As of late I’ve been inspired by that interesting transitional period in women’s dress, around the end of the 1780s and into the 1790s. Many things changed – the waistline of gowns,…
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V81: Vintage Early 1930s Sporty “Nurse” Shoes
I’ve been lurking around eBay, looking for vintage shoes. I’ve fed my addiction recently with 3 pairs, all former shop displays from the 1930s. These are my faves. If only I could…
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V80: Petersham vs. Grosgrain Ribbon
What is the difference between Petersham and Grosgrain ribbon? Both ribbons are ribbed and have a matte finish, but there is one really big difference, the edge finish. Grosgrain ribbon has a…
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V79: ASTORIA Important Information – Please Read
My Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, Astoria, our latest shoe style and our most successful product to date, in the largest and most important order we’ve ever placed, was delivered to us this…
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V78: 1950s “Ladies Who Lunch” Outfit
I gave my presentation on hats, 1850-1960, yesterday, and wore something I thought was appropriate for an afternoon luncheon. Dress: made from vintage Butterick 8154 Hat: vintage mink “caterpillar” toque found in…
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V77: Green Shoes Throughout History
1720-50; The Met Today I’m giving my presentation on hats, but my heart belongs to shoes. 🙂 It’s Saint Patrick’s Day, so how about celebrating with a look at green shoes throughout…
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V76: A Late Elizabethan Portrait…with Shoes
It’s busy times here at ADHQ, so I’ll make today’s post quick. This is one of my favorite portraits, a lady thought to be Vere Egerton, Mrs William Booth, attributed to Robert…
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V75: The True Origin of “Mad as a Hatter”
Here’s a random bit of trivia for you to pull out at your next Mad Men cocktail party… The Mad Hatter, illustration by John Tenniel , 1865 Where Does the Phrase “Mad as a…
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V74: Thoroughly Modern Millie
Today’s post is brief because I’m slammed with stuff-that-isn’t-sewing-stuff (argh). It’s the opening credits from one of my favorite films ever, “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” starring Julie Andrews. I won’t explain it; I’ll…
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V73: A Brief History of Feathers-on-Hats
via I’ve been researching hats lately, and came across some fascinating information concerning feathers. We all know the iconic mega-feathered hats of the Edwardian era. The Edwardians were particularly enamored with plumage,…
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V72: Kensington/Courage 18th Century Shoes & Movie Giveaway WINNER
Congratulations to Rebecca Abram! Rebecca, you won your choice of red or black Kensington 18th century leather shoes, and a DVD set of “Courage, New Hampshire.” Please contact me at [email protected] to…
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V71: Hats of the 19teens – Choices, Choices
Today I am researching hats 1850 through 1960s, in preparation for a presentation next week at the Churchill County Museum. I am camped out at Starbucks, raiding all of The Dreamstress’ pinboards,…
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V70: Red Shoes Throughout History
Museum of London: Mules, 1651 Okay, so maybe I’m a little obsessive about red shoes, lol. Here are some red shoes throughout history… The Met – ver y eraly 18th c. Unsure…
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V69: Vintage 1920s/30s Hair Clip Results and Photos
Yesterday I played around with some vintage hair waving clips I picked up at Sacramento Antiques last month. Remember these?… 1930s aluminum hair waving clips, and dog hair. I used them on…
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V68: Operations Petticoat: Two Finished 18th Century Petties
I finally finished two Georgian petticoats that seem to have taken me forever to do. Petticoats are supposed to be easy, right? Celadon green silk petticoat with pinked ruffle, sheer embroidered apron,…
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V67: The Red Shoes, The Pretty Red Shoes
On Facebook, Pamela charged me with finding portraits, fashion plates, and extant examples of red 18th century shoes, and I went a little bonkers and hunted down all sorts of images, so…
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V65: Kensington Pre-Sale Now Open, and Enter the Kensinton-Courage Giveaway
“Kensington” 18th Century Leather Shoes Ruby Red or Coal Black Pre-Order Now Open March 5- 19, 2012 On Sale – $99 ($120) Click Here Ordering is unlimited on all women’s USA sizes…
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V64: My Grandmother’s Birthday
Happy Sunday! Today my Grandmama is 88 years old. I’m off to go and have a visit with her, before resuming my regularly scheduled petticoat sew-a-thon.
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V63: Georgian Miniature Portraits
Mrs Oakeley, by John Smart, 1780s Happy Saturday! Here are a few 18th century miniatures, a lovely little (literally) art form that began life in the 16th century, and was known as…
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V62: The Hairstylings of Madame de Pompadour, by Legros de Rumigny
Lovely reader Ceselha, of the blog “My Stubby Fingers…” pointed me to two books on ladies’ hairstyling, from 1768, entitled ” L’Art de la Coeffure des Dames Francoises,” and a supplement to…