Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Violet Fashion Doll

 

This doll I happened to find at goodwill. She was part of a series of dolls by Cracker Barrel that followed fashion from various periods in American History. Violet is her name and she originally was from 1940’s I kept her ray one gown and refashioned her in more of an Italian gown of 1510. 

 Violet had some nice shoes that I kept and I took all the ruffled beaded trim added it to her new hat and neckline. Added pearls and garnet jewelry for effect. Left her earrings as they worked with the colors of her gown. This gown is more a combination of styles than strict to one. This was more a play on color and texture and seeing how well I could change the gown from 20th century to 16th century. 

The lavender color of the undergown really worked with the darker color or the Liberty of London fabric. This happened to be fabric I picked up at the flag shop store in London during the Autumn of 2023 on honeymoon. This is a silk charmeuse in an art nouveau floral pattern. The pearls I had in my stash and found one that would frame the hood nicely.

Normally I would use a white or black silk for the veil but happened to be really good with fabric use and had some for a veil. So I lined it in the changeable gold and purple silk from a sari that was also used to line the entire darker material. The only item that was not used was the flatter hat that was fabric covered in the first picture. I did use the faux fir to edge the hanging sleeves. 
The image to the left shows the garnet and pearl jewelry I used to accentuate the neckline of this outfit. The garnet jewelry is from Temu and the pearls I made and accumulated from Michaels before they changed their jewelry section. I am very pleased with how this look came out and really plays off each other. Surprised to be honest I was thinking there might be more issues with blending styles.  
Definitely there was not any issues. Sometimes her look reminds me of the ladies on the Flemish hunting tapestries and the French unicorn tapestries. Their outfits are almost fanciful like in their length and color palate. I was thinking of that while I was making Violets court clothing. So I would say there was influence from these sets of tapestries. 


Pleased as Punch,

Mairin the Dollmaker 

Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

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