Monday, July 27, 2026

Basel Beerwives- Accessories

If the “devil is in the details”, then I am a grand servant of Satan. At least when it comes to my art and outfit fitting, all my dolls look like they’re real people. Each of the Basel Wives actually has an assortment of various accessories. I’m planning to share some pictures and details of each in this particular entry. 

Velvet Pockets are made from the same velvet ribbon that matches the colors of the wool dress that each doll wears. This ribbon was obtained from Micheal’s arts and crafts store to maintain the same dye lot of color for consistency in the designs.

Daggers with Sheaths were obtained with some creativity on my part. The sheaths were made from scrap leather sewn with waxed linen thread and dressed with 18k plated bead caps down the front. The hilt holder and clip are from jewelry parts and a necklace bale. The daggers were miniature metal pendants with a cat head on the pommel, 

Linen Aprons are made from the same linen as the shifts and haub head coverings. The aprons are made in sets of two with different arrangements of mild lace insertion for interest. 

Jewelry is unique to each doll; some are pieces that came with the original procured bride doll. This works out great, as pearls are always popular in the 16th century. Other dolls don’t have any, or the jewelry was broken from the Ashton Drake bride ensemble. So I went into my bead caddies and found scale brass beads to make strings for each doll as appropriate. 

Leather Stamped Belt was also creatively procured. As I bought 10mm lengths of strapping cut the belts to length, used an O-ring for the buckle, and punched holes for the bosses on the end of the belt for interest. These were also sewn into place with waxed linen thread.

Ceramic Steins were a find from a local thrift store in Mifflinburg at a small antique store. They are a set of four steins with a salt finish and blue. Two are lozenge patterned all the way around, one conical, the other rounded. Then the other two have sayings in German with a coat of arms device on one side. They were created as a collectible set of 2.5-inch-tall pewter-lidded ceramic steins by the Anheuser Busch company.  As a tribute to the German beer-making heritage. 

Sets of Keys were a lightening brain moment. As I found key charms at Walmart in the jewelry section. I used the bronze finish along with silver keys to show different stages of age at the top of the ring and split rings in copper to bring in various metals into the look. Each set is secured with a pin to a prong or on a ribbon to one of the velvet purses. 

Inspiration strikes in many ways,

Mairin

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