I’ve been obsessed with bright yellow 18th century (and Regency) gowns for awhile now, and yet I still don’t have one. The marigold hue is swoon-worthy, but also intimidating, but now it’s…
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Buyer’s Guide to 18th Century Cotton Floral Prints
One question I receive a lot is, “where do I find appropriate 18th century floral prints?” I realize that it’s taken *years* to source these out, so to save you time (and…
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The Beginnings of a Little Pierrot Jacket…Finally
This weekend I knuckled down, found some motivation, and did some honest-to-goodness historical sewing. I’ve had this gorgeous Colonial Williamsburg print since 2012, but it’s taken me this long to make it…
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Introducing the New “Georgiana” 18th Century Shoes, And How to Dye Them Perfectly
Today, after years of re-development, I’m happy to announce that “Georgiana” 18th century shoes have returned! “Georgiana” was the first American Duchess shoe style ever, but after we sold out of our…
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My New Old WWI Blouse
Last month, directly after our annual Titanic Tea, I went a-hunting on eBay and found this lovely blouse. I’m sure with more research I could date this to a more specific year,…
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A New 1950s Dress for Me
I managed to sew something…or…*finish* something, I should say. Yippee! A simple dress with a figure-skimming, yet relaxed, fit. I needed a quick-and-easy project to get me excited about costuming again. 20th…
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The Reno Tweed Ride: Inspiration
Coming up in June, our local Steampunk group is hosting the first Reno Tweed Ride, wherein a lot of nutters dress up in, well, tweed, and ride bicycles through Downtown Reno. Yes,…
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An Original “Astoria” Edwardian Shoe Restored
A little while ago, our wonderful customer Deb found an original “Astoria” shoe languishing in an antique shop. She asked if I’d like to have it, to which I enthusiastically responded, “absolutely!”…
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On Location at Bacon’s Castle – Journey to the 17th, 18th, and 19th Centuries
The Lady of Portland House shines in “Antoinette” Mules in blue While I was in Virginia this past March, I had the opportunity to work with some truly wonderful ladies at a…
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18th c. Quilted Petticoat Progress
I realize I did a lot of work for my trip to Colonial Williamsburg that I then didn’t finish in time…and didn’t share with you. Followers on Facebook will know I found…
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Shoe News from American Duchess
I’ve been deep in the Caverns of Business, carefully setting up lots of exciting new things for you guys – new collaborations, bunches of new styles for Summer and Fall, and re-ordering…