Hello again! Today I’m in Southern California, attending “Costume College,” an annual event chock full of classes on all kinds of costuming stuff, along with shopping, and a sweet costume tea, ice…
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V215: Interview with Alicia of “Little Bits Clothing Company”
Hi All! Today I’ve got an interview with Alicia of “Little Bits Clothing Company,” a great little business creating reproduction historical gowns of the 18th and 19th centuries, along with a whole…
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V214: 18th Century Silk Clocked Stockings Now on Pre-Order
Okay, ladies (and gents too), it’s finally time. The new clocked stockings I’ve been working on are finally available to order. Purchase yours at www.american-duchess.com . White silk stockings with black clocks,…
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V213: Extant vs. Extent – What’s the Difference?
“I’m an extant gown with a skirt of great extent” In the historical costuming world, we talk and write a lot about original garments. It’s important to get the right terminology when…
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V212: Georgian Hair Hopping
Chris and I did a photo shoot the other night, for the clocked stockings pre-sale coming up in a couple days. I wore my new “Parisian Gown,” and wanted to do a…
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V211: I Like Big Bustles and I Cannot Lie
It is rather like an insect carapace, isn’t it. Last Friday night, I took a class with the industrious Mary Crawley, leader of the local Steampunk club, High Desert Steam, to learn…
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V210: Sugarpine Living History Day 2012, and 1933 Vintage Vogue Dress
As promised, here are pics from today’s lovely event at the Ehrman Mansion, Sugarpine State Park, Lake Tahoe. Our Great Basin Costume Society group – Oscar, Debbie, Baby Autumn, Sarah, Maridy, Carolyn,…
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V209: 1933 Vintage Vogue 2671 Throwtogether
In the midst of all the mad sewing for Costume College (next week!), I thought I’d put together a simple “recharge” dress for a 1930s picnic tomorrow. So then why did I…
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V208: 1770s Chapeau de Paris Sketches
I’m winding down the Parisian Gown (at least the gown part of it), and realize I need an awesome hat to go with it. No ordinary bergere will do – I want…
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V207: August Call For Sponsors
Hi Lovelies! Do you have a business you think would benefit from advertising here on American Duchess? How about trying out a banner for the month of August (or 30 days from…
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V206: Please Vote – What Is The Circumference of Your Calf?
Why am I asking this? Well, I’d like to learn the average calf size of you lovely ladies interested in purchasing Tavistock button boots, and other future boot styles. I want to…
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V205: Nearing Completion for the Parisian Gown
I’ve been working holes into my fingers over the past week, trying to complete shiny new costumes for Costume College, the first weekend in August. I have her on my non-historical dress…
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V204: Repro Vintage Butterick Pattern Haul
Okay, so maybe Butterick patterns were on sale for 99 cents at JoAnn’s the other day, and…and maybe I bought a whole bunch of Vintage Butterick reproduction patterns. I have a weakness…for…
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V203: New Dress Design: Robe Royaliste
I don’t have enough 18th century gowns. I have jackets and things, and I do love jackets, but when it comes to full gowns, I have, like, one (soon to be two).…
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V202: Small Biz Betties: Starting and Maintaining a Blog
Hello again, and welcome to Small Biz Betties, where I share my experience in setting up a small, online costuming/crafting business. This week let’s talk about setting up and maintaining your most…
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V201: How To Make a Hedgehog Hairstyle With Your Own Hair
The late 18th century “hedgehog” hairstyle is one of the easiest coifs to create, though is can seem daunting at first. You can create this style on wigs or hairpiece, but also…
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V200: Redingote Portraits of Win
I love the 1780s and 90s, particularly the mannish styles, like the Redingote. Something about those big collars and buttons, paired with big-ass Gainsborough hats – YUM! Lady in Light Blue Gown…
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V199: Georgian Man Candy
Oh, I know you’re disappointed this post isn’t about sexy, be-wigged gentlemen on the 18th century. It’s about the kind of bling a man would have worn on his shoes (shoes, of…
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V197: Summer Tea at Carolyn’s
Today I attended a delightful Summer Tea, hosted by Carolyn and Debbie of the Great Basin Costume Society. There were lots of lovely things to eat, and lovely people with whom to…
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V196: Bastille Day Sale, July 14-15 – Vive La France!
Today and tomorrow, all 18th century items in the American-Duchess.com shop are on sale for 25% off. That includes Pompadours, Kensingtons, and Pemberlies, as well as Fleur and Dauphine shoe buckles. Visit…
