Time to myself

I did a wise thing when planning my vacation in January.  Took the day before and the day of my birthday off.  Which makes me happy because in the middle of the summer being as busy as I have been with work, it is nice to take some time for myself. Which I plan on this being a lovely sewing/ embroidery extravaganza at home. I may just plan it again this way next year as well as plan in some long weekends to disburse out my vacation days.

In the meantime, I have one panel of my embroidered waistcoat full of flowers, spangles to be added

soon. So progress be at slow is being made, photos to come. My research continues more into these garments. I definitely can say no more now about these garments that when I started this project. I had mentioned about not making any more large scale embroidery projects. But with my knowledge that I have now,  might actually change my mind. Though nothing is certain at this point I have a few projects in mind but nothing that needs to be started right away. With the anniversary of my birth soon approaching, been trying to figure out what I want to get for my birthday. I'm not exactly sure at this point but fabric is always on the list.Actually books are also on the list of items that are great for birthday gifts. I acquired two new ones on embroidery that I find really fascinating. Thereby the Glasgow Museum one on 17th-century embroidery, by Rebecca Quinton and another book by the same author in regards to samplers..

My birthday wish is to learn to be more historically authentic with all of my garb. It definitely have crating the historical silhouette but I believe that to really achieve the next level in my historical tailoring, it is now time to work with all period materials, as much as possible. Focusing on more authentic materials, techniques, and finishes in my garb.  So I've been looking for silk at good prices that either I can dye or find ways of using in smaller amounts. I do have some wool that was gifted to me that I have to put to some good use. These are huge yardage amounts maybe 3 to 5 yards but it's definitely something I can use and work with. I know that I will need to stock up on the following: some silk organza, silk taffeta or dupion, and medium and tissue weight of unbleached linen.  I will need to also stock up on buckram, cotton wadding, and some millinery wire to make some hats.

It's not to say that any of the interesting synthetic fabrics that I already have, are not to get used. Though used in projects that are not to be arts and sciences based. When I use the synthetics for garb, there definitely just garb, not arts and sciences related.  I have some synthetics purchased recently that are going to make great Italian gowns for warm weather events and maybe Pennsic in the future.

Finding out more about the portrait that I'm interested in replicating. There is a portrait of Mary the I that has these beautiful coral silk sleeves done with goldwork and a matching fore-part skirt that is just gorgeous. So I have enough silk, I believe to make the four sleeves the skirt and a strip enough to do make a hood too. This is one the projects I want to get a good start on during my birthday break. The only item left that needs to be found in some sort of goldwork needlelace that seems to be on the edges of the fore-sleeves. I also need to get it hold of about 3 to 4 yards worth of black silk velvet.

Have the black silk fabric and the coral silk fabric at this point so I have about half the materials collected. The beautiful embroidery on the collar which house is believed to be copied on wrist cuffs underneath the fore-sleeves would be easy to replicate. So this is the next gown to be made,  unlike the rushed predecessors I think this is going to take most of the year to make.

In the meantime on another crafting front, made a hand strung, hand-knotted freshwater pearl necklace. I'm looking for some nice closures for it and more findings to make a pair of earrings as well. The other pearls I have leftover are going to be made into an awesome looking snood. Looks very regal.Well that's pretty much it for now, little things to keep me amused and out of trouble. Besides working a very busy schedule at work.

Keep Looking Up,

Mairin

Compare Contrast

 Wanted to give a side by side comparison, I think that even with my few changes it turned out really nice and a good tribute to the outfit in the painting. I like making gowns from paintings but this was a real challenge finding a suitable fabric, which was a find when I found it locally. This dress is very comfortable and I like the colors even more now that I have worn it. When I get my new corset I know that the profile will work better even than seen here in the photos.

 

  Actually both gowns are very nice and turned out gorgeous. I also made a gown out of the cream with gold brocade fabric that was a gift from Duchess Ilish O'Donovan.  The hood, foresleeves and foreskirt being the same fabric, I used the gold lozenge fabric, which I bought for $1, to make a matching trim on the gown. Which the result turned out beautifully. I like these shades than than I thought I would. They work well with my hair and skintone. Guess when you know you know, trust in instinct.

