Friday, February 27, 2026

Honors Keep Coming

        I thought the academic world was done with my dolls and research, with the citation from 2022 in Embroidering Her Truth: Mary Queen of Scots and the Language of Power.  That work by Clare Hunter referencing my 2013 doll project, Pandora's Box: Replica of a 16th Century Extant Fashion Doll. Seems this one project I created 13 years ago has become my minor claim to fame, so to speak.

    Within the recent months, I was asked to provide some research on the same doll replica fashion doll for an upcoming museum exhibition called "Doll Dressing" in the Autumn of 2026 by the museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. It's an honor just to be considered for exhibiting in any museum, but better at a fashion institute with notable alumni in the fashion industry. 
            Photo and description credited to the Museum at Fashion Institute of Technology and Dr. Colleen Hill.


    Of course I accepted the offer. Including my doll being photographed, more than likely a write-up about the project research for the Doll Dressing exhibition book. I am sending in my doll in mid-summer. Expecting the museum to gather the objects for planning the space and order would be important. Also needing time for professional photography for the book, so it can be sent to print in advance, is key. Can imagine all the weeks of work the staff undertakes to get these organized and set up for an exhibition. It will be a learning process to see how it comes together. Including my role, if any, in undertaking tasks for an exhibit opening evening.  Just the book alone has that task organized to be printed by the time for sale before the exhibition. 

    Seems when good things happen to it, they all happen at once, not a one-at-a-time kind of time frame. Must take the good with the bad, as previously this was part of the exchange of good and bad in life. Since this good news happened close to receiving my writ for the Most Noble Order of the Laurel. This has been a lot of information and planning over the past few months. I have now fully absorbed the gravity of the honors and can talk about it more candidly. This is quite the wave. I am going to do my best to surf it with grace towards the opportunities that may open up on this more national stage.

    The bad being my employer of over 10 years let me go, I did find full-time employment within 6 days of being let go. Luckily, most bills are paid, and student loans are fully paid off by another good in 2025. So, just house bills, some money is better than no money. Reorganized my bedroom desk and added more of my dolls, since the computer and monitors are gone and sent back. Going to make this my bedroom workshop for dolls and research.  This is not a setback; it is an opportunity to secure local, long-term employment for me.  Onwards and upwards to better things!

A Doll Artisan,

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