Regal Doll Friend

 

War Practice

War Practice 2025, I didn't have intentions on attending this event this year just came up that folks I need to talk to about some other later events in the year were attending. Although it turned out that I had some business to attend to some A&S judging for herbal concoctions for determined herbal champ for 2025. I am always glad that entrants make the choice challenging. Congrats to the winners and looking forward to your submissions next year.  

 Spent most of the day either shopping in the designated merchant/food court or chatting with friends as they floated through Aethelmearc Royal. Their was great selection of merchants to peruse which is enjoyable.  Great to touch base with my A&S Cohort Rue, as we tend to attend opposite events and live in different parts of Aethelmearc. Good conversation all the way around and so happy to see so many familiar faces.

A while ago decided that camping events are ones I would day trip if decided to attend.  Which I have been a delicate Tudor flower to which Mother Nature loves to toss about when she gets an opportunity. This event I was particularly proud that managed to gentle parent myself. 

 This gentle parenting process involves assess ones needs, plan for them and take action to be sure you are not suffering from either poor planning or decisions the next day. Which involved being sure to have hydration sources on hand, have feast gear for eating, change of clothes on hand, chair and sun protection in forms of hat and sunscreen. 

Part of the gentle parenting process is also making sure that has ways of not tiring themselves out through unnecessary physical exertion. One of these investments in my SCA kit is having a foldable wagon. I’m just one person in the hobby, I have a lot of things I might be doing or needing to carry from my vehicle. So the wagon ends up being an invaluable investment. Used it at two events at Melee, Madness and at War Practice and it has just paid for itself already. Especially when I’m able to load everything up, take it out to the car in one trip instead of multiple. 

The plush dragon friend and Ludo were my wagon guards to prevent looting. I will bring more plush dragon friends with me next time for wagon toppers, as long as the weather is agreeable. Also need to consider some form of a waterproof covering for those unfortunate bits of weather that do happen when you’re at an outdoor event.

Had a great time,

Mairin

Melee Madness

So my plan was to meet up with my friend Ashley. To drape a pattern, for some Tudor kirtles and over gowns. Well plans rarely go as intentioned. I was able to retain, caught up with prior friends. Made some new friends and some crafting done during the day.

 The highlight of the day was witnessing that same friend receive their Fleur d’Athelmearc. This is a grant level award, which means that you get to participate in the process of voting for new candidates. Sponsor those who are working on their art through some kingdom level events. Was a complete suprise to get to see a long time friends achieve a goal of theirs they have been working towards for years. Bursting with happiness for her!   

I was able to get some time with work on my most recent dolls project. This porcelain was procured at thift store for a whole $7.99.  She did have this gold lame style dress with a gold net overlay. So her outfit was historical looking elements to start with. For some reason, they had the cap of her veil too far forward. Luckily it was sewn not glued into the hair, I was able to just snip the threads and reposition it towards the back of the head.

Redesigning the original gown gold net overlay to not be gathered at one spot. Added  some Simplicity brand gold lace to give it more pizzazz. In medieval and Renaissance fashion more was more, if you had it flaunt it.  Also trimmed the under layer bodice and puffed sleeves with same lace. 

Court gowns had more trims and embroidery than the normal gowns worn by courtiers. Restoration clothing didnt do much trims that court normally wore. She is making me think of Charles II Restoration England after the English Civil War style vibes. 

The next step is pearls! Thinking bracelets and a one nice size collarbone length strand. Along with some around the top of her veil. Vida, a courtly Restoration bride Wedding dresses back, then were not necessarily white. They were normally a best version of what you had in your wardrobe.  Which means many people wore their wedding dress over and over again.

 This doll made me think of Patrick Swayze’s character Vida Bohem. This strong square jawline that made me think of the character, so I am going to call her Vida.

Witnessing his Majesty and new apprentice take oaths was lovely highlight. Made me think of when I did that in front on Tim and Gabrielle. Thinking of day tripping Saturday for War Practice. 

Lewisburg Arts Festival Demo

 

Current Dolls

Currently, I am working on several different doll projects all at once. Which is not an unusual occurrence because I can do the different stages. At the moment, I’m doing  many shift/chemise layers. A recent eBay procurement was 3- 20 inch dolls. They are Franklin mint dolls, that have Irish Music boxes embedded in the back of the doll. I had two Etsy procurement of some larger porcelain dolls, two being of an older Parian style, the other two are artist dolls that worked in porcelain. In total, I’m working on eight dolls at one time. 

Using the same assembly line technique when making Tudor garb projects, I will do two or three dresses at the same time and end up completing them about the same time. When it comes to getting the closures altogether tends to be the part that takes me the longest. Funny aside,  I still have dresses that don’t have any closures in the front and I just sew myself into them each time I wear them. I find some well placed hand stitching make sure that certain pieces don’t move out of the correct position and can be gently snipped later.

Have been dealing with some minor health challenges in 2025. Which is not allowing me as much energy. Although I have medication and that helps now. More will be sorted in a few months. Sewing is still happening in the meantime. When a mandatory nap is not required by the meat suit.  

The sculpts on these dolls have good shoulders, which help for mid 17th century clothing. So looking at some European 1660’s outfits for these ladies and will need names. The dolls did come with some names from Franklin mint but I don’t know if I wanna necessarily keep those. Which were Colleen, Maureen and Laureen. 

The dolls I bought off of Etsy didn’t really have any names so I am able to fully come up with something for those. Suggestions are always greatly appreciated

Extant 17th Century Dolls

 

Grace Anne

 

Lucia Rose