I’ve been away for *ages,* so sorry! Some things happened – some good, some bad – and of course I’ve been in Colonial Williamsburg for the past week and without time/computer/sleep enough…
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1740s Riding Habit Waistcoat and Shirt
It’s been a flurry of sewing madness here, getting ready for Colonial Williamsburg next week. I’ve ripped into a lot of garments, and made some pretty big changes to many – necklines…
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“Nankeen” Regency Boots Giveaway WINNER!
Wow, with over 1000 entries, it was tough competition for the “Nankeen” Regency boots giveaway. Alas, a winner was selected, at random, and that winner is… Olivia H. Congratulations! Now, I know…
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More On Nankeen Fabric and Boots in the Regency
Dames a la Mode, Lady’s Museum, 1804 There have been a few questions about Nankeen fabric and its uses in the Regency, so here’s a bit more information about it. Special thanks…
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Too Many Costumes, Not Enough Time!
Have you ever felt this way? I’ve been diligently working out the kinks in my 18th century wardrobe for Colonial Williamsburg, in two weeks (eek!), but as I near the end of…
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Nankeen Regency Boots Giveaway!
It’s time for another awesome giveaway for a pair of American Duchess shoes – this time it’s our “Nankeen” Regency Half-Boots -OR- Store Credit equivalent! Most of you are familiar with you…
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Introducing and Celebrating Nankeen Regency Boots
Today is the day for our latest historical shoe – “Nankeen” Regency Boots! Nankeen boots were an early 19th century fabric walking boots with adjustable lacing closure. Just like boots of old,…
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Re-Fit ALL the Things!
The Met, 1774-93 – Evidence of a gown let out to accommodate wide shoulders. As you all know, in our sewing journeys, no matter the years that have passed, things change. Our…
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Elizabethan Costume Modeling at Nevada Museum of Art
This past weekend I modeled again for the painting class at the Nevada Museum of Art. It’s quite an enjoyable experience, even though sitting still for 3 hours is difficult. I enjoy…
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Behind the Scenes at the Antoinette/Highbury Photoshoot
Last week Chris and I worked on a new shoot for Antoinettes and Highbury. We wanted to create a ladies’ boudoir space, similar to the interiors in these paintings: Francois Boucher, La…
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Happy Valentine’s Day!
…here’s a pink dress… LACMA, 1830 It’s a dress I’m madly in love with. It’s the kind of painful sort of love that makes me want to attempt to make this, but…
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LACMA Sacque – Done! And I Love It!
Sometimes it’s really does pay off to just press through the rough patches and finish a costume, even if you hate every stitch along the way. I’m glad I finished this one.…
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Please Vote for the New February Shoe…
It’s that time again, dears! What shall be the next offering from AD? Up for consideration are: The new Georgiana Georgiana (est. $120 – $140 retail) Made of improved fabric, on Kensington’s…
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LACMA Sacque – The Home Stretch (Maybe?)
I have been working on this gown on-and-off for, gosh, a year? I’m ready for it to be done, but not willing to put in the effort to get it there, lol.…
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18th Century Riding Habit Waistcoats for Women
Lately I’ve been working on a waistcoat to go under my Snowshill riding habit. I really love the look of this menswear inspired style, but before jumping in, I needed to take…
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Interview with Merja of “Before the Automobile”
Today’s seamstress needs no introduction. She is renowned world-wide for her gorgeous costuming, amazing fit, brilliant styling, and – oh!- that silhouette! Merja Palkivaara of “Before the Automobile” and “The Aristocat” is…
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American Duchess Shoe Shop Announcements
Howdy! Today I have a couple shop announcements for you. First… Imperfects Sale We have quite a few styles available, but only a small and random selection of sizes in each. The…
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Accessorizing for Williamsburg: The Do-It-Again-George Cape-Mantle-Thing
Of course, my cape looks nothing like this… I’m off and running on my Williamsburg accessories. Feeling good about the muff, I jumped into making a cloak…something simple, easy, quick, right? Uh,…
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Accessorizing for Williamsburg: An 18th Century Fur Muff
On my list of things to make for our March trip to Williamsburg was a fur muff to keep the hands warm, in case of chilly weather. Mrs. Wilbraham Bootle, 1781 by…
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Accessorizing for Williamsburg, 2014
For once I have a decent number of gowns to wear to a big event, but what I *don’t* have is a selection of accessories to help with what might be quite…
