Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Back in Blackwork


As I work on documentation there isn’t much to post on here. Although it doesn’t mean hands are idle and the next project is not being planned. In the meantime my blackwork has been patiently waiting while I’m fiddling with other projects. So as I make headway, you will see some more results of my needling in that larger canvas. Though happy that I wa able to get some headway on this as it has been sitting around the house for a while.. The outlining goes fast but the filling takes a bit. When it’s all done it will be very epic and lined the edges in black velvet ribbon. It’s nice to have some extra pretty things for sca when I can go.
For the most recent doll,  finishing the ruff and cuffs for her. This week will be seeing about finishing the lace edging on the skirt one more row to go. It’s great that they will be done for the next event and will be impressive for display. Hoping that the weather cooperates next month for the event. I may spend time embroidering the black work and displaying the dolls. I also want to display them at St. Claire embroidery event in the spring. So all planning for the outings for the ladies, yay!

Concerned with the lace and embroidery details for various in progress projects, as the kitten has taken a liking to my sewing notions and other related supplies. He has a talent of taking pins out the cushion with his teeth. Making me think he has an oral fixation with shiny metal items. He has an affinity towards twist ties, toilet paper, tips fror similar texture. Certain of I didn’t keep track of my hair ties they would be in this grouping too.  His top two canine teeth are coming in the primary one is not loose yet.
These are the small flat headed ones are difficult for me to pull from my cushion.  Talented Jace wants to be a seamstress assistant kitten. It was Jaspers favorite job with Mom too.  He has Albert and I trained with his meows, so funny how he has walked into our hearts. Different than Jasper but we both agree if Jace and Jasper met they would be thick as theives.

Glad Starr has learned to trust Albert to allowed her to be petted and held. So lots of good developments.  Home is happy and calm despite intermittent construction, which is what is needed with the stresses of our jobs.

Finally Happiness,

THL 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