Hi Again! Abby here, fulfilling my promise from last week that we were going to release the second part of our conversation with the incredible Jenny Tiramani. This week’s episode is just…
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The “En Fourreau” Myth
NOPE In our modern world there is much of the past that has been obscured. Looking through the lens of time, especially when you have to peer through the film of the…
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Podcast Episode 21: Jenny Tiramani & Patterns of Fashion 5 Book Release, Part 1
Hi Everyone! Hooray! A new podcast episode! This week’s episode has Lauren and I sitting down with the incredible Jenny Tiramani from the School of Historical Dress, to discuss their newest publication Patterns…
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Simplicity Patterns Now Available on AmericanDuchess.com
Hi! This is just a quick announcement to let you know that we now have all of our American Duchess Simplicity costume patterns available at AmericanDuchess.com, woo! You’ll find Simplicity 8161 and…
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The State of the Book (2) Address
Abby works on Cynthia’s (Redthreaded) hair while I photographs each step for “The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Beauty,” coming July 2019. Hi! I’ve been a pretty terrible blogger again this…
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A Little History of “Vienna” Victorian Congress Boots
With the release of our shiny new “Vienna” Congress Boots this season, we thought we’d give a little history of this interesting, rather special kind of footwear. In the US the elastic-sided…
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Fall Pre-Order is OPEN!
American Duchess F/W2018 Pre-Order is open Aug 30 – Sept 20 at AmericanDuchess.com Ladies! It’s time for NEW historic shoes and boots! It’s “go big or go home” this Fall and we’ve…
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The Eternal Sunshine of the 18th Century Gown
This year at Costume College it really was all very, very yellow This year I kindof copped out at the Costume College Gala…but in a very Georgian way. I can’t really say…
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Where to Find Great War Era Sweaters
Original advertisement for 1919 sweaters – image from Wearing History (click through to visit her blog post on these sweaters) I don’t know about you, but when I see September on the…
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The Green Goblin – 1790s Dress – For Real This Time
Nicole, me, and Samantha in our Regency gowns at Costume College 2018 I promised finished-dress-worn photos of this little devil of a 1790s project, so here goes… I was quite pleased and…
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Jane Austen Festival, 2018
Maggie, Abby, and Nicole looking gorgeous at Jane Austen Festival, 2018 Jane Austen Festival in Louisville, Kentucky, marks the center point of the year. This event always takes place in mid-July at…
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A Little History of “Sophie” 18th Century Mules
The Laundress, 1761, by Greuze Mules! (AKA Slippers!) Did you know that mules were incredibly common in the 18th century? Women of all social classes wore them in various materials (silk, wool,…
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The Green Goblin: A 1790s Round Gown
The remainder…. It’s a few days before Jane Austen Festival in Louisville, Kentucky, and I’ve stitched the last stitch of a new gown for this year’s event. And what a horror it…
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The 7 Stages of Piecing
There are very few historical projects I’ve made over the years that have gone totally smoothly. In fact, I can think of one. Every other gown I’ve made, and a heck of…
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Lost In New York: Redthreaded and American Duchess Hit the Big Apple
Adventures in New York City! Back in May I visited New York City…again…it’s becoming a weirdly regular occurrence and that’s no bad thing. I love NYC. I love it – magical things…
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PRE-ORDER: Kensingtons for ALL!
My lovelies, today we have a *major* announcement for you. Lovers of 18th century costume rejoice, for our most popular “Kensington” 18th century shoes are now available in a range of colors…and…
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New Kensingtons Are Coming…
Ladies, we have a *big* announcement coming soon… If you want the inside scoop, click through to sign up for the email notification list.
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How to Fit 18th Century Shoe Buckles
You’ve just got yourself a fine new pair of American Duchess 18th century shoes and you ordered some sparkly 18th century shoe buckles to go with them. Now what? Fitting shoe buckles…
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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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I’m Going “Durrells” For the Summer
Or forever. Fans Addicts of British television will be familiar with the wonderful series “The Durrells” (or “The Durrells in Corfu” if you’re here in the US where for some reason we…