The time has come to begin sketching and designing for James’ 18th c. suit. The nice thing about men’s fashion in the 18th c. is that while it was flamboyant, yes, the…
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James’ Fantastic 18th Century Suit – Starting Line
Red wool suit with gold trimming, Kyoto Costume Institute, 1740s It’s about time I posted something, yeah? I have a good excuse: this little Duchie has finally found herself a new home,…
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Birthday A La Francaise
Last weekend I celebrated my birthday by skipping down to Alameda for an evening of dancing with my favorite people. When I returned on Sunday, my parents and I celebrated again, with…
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70 Thank Yous to 70 Followers
Today I’m happy to celebrate 70 followers to this blog! Thank you to all my readers, and welcome to all the new readers! 2010 is fast approaching and I hope to fill…
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Time Travel: Le Bal Des Vampyres, 1840s
I promise you I have some delectable projects to begin updating about soon, including a fantastic 18th c. men’s ensemble ripe with embroidery and velvet and goodies. However, I also need to…
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American Duchess, Now Open For Business
American Duchess is now accepting costuming commissions, yay! I am not solely an 18th century seamster – I also work in Elizabethan, Baroque, Regency, Victorian, Edwardian, and retro fashions from the 1920s-60s.…
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Ladies and Gentlemen, The 1795 Barn Owl Robe
The moment at least a handful of you have been waiting for! Last weekend I wore The Owl to Gaskells. I had been planning, crafting, stitching, and wrangling my way toward this…
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Costume Queen Gives “Kreativ Blogger” Nod to American Duchess
This portrait by Allan Ramsay has absolutely nothing to do with the article you’re about to read. Tonight I have reason to celebrate! American Duchess has received the “Kreativ Blogger” award from…
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Taking Stock: Project Updates and Plans
American Duchess has undergone a change in location: I have moved from California to Nevada, and all of my things (and I mean ALL) are currently stacked haphazardly in a storage shed,…
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A Pogey Weekend
Two words best describe my adventures last Sunday: “Pogey” and “Bait.” If you are unfamiliar with Pogey Bait, please take a stroll over to the Dreamstress, and read about it. There are…
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Congratulations Avi, Cutest Crafting Pet!
Congratulations to Avi, Taiwan Dog Extraordinaire, who won The Dreamstress’ “Cutest Crafting Pet Competition!” Avi won a box full of all kinds of goodies – a bag of pineapple lumps (have since…
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18th c Barn Owl Costume Madness : Progress at Last
Despite my unexpected interstate move from California to Nevada, I have managed to get a little work done on the barn owl costume that I am to wear in, oh, a week…
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Cold-Weather Couture for the Chilly 18th c. Lady
Someone looks coooollldddd. It’s cold outside. Really cold. Really wet. Really windy. It can safely be assumed that back in the 18th c it was also cold, wet, and windy, particularly in…
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ATTN: Northern Nevada Costumers
I’m not sure how many of you lovely ladies who follow AmDuch are anywhere even remotely close to Reno, but who knows! If you are one of those elusive Reno costumers, this…
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John Galliano’s 18th Century Pannier Revival
Someone’s been in the 18th century bubbly…with a side of pierogi. It’s John Galliano, one of the leading high fashion designers in the world. His Spring 2009 collection blended heavy embroideries, fur,…
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The Language of the Fan
It might very well be impossible to be a costumer and not have heard of “The Language of the Fan.” It’s like Latin – we all know it existed, but few of…
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The Pretty Picture: Blogging For Costumers
Anyone who has turned to the vast power of the interwebs has learned that there are myriad Dress Diaries, Journals, and Costuming Blogs out there ready to help you learn what to…
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All Tied Up: Surviving The Day in a Corset
We in this modern age, this 21st century, are witness to a strange and fascinating phenomenon – women having the desire to wear hot, heavy, and restrictive clothing outside, in the ridiculously…
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1795 Barn Owl Costume: Feathers At Last!
The half-finished, un-feathered robe has been sitting on the dress form for months with so little love given to it…until TONIGHT. (ok, well technically last night, but y’know…) The base gown is…
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Stiff Canine/Kitty Crafting Competition
A competition for the cutest crafting pet/sewing helper/general furry costuming menace, over at The Dreamstress. Now, I won’t try to sway your vote or anything….just sayin’…that’s a Robe a L’Anglaise Avi has…
