This weekend I knuckled down, found some motivation, and did some honest-to-goodness historical sewing. I’ve had this gorgeous Colonial Williamsburg print since 2012, but it’s taken me this long to make it…
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Introducing the New “Georgiana” 18th Century Shoes, And How to Dye Them Perfectly
Today, after years of re-development, I’m happy to announce that “Georgiana” 18th century shoes have returned! “Georgiana” was the first American Duchess shoe style ever, but after we sold out of our…
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My New Old WWI Blouse
Last month, directly after our annual Titanic Tea, I went a-hunting on eBay and found this lovely blouse. I’m sure with more research I could date this to a more specific year,…
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A New 1950s Dress for Me
I managed to sew something…or…*finish* something, I should say. Yippee! A simple dress with a figure-skimming, yet relaxed, fit. I needed a quick-and-easy project to get me excited about costuming again. 20th…
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The Reno Tweed Ride: Inspiration
Coming up in June, our local Steampunk group is hosting the first Reno Tweed Ride, wherein a lot of nutters dress up in, well, tweed, and ride bicycles through Downtown Reno. Yes,…
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An Original “Astoria” Edwardian Shoe Restored
A little while ago, our wonderful customer Deb found an original “Astoria” shoe languishing in an antique shop. She asked if I’d like to have it, to which I enthusiastically responded, “absolutely!”…
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On Location at Bacon’s Castle – Journey to the 17th, 18th, and 19th Centuries
The Lady of Portland House shines in “Antoinette” Mules in blue While I was in Virginia this past March, I had the opportunity to work with some truly wonderful ladies at a…
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18th c. Quilted Petticoat Progress
I realize I did a lot of work for my trip to Colonial Williamsburg that I then didn’t finish in time…and didn’t share with you. Followers on Facebook will know I found…
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Shoe News from American Duchess
I’ve been deep in the Caverns of Business, carefully setting up lots of exciting new things for you guys – new collaborations, bunches of new styles for Summer and Fall, and re-ordering…
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Ladies’ Elizabethan Separates Explored
Last time, I was musing over trim styles on doublets, but towards the end of that post I realized that perhaps the design I had in mind was a “fair-ism,” something that…
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Elizabethan Doublet Trimming Ideas
Diane d’Andouins by Etienne Dumonstier Earlier this year, when I was feverishly sewing for Colonial Williamsburg, I put together a quick test bodice in some russet velveteen. It was just to test…
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Spring Fever: Floral Shoes!
Okay, so maybe it blew a gale and was a bit nippy today, but on the whole it’s been quite lovely here in Nevada, which has put me in mind of gardening.…
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My Annual Sewing Rut
Once again, I have absolutely no motivation to make a single stitch of anything lately. I’ve learned that this is quite normal, and that if I force the issue I’ll regret it.…
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Please Vote: Newport Historical Society “Signature Shoe” Development Poll
I’m excited to announce that American Duchess and the Newport Historical Society are teaming up to re-create one of the gorgeous Edwardian shoes in their collection, a splendid satin and metallic brocade…
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A Few Snaps from Our 3rd Annual Titanic Tea
Last weekend was our local costuming club’s first event of the year – our 3rd Annual Titanic Memorial Tea – and what a nice kick-off to “the season” it was. Due to…
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American Duchess “Spring Cleaning” Sale
It’s time for a bit of a clear out, my dears. How about a sale? Gibsons in ivory, butterscotch, and black: http://www.american-duchess.com/shoes-1920s-1930s 23Skidoos in brown/white or white/white paintable spectators: http://www.american-duchess.com/shoes-1920s-1930s Black Pompadours: http://www.american-duchess.com/shoes-18th-century/pompadour-french-court-shoe-black Imperfects –…
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Celebrating Renoir – The Artist
In the Garden, 1885 I haven’t been doing much (any) sewing since I got back from Williamsburg, so I don’t have much (any) to show in that department. Instead I’d like to…
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Renoir & Tissot Pre-Order Now Open
Right, ladies, today’s the day. At long last, “Renoir” button boots and “Tissot” Victorian pumps are available to order at AmericanDuchess.com. The pre-order will run until April 27th. Delivery is around the…
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Coming Monday: “Renoir” and “Tissot” Civil War Boots and Slippers
It’s been forever and a day that we’ve been working on these two mid-19th century shoes, but finally I have “Renoir” button boots, and “Tissot” slippers for you! Both styles are accurate…
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Interview with Cathy Hay of Your Wardrobe Unlock’d, Foundations Revealed, and The Peacock Dress
Today’s interview is with another fabulous – and famous – historical costumers, Cathy Hay. Cathy is well-known for her amazing projects, such as the Peacock Dress, and also being the savvy business…
