Sunday, February 17, 2019

Smaller Dolls

Photo Credit: Mistress Elska
Susan Verberg 
Currently making more than one doll at a time. Having such a plethora of information, I don’t want it to take a decade to complete the main ones. Also some are similarities with certain materials and regions of Europe. It makes sending to me to make the similar ones within the same time frame. In addition  making various kinds from different materials helps further my research.Aides a direct comparison with sculpted painted wood dolls vs cloth covered wire papier mache faces vs stuffed fabric with wire armature and clay faces. Mainly because some are simpler designs than others and this is directly correlates to region of Europe and class of society. The class mainly depicted is low noble to royal, the affluent seemed to have fashion dolls.
Photo credit: Mistress Elska
Susan Verberg
 As an artist it’s important for me  to have a change of pace and still make progress.  Today I fine tuned the complexion on the two dolls for the Cranach paintings. The middle class doll sanded the hands and bust then added a chin nose and cheeks smoothed currently drying. As soon as it dries, I will sand and brush layers of gesso. I am also working on the beginnings of doll clothes for these when not painting or sculpting. Always forward and hands always busy.

AEdult Swim event went well. Was nice to help with troll and spend time with local folks. As well as see some of my Arts and Sciences friends I don’t normally see except for a handful of events per year. Had wonderful questions and lots of insightful conversations with gentles I never met. I was able to get some sewing and pinning done for doll clothes. Also mild painting on the Cranach dolls. So great fun had by all. Stayed warm with my wool jacket perfect for this event.

Miniature fun,

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