Saturday, May 23, 2020

Dastardly Doll Project

A collage of sewn and pressed pattern pieces for
a English Fitted Gown and French Kirtle.
Well things are underway with the doll project of epic proportions, literally and figuratively speaking.  The body of the doll is not further along yet, hoping to do some shaping soon. The weather will be good the next few days to do this outside. I would like to keep the dirt down to a minimum in the basement since I just cleaned.

Currently I have cut, sewed and pressed all the pattern pieces for the entire French Kirtle. This is constructed from the woven lozenge patterned silk, that I over-dyed red a few weeks ago. This is not an easy material to work with for both dying and sewing.
Silk ties for the front closures
of the English Fitted Gown 
As I am sewing, looking at adding some boning channels in side the bodice to give structure. I did interline it with wool for some added support and medium weight linen for the lining. Although I will not need as many reeds of boning, since I have a fully boned corset layer directly underneath.

Cut and pinned English Fitted Gown
pattern pieces 
 Additionally I have also cut, sewed, and pressed the pattern pieces for the English Fitted Gown. The woven lozenge patterned silk was particularly drapey and was trying to pool and warp the pattern pieces. So I had to pin and do some seam ripping and lots of steam pressing with mild starch to help keep shape. The herringbone patterned wool has some good structure so I didn't interline this piece, although looking into just a few bones of reed if needed for just a few areas. I am thinking the middle back sides and front closure areas on both garments.


English Fitted Gown
with tie closures
Drawing from the Tudor Tailor
I will post more progress as it is made. Hoping the holiday weekend will give me a burst of energy to work on the doll body more. As the sewing is definitely moving leaps and bounds forward. The woodworking no so much. I will have to do fittings soon with the attached appendages at least. So more to come on the doll construction.

Dastardly deeds done dirt cheap ;-)

THL Marrin O’Cadhla

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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