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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