is one thing that I was being awared for along with dolls puppets and childrens work. Though you can't win them all and that gown was darn comfortable despite the heat. Red on white brocade a very Aethelmearcian color combo if I must say so myself.

In the meantime its back to mundane life,

Lady Mairin

AEthelmearc Academy Teaching Classes

I am teaching two classes for AEthelmearc Academy, one is Introduction to Elizabethan Jewelry (2 hr class) and the other is an Introduction to Bruegel Children's Games( 1hr Class). I was able to complete the handouts for both classes. Thought I post a pics of the pretty horde jewels from cheapside in anticipation, I hope to get folks in my courses.  Now to wait for June to come.

 In the mean time almost done with the Swedish custom order the beading is done. Working the last panel of the corset and will be all ready to ship. I hope I can get the straps worked out in the mean time. Selling gowns on Ebay and hoping that they go, really running out of room when making the new ones in progress.

My two good shire mates won crown tournament, now to help and prepare for the impending reign, its going to be and adventure for our little shire. Though this being full of firsts for us we are nervous but I am sure we can all pull it off.

Having more articles put on the shire website, so putting my knowledge out there. Very cool was even neater having one of my articles in the Aestel( Kingdom Newsletter) Always an honor of course.

I am going to War Practice next weekend, very excited to display my items from Ice Dragon. Thrilled to see Ilish Ducan and girls.  Also looking at being at coopers lake is always nice to go "home", will take some classes and hang out. Wish that I could stay longer but finances are not agreeing, selling the gowns would change that, but that is just the way it all works out.

In the mean time lots of prep and packing, got lots to wear but unsure of which ones to pick. Now that is a predicament I don't mind having.  Well got lots more to do before next weekend

Be Blessed,

Mairin

Elizabethan Gallery

New Books and Documentation

Well had lots of progress this weekend, its good being busy. Its been whirlwind with my local SCA meeting this weekend, being in charge of a demo is taking up some time, though its not that bad. Now just have to figure out who can make it and who cannot.

  I just finished three documentation papers for Ice Dragon this weekend. All edited, citations, and sourced to perfection. I now just have to put them in folders for display and bring items with me in two weeks. More worried with getting the car all up to shape before I leave, have to get the struts done and inspected. I changed the rear brake lights this weekend, saved lots of cash doing my self best thing is  they work! Wish I could change the struts my self but that is unlikely.

Its nice to have one big hurdle out of the way, cut it closer than years before. Don't want to run this close again. I do still have to string and weight my marionettes, but its a minor compared to the big documenting pressure. I have time now to get some commission work done and proceed with getting it done as much as possible before I leave in two weeks. 

In the mean time, I recieved the new book The Tudor Child. Its very throughout, excelllent photos and references. I think it is just as well detailed at the Tudor Tailor, if not better. There area few ideas for expanding clothing for pregnancy, and a one early Elizabethan gown I would like to make for myself, that is listed as teenage gown.  So good things all around, was so pleased getting it in the mail this week. Well worth the wait and the money.

So here it goes, best get back to doing more comisson based work,

Maureen

Sewing and Documentation

Well the kitties have made it through their colds, though a little lighter for the experience. The tips I looked up online have been invaluable and I look forward to using them in the future, when needed. Kitties seem very appreciative they feel better and despite not being happy with me about the medicine treatments.

I recieved the silk from India, finished with the outter kirtle with skirt and finishing the stomacher sleeves, hat. I made major progress in the past few days, suprise even myself with my speed. While I was waiting for the silk from India,  made up pleated skirts and bodices for the yellow and green Elizabethan gowns. So they are started, in the meantime almost complete with a red and white damask venetian Italian gown, have some more decorating details to finish. So gorgeous I am super excited to get it done and take some pictures for everyone. Its so beautiful and I think it will be a stunner for sure.

 Still have lots of work on the commission but I was at a standstill so not much can go on without fabric. Though I am excited to get rolling and with working on the other gowns in the meantime.

Though that doesn't mean I have been lazy and not working on anything. Over the past two days I wrote three complete drafts for my documentation for my Elizabethan Gloves for Ice Dragon. So very good in that respect now to edit, complete the final drafts, print and put into folders. That will cover three categories; heraldry, embroidery, and accessories. Finished the paper on the 16th century hand puppets and am making them from scrap fabrics. I am entering a card woven belt in fiber arts  and examples of on 16th century hand puppets in the toys, so that makes my 5 categories. Working on the documentation for the card woven belt but not sure how that is all going to work out at this point, need to find some books on my list for sources found lots of website. Though I need to get these papers ready asap, so that is a goal this week.

Though I preregistered and am as ready for 2013 pent as I will ever be, got lots of preparation in the meantime and best get back to doing it.

Hope to be ready soon,

Maureen

Coming and Going

I modified the shirts I purchased on Etsy. Right now I have a cotton frill on the collar and cuffs that looks like it was always been there. Contemplating black-work embroidery on the collar and cuffs but not certain at this point. I put some hooks on the cuffs and points on the strings of the collar, it really dresses it up. Also put clasps and buttons on the lace collars posted earlier, they look much better and now can be attached to shirts possibly. I also made one last heart-shaped French cap two weeks ago, it fills out the last of the hats I wanted to make for the new gowns. So they are all set to wear when I finally get to an event.

