Ladies (and Gentlemen Callers)… The history of fashion, from the 18th to the 21st century, has just been beautifully swept through in this wonderful commercial…. …too bad it’s a commercial for a…
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The CraftFail Verdict
The truth about those scissors I posted about earlier today: no, they don’t cut fabric. My world is shattered. My portrait boxes are coming out mega fail. No, you don’t get pictures!…
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1795 Barn Owl Costume: Don’t Think I’ve Forgotten
I’ll admit I’ve been distracted. The half-finished taffeta/broadcloth base of the robe has been sitting on my dress form for weeks, untouched, unloved, but not forgotten. It is the start of September,…
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Introducing The KCI Jacket & Gilet (J&G) Project
There is an ensemble it seems all lady costumers smitten with the 18th c truly covet. It is a work of art in textile, construction, and design, and also an enigma. It…
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Time Travel: Dickens Dress A Go-Go
Well, there goes another one! The Middle Class Elizabethan gown I wrote about not two days ago just sold from Etsy this evening, woohoo! So now it’s time to list another! This…
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Awards: The Dreamstress Gives A Stylish Nod to Lil’ Duchie!
Edit: American Duchess t-shirt bran has been honored with the “Stylish Blog Award” by The Dreamstress! I’ve confused my own self, LOL, but head on over to that other blog with the same…
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Time Travel : Goodbye Old Friend
Ladies and Gentlemen (of which there are likely very few)… Last weekend I sold a costume I’d made for Halloween some years ago. I had listed it on Etsy and managed to…
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1790s Jacket: Finished, Worn, Loved
That’s right, I actually managed to put off finishing my 1790s jacket until the very last possible day, and then completed it just in time, along with an all-purpose quilted petticoat for…
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Amadeus Award: Five 18th c. Blogs I Can’t Live Without
Time for me to pass on this wonderful award that was given to me a little while ago by Mrs. Woffington. So here goes… This award, originally bestowed by Wolfgang Amade Mozart…
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1790s Jacket Progress: So Near Yet So Far!
Here it is, the update on the 1790s stripey jacket, as promised! There really wasn’t and isn’t much left to do on this piece. Tonight I set the sleeves, sewed some boning…
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Rococo-Inspired Feather Headbands
Ok, I know. I’ve been REALLY bad about updating this blog, after you all came to read it. I promise, PROMISE you an updated TONIGHT on the red-striped jacket I’ve been neglecting…
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A Wee Poll…
My wonderful female readers, if it is not too much to ask, would you all kindly fill out the poll below? My eternal gratitude! I know it has not much to do…
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Feathers: Look What I’ve Got!!!
The trip up to Reno this past weekend proved to be very fruitful indeed! I came back with more feathers! I acquired a bag full of beautiful, perfect, fanned out pheasant wings,…
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A Little Bird…
…you know you want to click the little bird and see where it goes. Go on…click it! See what rabbit hole it leads you down…
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Time Travel: Edwardian Picnic
Last Saturday I attended the PEERS “River City Picnic” up in beautiful and much-missed Alameda. In preparing for this day, I realized I had absolutely no passable Edwardian costume, and I lacked…
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Scratch Hats: How To Make Structured Period Hats From Craft Store Goodies
No period costume is complete without a hat. The proper hat can make a costume really stand out, and the absence of one can break it (and sunburn your head.). Up until…
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Event: Egyptianesque Returns
Another appearance of the Egyptian-themed late 18th c. wrap-front voile dress, worn to Le Societe De Pique-Nique’s “Sphinx N’ Drinks” picnic, last Sunday. Egyptianesque accessories included a lovely gold and black African…
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1790s Jacket: A Bit O’ Progress
The bulk of the project mostly pinned together, to get an idea how it will all look when completed. I started putting together this jacket last night, using a flatlining technique new…
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1790s Striped Jacket – progress!
Oh hey, look what I found… I walked into my local Hancock Fabrics this past Saturday, pleased with the huge “50% OFF!” banner hung on the outside of the building, and there,…
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18th c. Wigs of Glory: Addition and Subtraction
It has taken me way too many days of experimentation, failing, purchasing, more experimenting, and attempting to film it all, to get this wig together and in a state of glory. Ladies…