Friday, May 1, 2020

Found some Inspiration

Elizabeth Littleton
Lady Willoughby
Well more adventures on the home quarantine files. I am working on my doll project daily as there is limited things to do while one is at home, that don't make alot of mess or noise. Not that is really a requirement but I don't like to bust of of working and strait into something unless there is good reason and a plan. So since I am in planning stages, which means the plan is not well formulated yet.

Credit:
Tudor Tailor
I was debating for some 48 hours the proper outfit for the new larger doll friend. Wanted something with some color, texture, and more than just black. So many formal portraits from the early Elizabethan age just go nuts with black with trim and texture.  We need some more color in our lives in gentry portraiture. So I chose the portrait of Elizabeth Littleton, Lady Willoughby from 1573. It has several features that fit my requirements. Loads of color, showing a checked red silk lining.
Credit:
Tudor Tailor
Here I found out from those who viewed the original painting, the Tudor Tailor authors.  There seems to be an overlay over the red to make it more pink in color. So the theory is that a checked organza was over-layed the red material to give pattern and also texture. Although this is conjecture since its a painting of a formal portrait dress from the period. Although very plausible.

Fabric choices
and colors 
 So I have a pink silk lozenge pattern woven fabric. I am going to over dye it red to make it closer to the dark coral red pink than the current tea-berry pink it’s current color. I also have some ribbons that I will be also over dye that have points sewed on the ends. I won’t be doing an overly strong bath but definitely would like one to two shades redder closed from ballerina pink to coral pink.  For the under-gown and the outer fitted gown I am using a simpler material, a wool herringbone in a nice textured brown.  There was choice of a dark navy and grey a the tan with brown. Since we have warm colors in the red and pink the brown was more pleasing to the eye. Although definitely made of sturdy materials for these two pieces of clothing.

Fitted gown material
I ordered the supplies for all the wood carving for face feet and hands along with several books for reference. Faces are not easy not matter if you are drawing, sculpting or carving. So I want to make sure to get the features I want in the process. In the past I have done some wood carving but this will be an all new adventure for faces and hands. Going to need prayer and maybe a small miracle it turns out . Although I plan on taking my time to get things just right. Well going to sketch out the features of the clothes in the right colors and see what I like. Nice part is the planning because I can make and take time on decisions for the clothing layers since I have materials already.

Thinking about all the choices,

THL Marrin O’Cadhla

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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