Thursday, October 20, 2016

16th Century Swedish Fashion Doll


 Well here she is at last! After a year of planning, months of materials gathering and careful budgeting. I present Pandora a replica of 16th Century Swedish Fashion Doll. Original extant doll resides in the Royal Armory in Stockholm, Sweden.

Debuted her at the Aethelmearc Kingdom Arts and Sciences Championship.Which was great as I was able to gain some resource on the lace on the doll being a later version of Viking wire weaving called Pasoment. There are some definite comparisons when looking at patterns in the lace then look at the versions of Pasoment left behind by the Vikings.

Since she is Swedish this is a possible regional style of lace in this area. Though there would be a challenge even buying this lace outside the country, let alone finding it online. I will have to learn to make my own version eventually to replace the current space holding gold wire. The wire treatment on the skirt is for now to save a place for the lace when I do learn the skill. Its on the to do list.

The sleeves are by far the nicest part, as they were also the part that took the longest to complete. Though her wig was a challenge to get right with the hyde glue stinking up the house. Though every aspect of this doll was planned and thought out meticulously. I do have some guiding stitches that will need to be replaced and some finishing touches I plan on doing before spring.


I also am looking at doing some more work rounding out my research with
more documentable portraits of Swedish fashion in the 16th century. As looking at the original doll and what was fashionable at the time, there are many missing accessories. Could this be lost to antiquity from use or from a mean sibling we will never know. This was also thought out carefully as I wanted to come up with ideas but not change the orginal doll. So the added accessories are removable and do not change the integrity of the doll. Showing two versions of photos ones with the accessories and ones without as she would exist now. Did include these in the documentation for the competition.

I was presented with a challenge to scale up the clothes and accessories since she is a fashion doll, now do the period thing make the clothes. Have the fashion, now make the fashion. This would be a true challenge but I do have electronic list of all the materials I purchased, So this is another way of working out the project using all the same materials. Would the gown and all the petticoats really work?  In theory yes!

I am working on a side project as working on the doll details, now making a needlepoint piece for home decor. Its a needlepoint of one of the Unicorn panels, a kit made by Dimensions. Not neurotic enough to count and think of documentation at the same time. As this gives me something to concentrate as I am thinking about how to proceed with category specific documentation, rounding out the current documentation to really give it extra facts figures and comparison art and work out details that can be fixed before April.

All in one project is possible and I think this is my best shot as such a rare unicorn kind of piece, just a rarity. Side note I did receive new Sca business cards for contact info. Always good to advertise the society. Not publishing my documentation till its complete yet I do no really do this online anyway.

Keeping out of Trouble,

Mairin
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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