Thursday, July 15, 2010

O'Cadhla Castle Pictures




Well here is O'Cadhla castle so far, in its various stages of construction. This is a dollhouse that I am making for and Arts and Sciences project, showing that there are roots for this eventual toy in the 16th century.
Which there is documentation I found in an inventory of Duke Albrecht the V of Bavaria showing he had a collection cabinet of miniatures, inventory was taken by his chancellor Johann Baptiste Fickler in 1598. In this period from the affluent noble class, had collections of what was interesting to them and eventually founded alot of museums all throughout Europe. Duke Albrecht actually has most of his art collection in the National Museum of Antiquities in Munich, Germany. The dollhouse replica I am making is meant to look like a castle, though in period these were kept in regular cabinets of the time period. The height of the rooms are meant to accommodate 11 dolls or smaller and I hope it have it finished by Ice Dragon next year 2011. It will contain furniture and decor all in a medieval Tudor theme and meant to look like a 16th century castle. There is lots to be done yet hope you enjoy the progress so far. Thanks for looking.

Blessings,

Lady Mairin O'Cadhla


Thursday, July 1, 2010

Its July already?

Can't believe this year is half over already. I don't feel that I accomplished much my SCA crafts, though I know logically that I have done quite a bit of things this year.

Makes me ponder with how slowly it look things to get done the "old fashioned way", which I am learning first hand by making the crafts I do. It makes me feel like time must have run slower back then. There definitley is a sense of urgency and immediate appeasment in todays world, that would have been very foreign to the Tudor mind. Things got done when they got done and no sooner, which is my theory on all things when it comes to deadlines. Luckily I dont have anything much improtant to worry about deadlines, lol. I know first hand rushing makes lots of waste and mistakes so there must have been more patience all around back then. Wish that everything was not so much rough and tumble in this dog eat dog world. I do take things on the slower side and rarely rush, but I do definitely stop to smell the roses when I can.

Speaking on things that are taking time, I am still working on the Tudor castle dollhouse that I named O'Cadhla Castle. I did get it to the point of being displayable so it is partially done. I have some brick painting on some walls, attaching the side walls to the center tower, work on fine tuning the furniture in decorating it, making all the seat cushions and backs, curtains, pillows, blankets, tapestries, and other fabric decor that needs all embroidered. So lots left to do, though I know it will got buy quickly when it is all said and done. I am taking pictures all the way so there will be an album of just those that will show it from start to finish.

Right now I was able to find some books that contained alot of information on the history of dollhouses to make my paper better when I do get around to typing it up. Well that is about it for now hope everyone has a happy 4th of July and summer.

Your in Service,

Lady Mairin

Replica 1560's Venetian Italian Fashion Doll

Replica 1560's Venetian Italian Fashion Doll

Replica 1560 French Fashion Doll

Replica 1560 French Fashion Doll

Tudor Q and A

What is a Tudorosity?

A mashed combination of the words Tudor and Curiosity to create the word Tudorosity. Tudorosities is the plural form and the deffinition is as follows.

Tudorosity- an desire to learn or know anything about the Tudor dynasty associated with years 1405 through 1603.

Most people ask my why I make the Tudor garb ?

I find the clothing of this era not only beautiful but also challenging to sew. There is much more care and purpose put into making garments and wearing garments in the Tudor Era. I love the look of Tudor so much I wanted to explore the way clothes were made back then and the subtle changes in fashion and styles of time.

How did you get started in this interesting hobby?

I started with art first, I love to draw, paint, and sculpt all the traditional fine arts. So being able to draw helps me visualize the looks I want to create in my garb. History has always been a huge interest of mine and I've had a knack for sewing since I was 7 years old. It all started with doll clothes and I learned cross stitch embroidery from my grandmother when I was little. I am self taught sewer, crochet, knitting, embroidery and tatting. My methods are learned from books mainly and there is still so much more to learn.

What is my favorite outfit and why?

It would be like picking a favorite out of one of my future children, its impossible. I love all my gown creations and really like the distinct differences in all the styles clothing I make for the Tudor Era.

Do you make the whole outfit including hat, shoes, and undergarments?

I do have a goal of making a complete Tudor from the skin out. As of right now I make 90% of my gowns and accessories. The shoes and stockings, are bought online and the petticoats are a close reproduction but not made by me. .

How long does it take to make a gown?

It all depends on the type of gown. The making relies on the time period and class of the design. Generally if I work on it 8 hours a day on a sewing machine it will take 3 days to get the basics and another 5 days to do finish hand-sewing details and beading. So a week to a week and a half if working on it steady for that amount of time. I work a full-time job so it does take longer than a week to complete. I put over 40-100 hours per outfit depending on its complexity, its like its own full time job of sorts.

Do you make renaissance clothing for sale or custom orders?

No, due to new employment and changes in my lifestyle. Unfortunately, I have no time to support sewing for others. Though I recommend sewing lessons for those adventurous few. There are many fine folks who make and sell historical clothing. I suggest guidance with sew from many fine historical enthusiastic costumers out on the internet.

How long have you been making these elaborate costumes?

I have been in the Society of Creative Anachronism coming up on my 18th year. Active since 2004 working at demonstrations and volunteering when I could between working and other life's distractions. I really concentrated on Tudor sewing in 2007 and worked with patterns to learn proper fabrics, techniques, fit, and silhouette. I really enjoy the eras transition from a medieval form fitting layered cotterdie to the boned Tudor kirtle and then to structured Elizabethan clothing.

Replica 1490 Milan Italian Fashion Doll

Replica 1490 Milan Italian Fashion Doll
Based on art by Giovanni Ambrogio

O’Kealy Heraldry

O’Kealy Heraldry