Saturday, April 13, 2019

In my End is my Beginning

A replica Queen Anne Doll made by Susan Paris
This is the example I will use for 18th century colonial fashion.
The Project to end all SCA Projects! Now that I have your attention, if you see Doll from post 1600 a.d. to almost 1800 a.d. in my blog, Facebook, Pinterest and other social media platforms. Do not panick! It’s part of my research of the progress of dolls from Roman through Medieval and into the early modern era aka 1500 a.d. to 1800 a.d.

So right now making some ranging 500 a.d. to 1400 a.d. I have made ones from 1500 a.d. to 1650 a.d and will be going the 1700’s to show the development in to mid and late colonial dolls. You will see these over the next few years at most.

The overarching goal is to write a book containing all the information I have gathered over the past 15 years in the Sca. Taking the niche knowledge,  my tangible doll replicas, and museum information into a comprehensive publication. AKA, I am in the beginning stages of writing a book. Yeah I will repeat because it is difficult for me to fathom the verbal and literary concept too. I am going to write a book on the historical significance of fashion dolls, material culture, and importance of play. It’s not a how to make historical dolls book, there are about 20 of those available using the period techniques. Trust me I own most of them! There will a small part of how to but it’s not the main focus.

Currently writing a comprehensive research paper for this to help start the process of expanding the content into a book. Although a book may take many years to complete but the goal is simple. In this venture of accumulated research, my own historical archeology in making replicas, and museum based sources to not only benefit the Sca Society. I want to fill a gap of available study and information in humanity,  using material culture through play with dolls containing a focus on specific set period of time. 

Books just don’t develop out of thin air as most Scadians know.  So I may only get to a few Sca events a year, about the same I space them out. Plus will still be working my full time job, caring for a house, cats, and boyfriend. Will be stretched thin for the next few years but what else is new. 

Any support, questions, ideas from my friends is appreciated. I feel better getting that off my chest. I have been mulling over this for the past year so it’s time to make it happen. Especially before I turn 50. Not sure I could pump it out before I’m 40 let’s see, no pressure.

Literary adventures on the horizon,

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