As autumn unfolds we have a whole bunch of glorious designs for you, but not all of them are ready at the same time, so we’re doing some “mini collections” throughout this…
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One Boot to Rule Them All
With the new Larkspur Wool and Leather Boots, we claim a rather long time period for accuracy, 1810s – 1930s. This bold statement demands evidence, so I’m here to provide it. The…
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On Cycling Costumes: Pants, Skirts, and Boots
Though some parts of the northern hemisphere may still feel as hot as summer, there’s no denying it- autumn is on its way! Therefore, we have boots on the mind. Our Adventure…
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“Prism” by American Duchess – August 2022 Pre-Order is Open!
The new “Prism” collection is now ready! This collection is all about colors, presenting several new colorways in AD classics, along with a new design in two different heel heights. Before we…
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We’re Sports People Now: A Brief History of Victorian/Edwardian Tennis Shoes
Our latest pre-order features an especially fun style; a reproduction Victorian/Edwardian sporting shoe! This shoe is the ancestor of our modern sneakers. We call our version the “Kedwardian’ (heh heh). We were…
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A Little History of Arsenic Green
There is no doubt that green is one of the more alluring, interesting, and complex colors of fashion through the ages. There are many myths around various greens and their toxicities, but…
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Heck Yeah, Witch Shoes
This month we’re all about unexpectedly ‘modern’ designs in historical fashion. The May ’22 “Avant-Garde” collection explores bold colors and geometric shapes in 1930s/40s shoes, and also an older trend, the late…
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Bold Moves – The “Avant Garde” Vintage Shoe Collection with Karolina Zebrowska
Today is quite an exciting day. We’re proud to introduce a new capsule collection in collaboration with Karolina Zebrowksa! The story of this collection is rather amusing. In 2020, Karolina posted a…
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Let’s Make Some Men’s Shoes
…for real. A couple years back we made a stab at developing a men’s historic footwear collection. We did a pump, a latchet shoe, and a boot all from around the 1780s-1810s.…
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The February 2021 Collection is Here – {Pre-Order Open!}
Time for the first collection of 2021! This year, the big plan is to do a pre-order every single month through August (yowza!). Our February collection got off to a bit of…
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My 2020 Costuming Year in Review
This has indeed been a weird, challenging, rough year. I think I’ve left my house, like, 20 times max for 10 months. During this time I feel I sewed very little, but…
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UPDATE: The Scandalous Tango Boots!
Around the time of the turn of the 20th century, a new dance craze swept the Western world. The dance was risque and immensely popular, first introduced to Paris by the sons…
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Belle Epoque Wardrobe – 1890s Linen Cycling Jacket
The finish 1890s linen cycling jacket Like many of us during this lovely pandemic, I’ve been UFO-busting for the past several months. I’ve picked up and finished so many projects – two…
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Sewing Patterns for Turn of the 20th Century Historybounders
My version of Simplicity EA258101 with alterations, paired with a split skirt from Historical Emporium I’ve been on a wardrobe-building bender lately (er, when am I ever *not* wardrobe building?) and usually in…
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History is Cool: 1890s Belle Epoque Linen Summer Blouse
Hi all! Well, during this crazy time in human history I managed to start and actually finish one (1) project, an 1890s summer shirtwaist made in lovely white linen. I’ve been wanting…
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Altering My 1860s Evening Gown
Currently on my sewing table is a “simple” alteration to my one-and-only 1860s evening gown. I made this gown, along with a matching day bodice, back in 2014 and over the years…
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#SewingIsHard – A Corded Petticoat
via I realize I never posted this video here for you guys. Abby shares her trials and tribulations in making her 1830s corded petticoat. Enjoy! If you’d like the PDF pattern and…
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An 1880s Bodice Plastron – Refit
Me and Abby in our bustle gowns – totally different styles but we actually used the same pattern for the apron. Do you ever pop into your Costume Closet to decide what…
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Time Travel: Mark Twain at Lake Tahoe, and Rendezvous in Carson City
So for all my complaining, I love this dress (now). It wore really quite well! The events of the day included a trip up to Zephyr Cove, Lake Tahoe, to scout a…
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Hey, Whatever Happened To…[1840s-50s-whatever dress]
It’s one of the many other things I haven’t been showing you. It’s not the Baroque gown, I know, but I had to get this one done for events tomorrow! Don’t hurt…