Tuesday, April 28, 2020

18th Century Kit for Reenacting

Currently finishing up making an 18th century kit of clothing for reenacting. Following the Burnley and Trowbridge sew along series of videos on YouTube for some inspiration and instructions.  They started recording these videos just before the Covid-19 shutdown. So its been a nice weekly update to follow the next in the series of videos. They have 3 topics for Ladies: aprons, petticoats and pockets. They will be making more on making clothing for the top of a person soon, most of these videos are 3 part series. I completed the following; petticoat as styled in the 18th century with ties, a pair of embroidered pockets finished and a woolen apron with ties.

There are some items I have made that are not from the sew along videos. Those items are a linen shift, a set of stays which are overhauled for better fit, fitted wool jacket, linen pinner apron, embroidered stomacher, cotton under petticoat and an embroidered English bodice.

Purchased some leather ladies lachet shoes from Sampson Historical recently and also have a pair of  wooden clogs. So I do have some proper footwear. I will have to see about some good buckles to wear the shoes.

I have a cotton bonnet that will work for now. Although I want to research about styles of caps worn and see about finding a good linen one, or a pattern for making my own. As its easier since I have the time to sew and see about the materials. I do have a source for linen online but only want to buy when needed, trying to use these projects for stash busting.  I am done with the stays and soon can take some pictures to show. I did have an old cotton mob cap from years ago trip to Colonial Williamsburg, Va. Not sure if it has survived the years and several moves ago, would be nice if it did.

Hoping these can be worn in the Fall, depending if the Warrior Run Heritage Society will hold Heritage Days or not for 2020. We shall see what the future holds I will post some of these fashions as soon as I finish all the sewing and fixtures for the jacket and the bodice.

Finally got some tailoring supplies in the mail including some hair canvas and more fine linen, so more making is on the horizon. Reorganized my documentation into one binder, also put out my references in their own separate binder and labeled each. So that is done for some research housekeeping. In the same realm of research currently working on notes and measurements and scale for the 1/2 scale doll. Very excited since it seems I have most of my supplies on hand. So here is to hoping to get some linden wood for a head and hands and we can get started.

Goals are being met in record speed. Making of a new wooden friend will be happening soon.

Having fun with history,

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