Hey everyone! Tomorrow begins our first official Photo Contest on Facebook! The theme is loosely “winter wonderland” – starting tomorrow, click on the “Photo Contest” tab under our cover photo, and upload…
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The Marriage of Albert Roberts and Margaret Emily Waterman, October 1813
This past October, Chris and I had the honor of capturing the wedding of our dear friends Maggie and Robert, who were joined together forever in the chapel at The Hermitage in…
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1879 Tea Gown: Mocking Up and Sketching
Last night, I jumped into working on this 1879 gown, for our tea on December 14th. I was so anxious to see what resulted from the Wearing History 1879 Dinner Bodice pattern,…
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Book Review: “Embellishments: Constructing Victorian Detail” by Astrida Schaeffer
Embellishments: Constructing Victorian Detail Astrida Schaeffer (c) 2013 by Astrida Schaeffer ISBN 978-1-938394-04-1 Many of us have been anticipating Astrida’s book “Embellishments” for quite some time. I was happy to receive it…
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18th Century Mules in Art
Some of you may be wondering how, when, and where to wear the new “Antoinette” 18th century mules, thinking they look oh-so delicate, and not at all practical for anything. To answer…
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Dyeing Those Dyeable Ivory Leather Boots (or Shoes)
Those of you who have been following for awhile will hear me go on and on about “dyeable ivory” this, and “dyeable ivory” that, when it comes to the leather shoes in…
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Seeking Adventure in 1879, But 1880 Will Do, Too
I’m having that…that feeling. It’s an exciting but terrible feeling, the one that comes with being in the middle of one complex project, but wanting to start another complex project right away.…
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Glorious 18th Century Mules, and some 19th Century Wanna-Be’s
Antoinette mules in French blue Today is the day to celebrate mules, those pretty little backless, heeled slippers that have been gracing the feet of ladies for hundreds of years. In honor…
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More LACMA Sacque-Ma Progress
Yesterday I was worried that I wasn’t going to have enough fabric to do the trimmeries on the LACMA sacque, but today, oddly enough, I think it will all be okay. Here’s…
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Non-Matching Trim Options for Robes a la Francaise
So as I bimble along on this LACMA-Sacque-ma, diligently cutting out all the many pieces, and saving every little scrap, I’m getting the feeling that I’m not going to have enough fabric…
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My Utterly Ridiculous Pierrot Clown Costume – Halloween 2013
Well, I might have been stitching up to the last day, but I did finish my utterly ridiculously Pierrot clown costume. Here it is, in all its silliness: From my initial post…
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LACMA Sacque-ma: Beginning the Robe
I’ve finally started in earnest on the LACMA Sacque-ma. For a reminder, because it’s been too long since I posted about this, here’s the original dress: LACMA, 1765 I don’t have any…
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Romantic Era Gowns – c. 1820s-1830s
I have a bit of an itch to make something late 1820s, 1830s. Crazy, I know. Crazy GIGOT SLEEVES! Crazy! But…but…some are quite pretty. And it’s a most unloved era. I feel…
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Costume Clear-Out on Etsy
Right, here we go. I’ve spent today photographing and listing a bunch of my old creations on Etsy. Here they are. Click the photo to go to the listing. First come, first…
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Turning Over A New (Silk) Leaf
This 17th c. gown is one I’d like to re-make, in silk satin, so I’m going to sell this version on Every once in awhile there comes a time when just about…
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Green Gowns of the 18th Century
I have a house full of people here for The Wedding, so forgive me for being quite absent. It’s all a bit mad here! So in honor of the Historical Sew Fortnightly…
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The Angel Wing Bum, 1785
Save for one tiny bit of stomacher fabric, my wedding gown is DONE! *happy dance* Last week, when sorting out hems and skirt volumes, I decided I needed a new bum. The…
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Astoria! Astoria!
Somewhere along the way a rumor developed that “Astoria,” our most popular shoe, like, ever, was being discontinued. Well I’m happy to report that discontinued Astorias are NOT! It’s taken some time…
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Important Announcement from American Duchess Historical Footwear
Okay, lads and ladies, it’s time for me to put my business hat on and make a very important announcement. On Monday, October 14th, the prices on some of our shoes will…
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My October Wedding Inspiration
Via In ten days is my wedding. The dress is nearing completion. The florist, the caterer, the photographers, the decor, all of that is lined up. The leaves are turning, the mountain…