 I finally posted a collection on the previous post of new gown photos, as featured in this post. Couldn't get my phone to take good pictures without the photos eating up all my memory on that device. So still tried and true old Sony digital camera came through. Will have to see what I can do about this, the camera will stop working eventually and I will have to find a reasonable replacement.

Anyway I hope to post more photos soon, will depend on my work schedule and free time. Need to get picture of the brocade rose accent gowns. Which one is leaf green with white trim and the other is gold with red trim.  I have hats for these too, they are more of a general Renaissance style gowns, than from a particular European country. Specifically, I will see if I can 'style' them with accessories to make them more versatile from wearing to wearing. For now got to get back to chores and laundry.

Always a Busy Bee,

Mairin

Teal Pink and White Gown Gallery

Foresleeves, Foreskirts and Hoods, Oh My!

    Over the past day I did finish the velvet salmon colored foresleeves, they look gorgeous! Now on to to the foreskirt/underskirt. I make my underskirts versatile, I along with the Tudors, are big mix and match fans. Since the skirts I make are double faced, which is a non-period technique. Basically instead of using just one facing fancy fabric with a cheaper alternative fabric on the back side of the skirt. I use two fancier fabrics, one on the front and one on the back. Now this would be considered a modern costuming convention to save from making many individual foreskirts. This way I can get twice the use out of one skirt, it also saves space in crowded garb trunks as well.

    Drawbacks, if I decided to sell underskirts I have to sell ether two gowns that match the foreskirt and foresleeves or two foresleeves sets to got with the one skirt. Though this situation is resolved with my reduced selling of premade gowns and more emphasis on custom gowns.

     I do on occasion find that my thinking is inline with period techniques, which alot of methods are common sense. Others such as, meanings of words and other terminology; as well as translating old english language are a bit confusing, with the 500 year time gap and all. Though I surprise myself, with my similar Tudor thought process. In some respects, more than folks really give credit, we are closer to the Tudors than one thinks. My use of foreskirts is not a huge stretch from what they did in period. Everyone back then wanted to look as close to a higher class as they could get away with, which meant buying expensive fabrics and adornment. Though some lesser nobles had to choose carefully with the restrictions of sumptuary laws put out by the crown and the church. So today we can go and wear as we like, which is really a freedom they did not have in the 16th Century. I guess making gowns that have a similar color palate to back then is fun. Though modern reenactors/recreationists get to stretch the envelope so much more than Tudors ever could with our 500 year time advantage. Then there is accuracy and debates on technique, which I will leave for a another post.

    Formulating a plan of attack on making the French hood just like one in the painting for the teal gown. Though I am not going to use colored stones if I can help it on the biliment, the back edge of the hood. If I use just pearls and gold accents I can wear it with more sets of jewels than if I match it with specific colored gems. I have some beads that match the foresleeve beads and plan on using them to tie the French hood together with the foresleeves and foreskirt as a complete set.

    Sets are nice since you can match a hood, foresleeves and foreskirt and use them with more than one gown. The set I am making is also going to also be use with my Cream with Gold Brocade Tudor Gown, that I am working on simultaneously. The Cream with Gold Brocade Tudor gown does have pinkish with gold stones on it and will work great with the foreskirt set.


     Normally am not a huge color pink fan but I find that it suits my skin coloring well. If I go with more salmon, mauve, and shades of peach it really looks good on me. If I go to pale in shades it really washes me out, so I do pay attention to the shades I choose.  Its been fun to work with more unusual colorings in my wardrobe. If variety is the spice of life, bring on the spice!

     I am almost up to 20,000 views, thanks so much for the support over the years. If you are new consider following my blog, to get updated on the latest topics and pictures of my gown making adventures. Will post more pictures of my progress, plan on making a Tudor Garb Gallery with these two new gowns soon.

Sew Crazy,

Maureen

Here There and Everywhere!

I am working on this Gown currently

       Well its August and my time with working Security is winding down, my last day is Thursday two weeks away. Been reaching out to folks letting them know about the news, lots of folks are happy for me and are surprised I am going. one chapter closes and another opens. I start my new job on Friday and have been in constant contact with my new boss to keep the wheels rolling on my paperwork. Over the past week, I have been working on Pre-Employment tests and screenings with their respective appointments. Also received the welcome packet of paperwork filled out all the forms and mailed those back as well.

