Thank you to everyone who left incredibly helpful comments on yesterday’s petticoat post. Last night I went for it with implementing each of the changes suggested, to see what effect they had.…
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LACMA Sacque-ma: The Petticoat, and Why Bigger Isn’t Always Better
I spent this past weekend toiling on a “simple” petticoat for my first Robe a la Francaise ensemble, inspired by this gorgeous sacque in LACMA: I thought it would be a quick…
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My 18th Century “Weddingote”
So….I’m gettin’ married. (Woohoo!!) I’ve been a bit buried in all things wedding, with an additional layer of all things shoes on top, and I realize I totally haven’t posted about this!…
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White/Ivory 18th Century Gown Inspiraton
I just received 10 yards of delicious ivory silk taffeta, and I’m just *itching* to make something (or a lot of somethings) out of it. Of course I’m thinking along 18th century…
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Finished Project: 18th Century Grand Panier
And my, what a big panier it is! I purchased the now-out-of-print Simplicity 3635 pattern on eBay a few weeks back. The package contains patterns for stays, pockets, a chemise, and a…
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WINNER: Highbury Giveaway!
Wowza, guys, the Highbury giveaway was splendid! With nearly 1000 entries, all the sharing really helped get the word out about Highbury, and helped us reach the manufacturing goal. Woot! Now the…
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Victorian Boots & Accessories Survey – Please Help!
Hi Ladies! As always, I am working on improving our historical footwear and accessories, and am in need of some information about your shapely gams. The most difficult part of creating our…
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1912 “Titanic Tea” Day Dress – Complete!
Hey everyone! I made a DRESS! And then I WORE it! I’ve been seriously spazzy with completing costumes this year, so despite this “simple” 1912 frock stressing me the heck out, and…
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GIVEAWAY: Win a Pair of “Highbury” Regency Shoes!
It’s giveaway time again! Up for grabs this time is a pair of “Highbury” Regency Slippers, in dyeable satin, OR an AmericanDuchess.com gift card equivalent to the retail value of USD 80.00.…
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Behind the Scenes with the “More Than Just A Costume” Gainsborough Photo Shoot
Howdy! I’ve had some questions about the most recent images I created, inspired by Gainsborough’s portrait of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, so I’m going to show you a little behind-the-scenes of how…
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Finished Project: Regency Half Stays
They ain’t pretty, but they seem to get the job done… I’ve finally finished something! I’ve been experimenting with Regency stays for a bit, trying out different designs, and I think I’ve…
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Will The Real French Heels Please Stand Up?
My latest eBay acquisition thrills me to no end. Thanks to Lauren M. of Wearing History, who sent me the link to these – a box of eight “Lynn Wood” French heels…
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Special Event: “Kensington” Black Leather Colonial Shoes Re-Pre-Order
Hey all! So…we’ve run out of black Kensingtons. Yep, there are, like, five pairs left. So I thought I’d try something new – a “Re-Pre-Order,” to help us raise funds for the…
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Why Make Historical Shoes?
Lauren W. models a powder blue 1740s riding habit, surrounded by Kensington and Pompadour 18th century shoes This month marks the two year anniversary of starting the Historical Footwear side of this…
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Interview with Karen Bowler of “Classic Costume”
Hi all! It’s been some time since we last interviewed a savvy historical costumer. Today I’ve interviewed Karen of “Classic Costume,” a custom maker of some seriously gorgeous 18th century and Regency…
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ORANGE! Regency Test Dress In Progress
Howdy! I’ve been battling to get my sewing mojo back recently, and thought I would test out a quick n’ easy Regency pattern I’ve had in my stash for some time –…
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Introducing “Highbury” Dyeable Satin Regency Flat – Pre-Order April 1st!
I’m excited to be presenting our new dyeable Regency shoe, Highbury. I’ve been working on this one for quite some time, getting the shape just right, and finding the best dyeable fabric…
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1880s Green Acres Gown: Steampunkin’ Photo Shoot Preview
Happy Easter! Yesterday was photo shoot day with one of my favorite girls, Angie, wearing one of my favorite gowns, the 1880s giant green bustle dress. I can’t wait to share the…
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Sewing Cake “Pavlova” Pattern 1940s Photo Shoot
Howdy! Back in January, I worked on a “collabvertisement” with Steph C. of “Cake Patterns,” to showcase one of her awesome, indie, vintage-inspired patterns, “Pavlova.” It was a freezing cold day, but…
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Restoring Antique Shoes – How to Polish Leather Shoes
Ever since I started collecting antique shoes, I’ve been a little obsessive about restoration, primarily bringing leather shoes back from the dead. I look for the *worst* leather shoes on eBay and…
