I say “sudden” because one afternoon I had no such thing, and by that evening I did, or at least half of one. But there’s been much planning and some blogging about…
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“Why Don’t I Look Right?” : Getting The Look Spot-On with Historical Costumes
I often get questions, or read comment threads, about why a historical ensemble doesn’t look just right, and it’s got me thinking about the things to consider when putting together a costume…
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American Duchess 18th century Fabric Collection (1750-1800) on Spoonflower
A couple weeks ago I went on a fabric-designing binge, fueled by my desire for 18th century historic prints. I designed a small collection based on my favorite sprigged muslins, Indienne block…
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What’s Next in the World of Historical Costuming?
Downton Abbey, 2010 No doubt our hobby of historical costuming follows trends, and usually it is very influenced by what period films have or will be coming out. For awhile it was…
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Three New Old Hats for Vintage Fun and Hattitude
I’ve listed three “new” hats in the American Duchess Boutique on Etsy, for your consideration. These are three of my favorites, especially the grey fur felt one, with the recently liberated red…
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Costume Analytics: A White Wedding Gown from Tidens Toj Museum
This time on Costume Analytics we’re going to look at a very late 18th century gown from a lovely little online collection called Tidens Toj (translated to “Future Clothes.”). I want to…
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1780s Half-Boned Stays
Finished – they close edge-to-edge across my bust, but I also like them open like this – more thrust! See the difference in shape between these and Olympe’s? In my recent obsession…
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Costume Modeling with Ron, a Photo Shoot for Future Paintings
Last weekend I had the pleasure of pulling *almost* every costume I still have out of my closet and modeling them for an outstanding illustrator, Ron Spears, who wanted to take reference…
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American Duchess on the Today Show (Squee!)
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy This is pretty awesome! Too bad the coat is sold out, lol – hope Garmz decides to do another run!
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Olympe’s Stays – Complete! Finito! Done!
I finally finished Olympe’s lovely cream, goldenrod, and powder blue stays. Finally. FINALLY. It’s only taken me FOREVER. They are too small for the smallest setting on my dress form, so just…
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Late 18th Century Skirt Supports – The Unorthodox Edition
I have received some questions from you guys asking what I wear under my petticoats to give that super-poof shape. Well…it ain’t pretty. I don’t have picture-perfect panniers, or layers and layers…
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Pet en l’Air, now on Etsy
My pretty Pet, now listed in the boutique, and on I go to the next one! CLICK HERE for the listing.
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The Pet at the “Winter Whites” Exhibition, Nevada Historical Society
This past Friday a contingent of costumed ladies and one whole gentleman attended the Nevada Historical Society’s “Winter Whites” exhibition, a small display of gowns ranging from the 1890s through the 1960s,…
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18th c. Shoes: Design Your Own
Time to be creative! While we wait for updates to the new American Duchess 18th c. Shoes, I thought it’d be fun to draw up a little template that you guys can…
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How To Make An 18th Century Petticoat
/Update: This tutorial is getting quite old! While it’s still a goodie, for a more in-depth look at how to make an 18th century petticoat stitch-by-stitch in the historically accurate 18th century…
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New American Duchess Designs on Garmz.com
Hi all! I’m happy to report that the “October Foxhunt” jacket I designed and uploaded to Garmz.com has sold out! Yay! Of course, I’d love to have another design produced by them,…
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My Pet (en l’air) Project – Progress
After fiddlage and fussling (technical terms), I think I’ve got this pet en l’air working. I apologize for the lack of in-progress photos (new camera comes tomorrow!), but I will show you…
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Costume Analytics: 1784 Robe a l’Anglaise, from The Met
1784 Robe a l’Anglaise, from the Met It’s about time for a new Costume Analytics! I’ve been so tied up with shoes, and museums, and sewing stuff, that I’ve neglected CA and…
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Museum Photos and Taking Photos in Museums – Copyright, Fair Use, Public Domain
You, Queenie, are in the Public Domain Today I went for another fascinating lecture at the Marjorie Russel Textile Museum in Carson City, NV, where I had the pleasure of looking at…
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18th c. Shoes: The Evolution of Our Heels
I have been itching to update you with how things are going on the prototyping of the new American Duchess 18th century shoes. I haven’t done so because there has been a…