Modern Poncho with a Medieval Twist

Decided to take two yards of wool fabric that was not purposed, to make a heavier poncho like shawl for mundane wear. This was its undone state the week before Christmas.

 Though wanting to do some

embroidery for this project to add a touch of medieval flare. I  was originally not going to line it but later decided with the detailed wool embroidery it was best to protect the back and line the garment. So I added mother of pearl buttons for extra dimension on the textured floral motif.

 Here is the results of a nearly month long project. I did machine sew the edges for ease as this is a mundane piece not for scadian use. Though it was not at all a research project just a for fun as gold work supplies were in the mail. Wool outer fabric with a linen blend lining fabric. With matching linen collar,wool embroidery and mother of pearl button accents.

Looking forward to wearing this thicker

garment in the dead of winter to stay cozy. Doubles as a nice sewing lap blanket. You can see a few ways this could be worn. I tend to wear mine pinned off to the side.

My 2017 was super trying on a personal level. Though glints of the creative , as always feline shenanigans, lots of love from a special man helped keep things bright. Hoping 2018 just to be at super creative and a bit warmer with this newest addition.

Wishing you and yours a safe and Happy New Year!!!

Marrin O'Kealy

Inspiration for 2018

Full length image of painting:

1582 Daniël van den Queborn (Dutch artist, 1552–1602) Portrait of Louise Juliana of Orange-Nassau aged c. 6, with a doll

 Close up of doll from painting:

1582 Daniël van den Queborn (Dutch artist, 1552–1602) Portrait of Louise Juliana of Orange-Nassau aged c. 6, with a doll

Close up of doll in painting:

LADY ARABELLA STUART AGED 23 MONTHS by Anon 1577 a portrait at Hardwick Hall. The little girl is holding a doll

Full length image of painting:

LADY ARABELLA STUART AGED 23 MONTHS by Anon 1577 a portrait at Hardwick Hall. The little girl is holding a doll

These are the images inspiring me to make the next two dolls. Both will need embroidery,  beading, and gold work skills to complete the dolls in a fashion close to these images. Besides the plethora of other skills listed in my documentation.

Very excited to get started as I'm gathering materials. In the winter such an undertaking for these two is making cold days pass joyfully. This is going to help me continuing to make the educational journey into period doll making, its influence in court and fashion in general. Of course also changing the course of girls play in the centuries to come.

Naming the dolls side note, to keep it easy. I decided to name each doll after their imaged owner. So the girl in the portrait, the doll ends up with her name. Easier to know which doll to which one may be referencing and also to know questions directed and such in conversations.

So my first doll is Pandora, as all the prior to 18th century dolls have a referenced as Pandora dolls in museums. This also was inspired but another blog who also used similar reference. This one of Swedish origin along a sea route to many places.

Then my second doll is named Elizabeth after the queen, also since the image has a red haired fashioned doll with pale complexion. Seemed only apt one was going to end up with the named for the reigning monarch of the age. The painting for this did not name the subjects represented in the portrait, so it was best to come up with a proper name.


So in going with the newly established rules.  Louis-Juliana will be the name for the replica of the doll in the 1582 portrait. This being a styled as a  Netherlands based court doll. Also another country with many sea routes to many places.

As well as Arabella being the name for the red court dressed doll in the 1577 portrait. Which is the last doll in the English style as two are only images from the English school of portraits I currently have researched. Also a sea faring people who have trade coming and going.

So in my theory all sorts of news traveled by sea being the easiest way around the continent that fashion traveled the same way dolls also communicated skills, textile wares and trade of techniques. So the extant is only 6 inches tall these would be easy to pack for a journey if need be.

Well that is some thoughts on the dolls and ideas I'm thinking about. As the next part in the journey begins.

Creative thoughts,

Marrin O'Kealy

Lace, Embroidery, and Lucet

Well finished the bobbin lace trim on the first doll. So she is fully complete as I can make by one person. There is gold on the outer gown over the gold wire originally placed. It gives much dimension and texture to the trim since I wasn't making it as wide as the extant. Being a first attempt at this kind of lace had to work within skill set.

Though this is a good first. Looking forward to not having to do this again soon, since I have enough to keep me in stock for a bit. I enjoy needle lace more.

The next project I started over Christmas, I making a wool shawl with

wool embroidery. This is for me mundanely but till be done on period materials and techniques because its fun.

Which the motif will be at the corners

around the collar and center back. Laid out pattern while doing laundry. The laundromat have the best tables for fabric cutting or design in a pinch. Feline seamstress assistant Jasper hard at work. I plan on lining the cloak to keep the back embroidery protected.

The other project over the past month has been lucet making drawstring for future projects. Either trim or other uses. Which has been relaxing while at work.  These are made from hemp and are a nice thickness.

 I also have wool waiting for waiting cord in 3 colors. Finished the three colors of linen and have several yards of each in red, black and white. The 3 most common colors in Tudor clothing and accessories according to the Tudor Tailor and other sources. 

I am waiting for the goldwork wire in silver and gold gilt to be picked up at the post office.  My hours do not coincide during the work week with the open lobby hours. So looking forward to seeing it and if I need larger quantities for the next two dolls. Shiny things on the way.

Going to be precious shiny for 2018,

Marrin O'Kealy

Lucet in the meantime

I am working on more lucet while waiting for doll supplies to come in the mail. These are goldwork threads in silver and gold gilt. Giving me enough for two dolls worth of outer gown decor. Part of my Christmas gift, so its taking time.

Also trying to locate the doll heads I made earlier this year. Since my sister moved in, many things have moved or relocated. Which was useful I have been able to locate extra stands and supplies that I didn't know I had. Though the prepainted faces are mia right now. St Anthony is being lax despite my prayers.

So pictures of progress more dolls to come.

Marrin O'Kealy