Friday, March 17, 2023

Winning in Miniature


In the meantime, I have my other doll to finish which is turning out well. I have to make a hat finish trim too but it’s shaping up. Hoping the hat can help me settle some proportion issues since the head is smaller than what I wanted but the 16th-century headdress can work out some of that with its lofty shapes. The gown has a white satin and black velvet theme with gold leafy trim that is quite fetching.  The ruff in the latter style is larger than I normally go for but I am hoping the headdress can balance it all out. More to come on hat shenanigans. 

Update! I was able to find more of the leafy gold trim to fully complete the black overgrown trim. Also found more of the Laurel wreath-like metallic trim but for some change decided to mix metals and put some silver on the base of the underskirt. The over gown is a little short so the hem is seen all the way around. I didn’t have enough of the gold to go all the way around. So I used the silver Laurel trim to fill in the back and frame the front, which tuned out spectacularly in my opinion. 

Yay, dolls are in progress, the finishing touches are the best part! I made an oblong train of the gold leafy trim in the middle of the underskirt to tie the two trims together, as the Laurel trim was also put on the front of the stomacher. Now all that needs sorting is a proper wired-edged lace-trimmed hat of the period. I have some trim in reserve for the hat.

Changed the ruff to a smaller style, as it was pushing on the hat and making it difficult to keep it on the doll’s head. So went with a smaller ruff and made the attifet hat. This headdress looks a little taller than I would like. Although since I do not have a doll wig to style, I am not able to manipulate hair to make it all tie together. The lace allows me to do an optical illusion to make the sculpted hair look better. The wire definitely added height. All in all, it does complete the look,

Finally figured out the Attifet bonnet situation. Had to sew some parts to keep the wire from being too strong and trying to miss shape the bonnet altogether. I actually won a competition on Facebook for this doll. I am part of a group that is called Sca Miniatures. This group has monthly competitions/challenges based on a theme. I don’t normally enter, as I like to encourage others to make items that are small in size although my recent doll really fit into this month, theme of doll clothes. So I entered and won!  I will receive a miniature scroll very shortly, and I will make sure to have a picture on here for that. I named the doll Monique.  I am trying to decide whether or not to include the miniature scroll in her doll case. It’ll all depend on how it looks and if it’s possible to have her hold it.

Excited,

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