Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Wiggy Twiggy

                            Well after fixing some paint challenges, I have Louise looking much
improved. I used the last collection of my own hair to make her a proper Elizabethan style wig. To make doll wigs you need a good collection of  human hair. To avoid cutting my hair, normally collected the fallen strands from several showers it takes lots of planning. A substitute if one is not interested in their own hair for a wig. Check out your local beauty supply shop for human hair extensions and other pieces. The longer the hair the more cost, so take length into consideration when purchasing. I will have to find a blonde or red color wig for the next two dolls. Will have to see about finding a good length to do the proper styling. Though there was just enough hair collected for this. I am happy how it all went.
My hair being thick and curly does well with making wigs from scratch. It takes far more to get straight hair to tangle for adding body to a wig. I find hair falls from a beauty supply shop easier when dealing with strait hair.  I form a bun by sewing a coil around a collection of hair gathering it in on itself. Turning and evening stitches as I see it into a ball, I then take a flat collection of tangled coil and create a tube of hair . Eventually folding it into a heart shape, I sew the bun towards the lower middle of the heart shape .

Utilized hyde glue to secure it to the doll head. Minding the temples hairline and middle of the forehead. I make sure to tie the wig on as it dries. I then melt beeswax in a coffee cup double boiling in a pot till melted. Take a paintbrush and apply all over wig. It will  create a opaque film of wax on the outside looking white. After a even coat is spread on the hair. I then use a hot iron to melt the wax into the hair and gently shape as it cools.  Be sure to wipe off your iron as the wax can cause fire if left built up. I then let her sit and cool.

Earlier  created a chemise/smock to go underneath her clothing for the next step. Underwear,  I later made a red silk kirtle and a grey petticoat to make ready for the undergown. The process for embroidery was explained in the previous post. In the meantime enjoy a pretty wig on a wooden doll soon to be ever so fashionable.

Super exciting process,

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