Tuesday, June 18, 2024

Aethelmearc Academy

Had a fantastic weekend at Aethelmearc Academy. I taught my sources materials and methods doll class. If you were not able to attend, I actually do have the documentation linked on my Academia.EDU page. Which is also linked on the main page of this blog for your convenience. 

I had two people show up for my class. There were several others that were interested in going however they were working the event and of course things come up when you are running something like that. Though I do appreciate the sentiment and understand totally that things like that come up. Although I did notice we tended to have more than students at this event, which can happen.

 So since I brought several of my dolly friends with me to this event, I decided that I was going to carry one of them around with me. Last time when I was at SCA event, I had Isabel Saint de Cecile with me. So this time around, I had Lucretia with me which you can see in the picture above.

There are also happened to be someone entered into the order of the Fleur d’ Aethelmearc. As I am a member of this order, we go up to greet them during the event as a new member. I happen to be securing some handsewen details that I didn’t get to fasten down earlier on Lucretia’s clothing. And did that while court was going on, so I just carried my wee friend with me and someone thought that I was carrying a very well dressed toddler. They were a little bit unsettled, then realizing that it was a doll however, they complemented me later about Lucretia and her detailed clothing. Lucretia is 24 inches tall and I could definitely see that due to her size there could be some confusion about her being a toddler. Luckily, most of my dolls tend to be a smaller size and should hopefully be less disconcerting to most people being able to recognize that wee friend is a doll. 

This got me to thinking, many people know me for being a Dollmaker, but not necessarily get to see my work unless they’re online. So what I’m going to do going forward when I am attending an event. I am going to make sure to bring a fully dressed little friend with me along with any doll friends that I am currently making clothes for at the time. And to be honest, I enjoyed the extra comfort of snuggling with a wee friend. This was quite soothing and calming actually, I didn’t necessarily consider that it would help my anxiety. But hey, if it works, it works! 

It worked out quite nicely being at this event as there were two dolls that were being sent to me by Sca mail. Which worked out perfectly and was able to have some more friends to make wonderful garb for and just started on the one this week. 

I did list Marin the Dollmaker as a possible nickname. I just never expected folks to use it.  I’m glad that gentles have decided to pick up on the nickname. As I consider a distinct honor to be linked with the craft that I choose to pursue. Famous or infamous for one’s art or craft, there are worse things.

Had a wonderful time and look forward to my next event,

Mairin the Dollmaker

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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