Saturday, May 13, 2023

Creepy Doll 2- The Twins

 I was amazed by the amount of folks that have been following my projects. And I just wanted to say a very heartfelt thank you to all of you for following my journey of creativity. Sewing has been aiding me with dealing with a larger allotment of personal loss over the past few months, that loss will be coming up on a year around my birthday and mid-September. So still fresh and stinging at times. That is why at the SCA event I have been a little bit more reserved than normal. Taking my time to just re-introduce myself and get into the swing of things.

What is better than a sequel? In this case a two-for-one deal. I was able to score two dolls for one price. They happen to be Dutch Dolls; a boy and girl made by Donna Rupert. They also happen to be porcelain dolls that are 24 inches tall. It’s a theme replicated multiple times in Dutch national costume post-16th century, with boy and girl either kissing or synonymous with each other in national dress or historical clothing. Let’s make it 16th century and I can use the Tudor Child patterns from the book published a few years ago.

I find these dolls to be actually really cute. I normally don’t like dolls that look like children or babies. These are an exception for me. The level of creepiness here yet again is the eyes and a bit of the expression. The blonde hair also gives a little bit of the feeling of children of the corn.  These dolls are sort of meant to kiss I believe, as that is seen in Dutch doll portraits too. What I was also finding is that these dolls being 24 inches have a body that is more like an 18-month-old child, a toddler of you will. 

Hats make a nice way to break up some of the creepy looks, so we’ll see, depending on what the design ends up being. What really sold me on these was the fact that there were clog shoes already part of the sculpt for the feet. I’m going to use that as part of the inspiration as I’m creating the outfits. 

Observing the size of these particular dolls, I’m wondering if they would fit in the Cabbage Patch doll clothing or something very close in size? I am questioning since my Grogu doll can actually fit into baby clothing. that’s is the doll they are selling that is a soft plush with a plastic head. It makes me wonder if the same could be said for these two. Which is a very fascinating side of doing larger dolls. That, depending on the sizing that you’re making some children’s clothes, possibly could fit.

I am thinking of names for these two, Johann or Hansel and Johanna or Gretel. That’s what I have for now, but I may change it later. If you have any name suggestions, please let me know. I promised my husband I wouldn’t turn our baby into the Tudor Baby project for the SCA. My husband is not making me do this, it was my own self-placed restriction. As I want to enjoy our child in every stage, an SCA entry may diminish that for me. These two allow me to play with Tudor baby clothes for much longer periods of time than a human child would. 

Not all that related, Happy Mothers' Day to all the mothers and mother-like figures, this is your day to be celebrated. May you have the best day. 

Maureen 

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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