Tuesday, February 15, 2022

Life is What You Make it

The struggle is real sometimes, as of late due to no free time to create. Helping out on weekends at the Comic Shop, its inventory season. This time of year really doesn't change, been this way for the past 6 years or so. The one day I do have off is full of chores that are not getting done otherwise. Working from home lets me at least get laundry done during the day.  I find it challenging sometimes to get the energy to create too. It's not a constant struggle but sometimes it creeps into life. 

I have a new doll project on the horizon to get back into the swing of creative things.  So far, I figured out the overall height of the dolls will be 16" tall. Also basing the height on the scale of the head hands and feet that came in the mail. The picture on Etsy made me think they were smaller. Which is fine, a bigger doll is cool with me. The porcelain head hand and feet are from a seller on Esty but made by a company called Yield House. This is their Abigail Adams kit although it will work nicely for an Elizabethan courtier.  At least that is my goal.

There were dolls already made with this particular body of kit on eBay for sale. Costing about the same cost as just buying the Yield House kit containing only the porcelain head, hands, and feet from Etsy.  Although I wanted more control over the doll's body. Especially having the choice to wire it for being able to freely stand without a doll stand. I have a picture of how someone took this same kit a created Queen Elizabeth I from one of her many famous portraits.  My goal is to make a grand courtier and not so much a version of Good Queen Bess.  Taking my time figuring out what kind of gown to make, colors, and such. I do have to make the underwear anyway so there is not a rush about making decisions right now. I plan on using from my stash for this project, as it's a doll and wouldn't use up a huge amount of fabric. As a small aside, it amazes me how much Dorothy uses up being half scale but pleats do eat fabric.    

 So looking at doll body patterns to use. Wanting to get the right shape to start with and if I want to create my own pattern or use a commercial/artisan pattern.  Lots to consider before getting started on the body of the doll. Also consider the stuffing, the gauge of wire, amongst other varied decisions.  Certain inspiration will strike as she always does. 

Some updates were able to complete a nice shift with sleeves. Added some miniature ruffs that would be appropriate for the fashion of the time. I do have two other styles, one of which will be going on an Italian Venetian gown for another doll. Even though the Shakespearean play Romeo and Juliet takes place in Verona, prefer Venice so that influenced the choice of gown.  I am waiting for the porcelain kit to arrive in the mail yet. I made a shirt but think it will need to be made longer but need the doll assembled first for scale.  As the mail seems delayed, what else isn't in the world we live in?  

Some Cool Results,

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