The development story of our new “Virginia” Renaissance shoes is rather a long one (but I’ll keep it short, with lots of pictures, promise!). We’ve been working on the design since March,…
Do you want Search?
Random Post
Search
Search
-
-
A Quick Look At Late Elizabethan/Early Jacobean Shoes
Today we kick off a series on European footwear at the end of Elizabeth I’s reign, and beginning of James I’s, culminating on Friday with the pre-order release of our latest early-period…
-
Regency Styles I Actually Like
…because I don’t have quite enough on my mind right now! I will admit I’m not a big fan of the Regency, on me. I love it on others – Maggie of…
-
Red Russian Doll Coat, Now Looking Like A Coat
Wow this project is kicking my buns … but in a good way! With the help of many books, not least of all Vogue Sewing, I’ve been trying some tailoring techniques, some…
-
Fall/Winter Shoes Sneak Peek
Or… “A Monday in the Life of American Duchess.” Here’s a quick snap of my sewing worktable today. Not much sewing going on, as you can see! These are the samples for…
-
Embroidered Stomachers of the early 18th Century
Every once in awhile I do some handiwork that I’m then very proud of later, and always glad I took on. Last time, it was an embroidered 18th century pocket, and this…
-
Plannings For A 1740s Scottish Ensemble
I do love me some OL and the show’s been inspiring some Scottish-themed ideas, especially since I “rediscovered” a gorgeous tartan skirt that’s been lurking in my closet the last 11 years,…
-
Civil War Gown Inspiration and Plannings
…oh yes, *plannings* ! I have terrible Costume A-D-D at the moment. Terrible. One of the many things I want to make *right now* is a new Civil War gown. I can’t…
-
My 2014 Steampunk Ball Costume – Complete!
So the ball was ages ago, but I didn’t have a good photo of my whole costume until today. As it stands, you can’t see much detail in this, but I didn’t…
-
1919 “Red Russian Doll” Coat Progress
It’s looking like a coat! The belt around the middle is just there for mocking up, and is tighter than the final belt will be. Things are going together really quite well…
-
F/W Shoes: Re-Pre-Orders Now Open
It’s that time of year, when we here at ADHQ are already getting ready for the big holiday rush. No, I’m not playing Christmas music or slurping down eggnog lattes quite yet,…
-
New Project! Russian-Inspired Late Edwardian Suit
It feels like it’s been ages since I embarked on a complex historical project, but with Winter coming, and photo shoots needing shooting, it’s time to start (yes, already!) on a project…
-
Hard Lessons in Victorian Corset Making – My “Duh” Moments…
Left side – boning, strength additions, and padding. I still have wrinkling, but it’s better than it was.Right side – no boning, no strength layers, no padding. I can make a mean…
-
I’m In Hong Kong!
Please excuse my lack of blogging this week – I’m in Hong Kong! I’ll have lots to report on when I get back – you can bet your bottom dollar I’m hitting…
-
My 5 Hour Wearing History “Smooth Sailing” Trousers
So last Thursday I made some trousers. Pants are completely terrifying to me, so I had actually bought the fabric for these trousers months ago, sat on it, and in the post…
-
Costume College: Part the Second
I’ve been bad about posting the rest of my Costume College photos, and sharing the festivities. Sorry! Better late that never, right? Here are some shots (mine unless otherwise credited) from Day…
-
How To Move the Buttons on Your American Duchess Button Boots and Shoes
It’s a question that’s been asked many a time, so here’s a handy tutorial to show you how to do it yourself. Luckily, moving the buttons on your button boots or button…
-
The Lake Tahoe Gatsby, 2014
It’s August, which means Gatsby. It’s one of my favorite events, a delightfully relaxed little picnic at the Pope Mansion in South Lake Tahoe. This year my dad came. He’s all into…
-
Belle Curves: Improving A Modern Cloche Hat
We all have them lurking in our closets, those cloche hats we’ve been collecting for years. You may have one, you may have three, or if you’re like me, you may have…
-
Costume College 2014: Part The One
So as you all know, I spent the long weekend in L.A., attending Costume College, which was, is, and shall forever be *fabulous* Between the smartphone and the 10 lb Nikon, I…
