Saturday, May 7, 2022

New Friends

I periodically search for Brenda Price dolls online, EBay Etsy the usual culprits. The dolls tend to be made from porcelain head, hands, and feet and ornately dressed.  Currently own the six queens of Henry VIII. Also have Henry VIII, Shakespeare, Anne Hathaway, and Elizabeth I from this same artist. They are all tend to be notable historic figures. Although the artist did some more obscure series of ladies of merchant from wales.  


So I was able to score a 1 of 50 Arwena the Brecon Spinner. She comes with a certificate of authenticity. Nice wool clothing, drop spindle, and wool skeins. Although I don’t do welsh clothing in the Sca, it’s tempting to make an outfit and research what was regionally done. I can’t get over just how cute Arwena is!


Hoping I can find other from the series they are jus lt so well made and dressed. When an artists is in their element they make just such good quality art. I think she has slight witchy vibes but it probably the hat. Although it’s not pointy, some of the hall hats of the period seem to make me think of magical practitioners. 

More textured goodness news at finally broke down and bought a sewing bag big enough for my habit and scale of sewing. I happened to be at larger and just loved this woven bag and found some matching wallets. It’s a theme I like to do when I find a bag I like, try to find a coordinating wallet for small items. It’s can match too just like to work with colors and patterns. 

So I put all the items on my current project, it all fits with room to spare room for cloth and wood notions boxes. As I work and dress the dolls from the materials in the bag, it will be less and less space being occupied. Also it’s an ideal bag for clothing projects as I also tend to have copious amount of fabric needed for those projects too. So a regular title bag would not do, enter huge woven bag of holding. It reminds me of Mary Poppin’s carpet bag. Lots of pockets interior and exterior, which are nice added bonus.


Free comic book day was today, so worked in the comic shop this weekend. So not making it to crown tourney, it’s out in the far reaches so not something I would have traveled to anyway. Hoping there is something I can see about attending next month or so. Not going to Pennsic either, just not as appealing as it used to be.  I will be selecting my events since peopling is much more challenging than previous. Post plague decisions. That is the update for now, working on the next doll will post photos when she is done.

Marrin O’Kealy



Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

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