       So that has occupied alot of my time, though was able to find some time to work on sewing this weekend. After putting beaded decoration on some of my new gowns and boning on the front inside, I have been working on accessories lately.  I have some more of the velvet fabric cut to make salmon pink forelseeves and french hood. Which I can wear with the white and gold gown Tudor gown. I am thinking of using the wonderful fabric for the pink and White Italian too. There is plenty to use for the pink velvet to also work on a Pink Velvet and White Italian that is waiting to be made. So right now working on the current and planning for more wonderful gown selections for the future.


I am planning on makingt this gown

     I don't have much else planned right now since I am unsure of the amount of time I will be dedicating to my new job. As well the hours I will be working on a daily basis at this time is unclear until I start training at the end of this week. So I have been working in small projects as I find them and try to get them done.

     Worked more on the foresleeves last night and have a few butterfly appliques around the cuffs for interest. These appliques were left over from the Red and White Italian Gown project and Marionette puppet projects. This will be the last I will get to use them but its worth it. They were originally meant for my wedding veil but opted for another alternative.

Will post pictures when they are done and get pics of wearing some of my new creations. I hope to find time to do a picture fashion show for all to see the new creations. I have plans on Thursday to do this while I have a day off, as long as something doesn't come up for new job tasks. Until next time.

Sewing as Usual,

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bon Anniversare On Oui!

 Is for Birthday! It is yet again that time of year where on turns a year older. Though every year is significant, we can only be an numerical age once in our lives. The emotional and physical are all together a different cup of tea ;o)  I am turing 30 this year, enter epic music here.Found out I share my birthday with another artist, the Dutch painter and etcher Rembrandt. One of my favorite comedians, Gabriel Inglesias, and many more artists, actors, and musicians!  Hey, creative greatness was made on this day it seems.

Though my 20's were alot of fun and a rollercoaster ride, I am glad to say things ironed out nicely. I feel full and ready to start the next decade ready to make changes in finanical obligations, career, and family in this next 10 years. I want to have a reasonably good new job for Justin and I, reasonable priced cozy moderately roomy house with a good size yard and large shed, and a would like to start a family after the first two are established. Let see if life goes according to plan, I think I heard the Lord laughing. ; -)

I did recieve some early birthday gifts, recieved season 1 and 2 of The Borgias from Justin, and bookshelves for the house that has opened up so much room in our crowded little home. We can walk through so much easier, and alot of things are up off the floor. I am happy with it all. There is still some space yet to fill on the shelves, which no doubt Justin will find ways of using. With the additional space made I was able to rearrange a few things in the sewing room. I am going to do more summer cleaning this week. Did finally get my smocking machine from Ebay. Now I can work on some aprons, smocks, and neck ruffs and wrist cuffs. So very neat little machine, can't wait to see how it all works out.  I did have a source for an overlock/serger for $25 but would have to pick it up from about an hour or so away.

Finished one of the gowns I was working on, the gold and red gown with rose accents. I also have the green and white one donet too. I have to put boneing and laceing rings in both but so far so good. Have to locate the bunch of boning I had but has seem to disappear for some reason. I have to work on the teal and coral creation starting this week. Also have some repair work for my father in law to complete too. Completed many beaded hair coverings made from lacy dresser scarves, will post pics with the gown details are done, they all sort of match which is neat.

This last month has been rough for me, family wise. I have been learning to cope with my mom's diagnosis with cancer. She has been in good spirits, but is concerned with how its all going to work out. I have been keeping touch with her via text message more than usual. She and I have been doing this for a while, and is a great way for us to touch base. I have been trying to keep her in good spirits and keep her mind off the obivous. Despite the prognosis, it was caught early and she recieved her operation to remove the areas affected. Visited yesterday, depsite being tired and tender she is doing well. Was nice to see my 3 sisters, Father, and to get in touch with them too.

So the family bit has taken wind out of my sails, some enthuisasim with some things. Though I want to be strong for my Mom and won't let it get me down. Things look good for her now, all we can do is wait and pray and hope it doesn't come back. Her type is aggressive but was caught early so the best prognosis all things considering.


Thoughtful Reflection,

Maureen

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

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