Woot! The first project of 2015 is complete, and piece #1 of my Robe a la Turque is ready. Refashioned red petticoat with apron This petticoat was once a sad, sad tube.…
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Costume Analytics: What Is a Robe a la Turque Anyway?
It’s been a long time since I’ve done a Costume Analytics, but I’ve found myself entering “new territory” with a type of 18th century gown I *thought* I understood until I took…
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Our Trip to England in Photos
For Christmas and New Years Chris and I went to England, where Chris is from, to visit family and be tourists. Chris wanted to show me where he grew up, and all…
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My 2014 Year In Review
Gosh but a year is a long time. We often don’t even realize how much we’ve made in just 365 days, so it’s wonderful to look back. I started a lot of…
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1740s Scottish Tartan Outfit – Done!
1740s Scottish working woman’s tartan wool ensemble (Here’s another I’m posting about from *the future* – ah, how remiss in never finishing up these projects! But here goes…) There wasn’t much for…
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1919 Red Russian Winter Suit – Done!
The final 1919 suit worn together for a holiday event. I love how this came out! I learned a lot about tailoring (what little I did on the collar), piecing faux fur,…
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The 10-Day Tailoring Challenge – Completed in 8 Days!
Well, here it is, my 1935 jacket, on my body. I’m super proud of this project, even with all the mistakes I made. It’s wearable and looks pretty alright (please forgive my…
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My 10-Day Tailoring Challenge
About 7 days ago I decided to start a tailoring project. Years ago I received McCall 8420, a 1935 pattern with a skirt and kinda-half-Norfolk jacket. The pattern was my grandmama’s, who…
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Antique Edwardian Shoe Rehab
I’m going to call it rehab instead of restoration, because these shoes were in a *state.* They were sent to me by a lovely follower who saw the potential in a pair…
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The Late 1860s Aubergine Ballgown
Me and Kristen at the ball – photo by Nevada Live Magazine I couple weekends ago I was all a-tussle finishing the evening bodice for my new purple 1860s gown. I intended…
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Introducing “Belleclaire” Edwardian Pumps – Pre-Order!
Darlings, meet “Belleclaire,” our second Exclusive design chosen by you! Based on a pair of 1900-1910 satin pumps in Les Arts Decoratifs, these Edwardian stunners will pair wonderfully with any formal attire,…
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Bellas Hess & Co. 1917-1918 Fashion Catalogue – Free Download!
Ladies, I didn’t quite get through this insane project before Thanksgiving, and I am still working on the print-on-demand book, but for those of you that would like the digital copy, you…
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21 Gift Ideas for the Historical Costumer
Gosh, are you ready for the holidays? If you’re wondering what to get for the historical costumer in your life…or you need to gently hint to someone about what *you* would like……
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Introducing “Victoria” Carriage Boots
Today’s post is all about carriage boots. I’m maybe a little TOO excited about our new “Victoria” Carriage Boots…I’m…well…wearing them right now. They went to Starbucks with me this morning, and now…
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Advertise in December!
Do you have a costume-related business that needs a boost over this holiday season? Why not try an advert here on the American Duchess blog? At a low cost and large banner…
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#ShopSmall Today and Support Small Business
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And Now…The American Duchess “Silver Belles” SALE!
Ladies, and accompanying Gentlemen, it’s time to kick off the Winter festivities with a SALE! We have new styles just come in, restocked old favorites, and have put a bunch of other…
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1860s Purple People Eater – Finished, Just Barely! and the Magic of Gored Skirts
This past Tuesday I was in a mad rush to finish the day version of my 1860s purple gown, just in time for the tree lighting ceremony downtown. This was about 2:00…
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Preview Pages from the Bellas Hess 1917-18 Winter Catalogue
I recently received a number of vintage and antique catalogs, from my good friend Lady Carolyn. Most of them – Delineators, McCalls, Bella Hess – are in very fragile condition, but appear…
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1860s Purple People Eater Ballgown Bodice – Musings
In my mad rush to get three pieces of 1860s attire (and let’s not even think about the accessories) done in time for a bevy of upcoming Victorian Christmas events, I’ve been…
