Thursday, December 28, 2017

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
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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