Saturday, January 21, 2023

New Year- New Dolls

Starting out the new year on a strong swing, I was able to complete two dolls this week. Specifically using clothing materials exclusively from my stash, so nothing is newly bought for these dolls. Although they are a bit different from my normal repertoire of dolls; focusing on the early 17th silhouette and the kits I used melanin-blessed ladies.  

I found some African American porcelain angel doll heads and hands on Etsy, I wanted to add representation to my doll collection for a while. Finding kits with good hairstyles that would work within the time frame and for hats is difficult, no matter the kit. The dolls you see I make here are part of my personal collection that is now in cases in my room.  Which will later appear in my book regarding late medieval and early Renaissance Fashion Dolls.

The purchased branded dolls are part of the collection too but those are more for decoration and are changed out periodically in the living room. The largest amount of artist dolls I own are by Brenda Price, then three by Kathy Redmond, and two Santos Dolls by an unknown maker. I do have two Clothitique dolls one is Mary Queen of Scots and the other is Elizabeth I of England, those were the only two queens they did from the time frame of my study. So when I do come across even a dressed statuary that has fabric clothing it's a genre between dolls and statues similar to the Santos doll concept. Although more secular and modern versions of similar techniques, tend to be seen in high-end home decor modernly.

I did buy feet for these recently completed dolls to stand on but they are too large for the scale of the upper extremity. Not always able to figure out the scale from pictures online, will save the two sets for a later project. I put it together and they looked all wrong.  So I opted to use the cone method for the lower part of the doll, which makes them more stable not needing doll stands at all. The cone method of doll construction is very tabletop-friendly for any companion you choose to create. Although this style is expecting some clothing for a loose-skirted variety for the base to cover the cone.  I used a wooden plaque on the bottom inside the linen base fabric for weight and stuffed the base with poly stuffing. 

After the dolls were assembled, it was time to determine the type of dress to make with accessories. So I knew I wanted the 17th-century time frame, it was just figuring out the style and time frame. So I went with early 1620-1630 court outfits. The ruff is different but still used with these gowns. I opted for the standing ruff with the choice of pointed lace, although in real life it would fall without starch.

A lace-edged silk-like bonnet head-covering is still needed for these dolls. Also, some chain or beaded necklaces are also needed to complete the accessories. Although I was able to complete the gowns and ruffs this week was a majority of the sewing work. The finishing touches are the next phase. I am planning these carefully, as I want the headgear to be tied on and removable.

Here is to the New Year and new progress,

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