Sunday, March 3, 2019

Progress Great and Small

Today I decided to rework the face on the the largest 20” doll. As the lack of bone structure is bothering me, so cheeks and forehead covered and sculpted this is going to be a replica of the doll from a portrait of a 3 year old girl by anonymous.
 Although this is a larger doll, it is just under the scale of the Santos dolls. Which are 27” tall, they can be more like dressed statues. Although this was discussed in a previous post. So this 20” and 18” dolls are more a mid scale doll for the ones I am making. It’s just invigorating to be making such progress and yet getting a good period look on each doll.
Documentation will take some time but I think the comparison in the data is worth the flurry of making

While the clay dries I am patterning out clothing for the two 18” dolls.
The one will be a replica of Catherine Von Wormondt Doll.

The other will be a replica of Marie Von Sachsen Doll, the painting is in a private collection.

 They turned out nice and will make a big difference when they are dressed. Making riffs and cuffs. I am going to have to locate some good burgundy colored fabric in my stash I have found some silks close but not enough to complete an 18” scale over gown. Using lace of various scales making veils as well for all these as it’s very fitting since are are seeing dressed hair but no coverings. So it’s impor to keep with what would be acceptable for court standards of dress for reach respective country.

Mostly Netherlands and Germany and all the continental influences as before. Some of these are by marriage or by birth although in all respects lots more pretty dolls.

To Ruffs, Cuffs, and Lace,


THL Marrin O’Kealy

Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

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