Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Poppet!

As you can see from my prior post, I made some changes to the second doll. I added silk accents to be closer to the lines we see in the painting. Changed the cone like support structure to legs stuffed them and added shoes. Reevaluated the hair decor made it smaller. Rearranged the ruff to make it fluffier.

The apron is in process. Its also handmade lace and will take a length of time to complete. Which will be the last finishing touch.

 I have found a source on modern child psychology on the significance of play and its effect on development. Now its a modern source, as this was not a focus in the 16th century. Though was suggested from a class evaluation would give some added depth. I think its a great idea and am finding ways of incorporating into my research and class material

I am teaching Hello Poppet at Fabric Fiber and Fighting on November 18th. I have enough for 10 spots so if you can make it, hope to see you there.

As a reward for all the hard work for family related issues this summer. I am attending Æthemearc Academy this November 4, won't be teaching but will catch up with everyone.

Looking forward,

Lady Marrin O'Kealy

Doll Gallery













Monday, October 9, 2017

Lurking the Interwebs in October


My most favorite month of the whole year, next to my birthday month. Halloween is at the end one of my favorite time of the year, when trickery and little bit of magic are in the air. I get all excited just like a little kid, this is more my Christmas than it is in December. Just seem to like the sights and sounds of the season more, even if it borders on the macabre. Though to quote a period personal motto, "In my end is my beginning". Which is true the end is not final, its just a transition into an other self.

 Purchased some favorite spooky selections on dvd. Though its nice to take things as a slower pace a bit more healing. Especially after the big household clean out of 2017. There is more to come on this front in the new year.

Never fails I haven't worked on many sca projects except my last embroidery frame of the 4 part Unicorn Tapestry series. Though all is prepared household wise and just waiting to see what happens on the homefront. So being bogged down may be for the best, all things considered.

I made some more seasonal projects  this weekend, like a proper ceremonial broom and some natural incense smudges for the rest of the year. Nice to get back to wild crafting as a friend calls it, makes me feel loved by Gaea and alive.

Though I have sewing on my mind very often but want to focus it more on the doll project. So been formulating ways of making what is in progress more detailed. Closer to the painting, which is something considering the detail in the painting. It will be a thing of beauty, the trick is the crafting. Luckily still have plenty of time.

Well as I contemplate my next step in miniature creation, I leave you with pictures of seasonal crafts.

Lurking about,

Marrin O'Kealy

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