Tuesday, July 26, 2022

Three Down- Three to Go


Not exactly like the portrait this time, although just as grand and opulent. This six-doll series of porcelain fashion dolls are turning out amazing! This one especially on a grand scale. With this red velvet gown, a modern person sees the sense of the ornate nature of the dolls. In particular detail, is the finery that could be produced in the 16th century. I will have to make necklaces and some final small touches like silk puffs but as far as sewing gold to red velvet, that is finally all done. So some finishing touches but they will just add to the grandness of this doll.

When Queen Elizabeth I died, she had over 2000 gowns inventoried in her wardrobe. This inventory really gives us the full scope of 16th-century clothing during her reign. The inventory was so carefully put in a book by Janet Arnold's book Queen Elizabeth's Wardrobe Unlocked. All those gowns were passed along and refashioned by Queen Anne of Denmark, who became Queen of Scotland, then Queen of Ireland and England after James I of England's ascension to the throne.  

I am working on the next doll in the series. This one is a light royal blue with gold metallic trim and found some different lace trim for this ensemble. Although I am alternating the trim used for the interior trim of the gown skirts. You may see one on one doll and it may be repeated on another doll in a different way.  Recycling is definitely a medieval practice, plus making one's wardrobe looks like one has more pieces of clothing is as well. The leafy trim you see above will be used on the black gown I plan on creating for one of the dolls. 

Since there is so much going on in my personal life right now. It will take me a while to get the dresses sewed and assembled. Although I do some sewing every day to keep making progress. Hoping for the best outcome, so far so good with the dolls. Do something creative for yourself this month, even if it's something small.

Keeping it Creative,

Maureen
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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