Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Parris Cosplay Cap Rifle

The same day I was at Heritage Days re-enactment. Headed home after spending most of the day there but stopped off at a local antique shop. That’s where I knew of a wool 3 corner hat was in stock for a reasonable price. I wanted to buy it earlier but didn’t have the money at the time.

It’s brown wool fabric nice and thick. It makes a very nice shape, although it has some disfiguring on the one side that will need steamed to be corrected. Although very fixable and is a great find. So I have some finished  images for your viewing pleasure.



Then I saw this rifle in the corner of the same shop. The rifle was cap kind of toy, also it is meant to look old.  It was in good shape but needed some love. Minor pitting in the barrel and scratches on the stock from play. So headed home with quite a revolutionary war patriot starter kit.  I knew I was going to have to look at percussion based rifles since this has similar look and length for this toy. Look and time frame

More recently after getting a good look at my family’s percussions rifle from the 1830’s. I was able to finish my cap rifle with some flair.


Here are my results. I was able to add some wood burning features to hide
the scratches. I added a wooden ram rod and based some wood burning texture on my familial firearm of similar time frame.. Made a hemp rifle strap with brass rings, added brass studs along the brass straps, brass rings for the ramrod, and brass sides plates located on sides of the stock. For an unexpected project I think this turned out very well.

I hope to eventually make a riding habit in the same brown wool with tan ribbon trim. That eventually taking the gun for a walk in costume would not look so out of place.

All this gives me things to do while I let my hands heal. Here to hoping I can get back to some needle work soon.

Hoping 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