Made a smock, bum-roll and hoop-skirt for the commission I am working on. Found the perfect silk terracotta taffeta material, its was a challenge for sure. Its shipping from India, so its going to be a while before it gets here. Now to work on the corset, have the pattern cut and going to apply boning and such. Making headway slowly but surely. Hope the undergarments are done so I can start on the outer gown when the silk arrives.

I have to work on documentation between working on the commission, which is a challenge but very possible. I have till the end of March to finish it all and have good headway with an interview questions Lady Livia helped with in 2012. Now to make it into a cohesive unit and into many forms of documentation for Ice Dragon 2013.









I am planning on making more gowns while working on the commission that is in progress.  It doesn't take any extra effort for me to make one as it does to make 4. It takes longer to make the underthings than it does to make the over gowns for me. So it will go fast, here the drawings of the gowns I am working on with color ideas for you.

Well got to get back to it,

Maureen

Collars and Cuffs...Oh My!

These collars I did not make from scratch but I did modify them to work for my intentions. Recently I have been looking into Jacobean Stuart clothing to see how I can make my late Elizabethan gowns work for many purposes. Which I find most of it is how one accessorized their outfit to the time period one wants to depict. So hats, collars, fans, jewelry, and hairstyle plays a huge portion of the time period depicted.

The Painting above is from 1601, such lovely little ladies and surprisingly similar collars to the ones below, they are not partlets like we traditionally see from earlier Tudor paintings. I wanted to make some similar lace collars and cuffs for a flatter look with gowns. Considering fashions like a Medici Collar or a Holland rabato, a standing stiffened lace collar sometimes supported from the bottom were in my thoughts.
Bought these batternburg lace collars at an SCA event.

Well I decided to modify these to have sets: collar and cuffs to match. I wanted to show you all what I came up with modifying 6 collars to make 3 sets. All these will need to be cleaned in a very diluted oxy-clean solution to get some of the staining out. They are 100% cotton fabric so I must be careful. After washing they will be starched and set on a shirt for an event. I am not sure how I am going to work these collars with my existing gowns. Though I have a few ideas. The cotton reminds me of Holland cloth, which was made from linen traditionally.  The Netherlands has a lace collar on a wired rabato in late Elizabethan Era. I saw a circular one as flat starched ruff in a painting of Elizabeth I. The last is a standing Medici collar, which is tucked into the edge of a gown. Which all of these variations had matching cuffs for the sleeves of gowns. At least that is the options I am considering at this time. Two sets still need buttons for the sleeves and collars. Which the buttons will be from fresh water pearls and own handmade thread loops to hold them in place.
 
Not sure if I am going to embellish these with gold thread through the lace or not, I may try it on one and see if it is something I want to try with the others or not. Will have to be careful of any embellishment making them heavy and not very washable, iron or starch friendly on a regular basis. Though I look this as a challenge to take something that is later and fashioning to my needs for Elizabethan/ Jacobean needs.
 I consider this part of my "creative anachronisms" with in society. This fills in for lace until I learn to make my own treatments and and such to fill the trim and lace gap with my own handmade creations.

Some of my other Anachronisms, is wearing as simple flesh colored make up. Nothing over done just liquid and powder foundation to cover my flaws and maybe some lip balm. Not the chalk white face that is traditional at Elizabethan court, don't want to scare the little ones. I also carry a purse to events, which is covered in a large felt Tudor rose. This disguise on a plain velvet bag, allows my bag to be heraldic as well functional. No way that heraldic bags happened in period, though its a fun twist. Also much more practical that carrying pockets under my gown. Though I have a set to finish embroidering soon. I planning on making one from my own heraldry bag for events in the future, but have not made plans yet.

I also wear full length stockings for chaffing sake, my legs don't do well without pantyhose. So I have 2 sets of black wool, 2 sets cranberry cable knit cotton full length tights. Its for my own comfort and the do wick away moisture from sweating, which happens alot in my style garb. Full length tights are not period, I do have knee socks but don't wear them often. So really I do have a few on the list of Anachronisms, but I would rather skim a bit on the historical and be cheerful.  Than be period correct and miserable company for those around me and visitors coming through. Though I am not the only historical recreationist that keeps a few more modern comforts well hidden or disguised that help them get through the day.

Hey what can I say somethings got to give,

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

Vintage SCA Gallery In No Particular Order




Mairins attempt at German 1530's Lewisburg Arts 2009

 


Close up 1530's German Gown Mairin Cira 2009

 

Deputy Chancellor Minor Mairin at Wills Revenge 2006





Wish the Tent stake was in the way Lewisburg Arts 2012

Maureen being introduced to the SCA through the Lewisburg Arts Demo 2005



Chancellor Minor Mairin Circa 2010







Greetings From Mairin at 12th Night 2010











    

Feasting Mairin at 12th Night 2010



Spinning Wool Mairin Beaver Springs Demo 2006