Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Merched Cymru


I have been researching online more about the Ladies of Wales collection by Brenda Price. As I have the Entire Royal Heritage Collection. It was time to look at other dolls from this same artist. Especially since the quality and detail are phenomenal with each doll.

Even though this series of dolls is based on Welsh clothing and occupations from the 19th century.  I like that the dolls are middle class merchant class women. Everyday people I find are more interesting but less often written about in history.  There were 6 in total from different regions in Wales in this doll collection I have Arwena the Brecon Spinner just recently. She is in great shape and she is #1 of 50.  

The other 5 dolls that are in the collection are:


Brangwen the Flintshire Cockle Lady



Carys the Swansea Flower Seller 


Elin the Montgomeryshire Milkmaid 



Lyneth the Cheesemaker of Caerphilly



Mair the Pembrokeshire Fishgirl


The artist resides in Powys, Wales.  She has an antique shop with her spouse, plus keeps up with the demand for the Royal Heritage Collection. I was lucky to find contact info online. I am seeing if there are any Ladies of Wales Merched Cymru dolls left. So fingers crossed for a lead and willingness to internationally ship. 

Although just happy the artist messaged me back to be honest. It’s great when you get to tell someone, how happy their art makes you. Fingers crossed the other are are available in storage because they are just too darn cute. Something like this is far to rare in the states too. Typical me having impossible tastes in dolls. In this I am quite picky. Hoping to eventually want my dolls in a place of honor their own very nice curio cabinet. I have 12 Brenda Price dolls currently, they deserve to be displayed well away from dust, felines, and little fingers.

Fingers Crossed,

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