Sunday, February 20, 2022

Changed My Mind


Portait of a Lady
by Giovanni
Ambrogio de Predis 
I realized there was a clothing pattern that comes with the Yield House doll kits. Depending on the aftermarket seller, these come with the doll but not always.  Recently I have purchased the Julliet doll kit, mine says it's the complete kit with those patterns. Although studying the image off of the box, it seems to be an earlier Italian style. Circa a general 1490 Italy as compared to 1530-60 Venice. 

So I went image hunting on Google for my next course of action. As it turns out, I was able to locate a favorite image of a gown from Milan in 1490. The work of art is called "Portrait of a Lady" by the artist Giovanni Ambrogio De Predis.  He completed profile portraits of Italian nobles circa 1455-1508. I am considering using this as a very close inspiration to complete the outfit for this particular doll. Along with the pattern that is in the box.  As I am still waiting for her to arrive in the mail but should be soon arriving in the next day to two.   

Sculpt of Face 
Front and back

I studied the hairstyle on pictures of the doll,  the sculpt of the hair would fit the time frame nicely.  Plus I can create a pearled hair net, and follow a nice Italian gown in red black with pearl accents. A good excuse to use the miniature freshwater pearls purchased months ago. This doll when finished should be the same 17" tall size. The company Yield House seemed to make a larger doll sculpt and 17" is generally what I am finding when searching about their products.

Original Box 
w/ clothing pattern
I am considering the Martha Washington Yield House doll, as she has a great crown braid hairstyle, there is also a Beth doll that has a similar hairstyle just not as neat. Still checking to see if there are better sculpts I can get away without making a wig for a doll. Certain the market for renaissance hair-styled porcelain dolls is quite limited. Trying to not repaint but add the appropriate hat to make the doll look more period-appropriate to the late 15th and 16th centuries.  Over the past two days, I did finish the 3 smocks with ruffled collars and cuffs attached. I made them fit the current Elizabethan doll I have. Those are all set for 17" dolls when I made my decision on which ones. I think this scale is nice, as an artist I can really jump into detail that is more difficult on smaller scales. 


I have edited the one arm is a bit bigger than the other, although the same length. The chemise will be bigger and not tight so the arm won't be so noticeable once she is dressed in her 1490 Milan outfit.  So that is what is new from here, have lots to do. Feeling happy when there are things to do and create. Will post more when I get more done, lots of planning right now which is part of the fun.

You can find more information about Italian clothing from the website Realms of Venus.

Happy Sewing,

Marrin
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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