Sunday, November 25, 2018

Arabella Doll Progress- Part 1

Hair drying to place 
I have been working on the doll at a great pace. Not in a rush but taking advantage of a long weekend. The white and black cord in the hair will be replaced with gold and silver braid. Needed something there to hold shape as the glue and beeswax set the style. Which the combination worked great no need to cut the hair to make the style stay. Makes a larger bun in the back of the head but I can scale some of this with more styling.

So made the wig, strawberry blonde human hair same kind  as the first doll I made.  Then I attached to the hand sculpted bust with hyde glue and let dry. Used a tie to keep in position while drying.


 Then from twill tape and jacquard trim made a pair of bodies, sewed with thread. I will be
sewing more into position tomorrow with more items being made for her. From more twill tape made a bumroll stuffed with cotton batting and cotton  woven cord for ties. Positioned on doll using tabs on bottom of corset for guide.


 The forepart is made from  silk velvet and silk dupioni scraps assembled the bottom seam with hempen cord to make a hoop for stability. I will need to make goldwork on the black belt but will be doing so carefully to follow the pattern from the painting. Pleased so far with how well this is going.




Tomorrow want to make an silk organza partlet, ruffs and cuffs of bobbin lace and begin the goldwork on hair and forepart skirt and make gold slashed understleeves. So hoping to get all that done though it depends on what the day brings. Here is what she looks like so far.

Progress despite life,

THL Marrin O’Kealy
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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