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…
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Medivh: 18th c Men’s Patterning Terror
I’ve been looking for patterns for the entire World of Warcraft 18th c. men’s ensemble, but with very little luck. The costume is built on a basic men’s mid-18th c. wardrobe –…
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CONTEST! What Should Avi Be For Halloween?
For those of you who follow my other blogs, you will know all about my dog Avi. She is my sewing “helper” and an all-around awesome critter. Since everyone ELSE is getting…
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Musing…
Tee-hee! I promise some epic bomb-sized posts coming up as we near All Hallow’s Eve. Oh, I’ve got some splendid surprises for you!
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Time Travel: A Weekend of Ridiculous Costume Fun!
Ah, the fruits of our labors. Do we not agree that after working so hard on our historic dresses and hats and whatnots, it is the best reward to be able to…
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Oooo, Pretty! Changes!
Ah, finally a new background for American Duchess blog, which I found through The Dreamstress, who has also changed her background to awesomeness! What do you guys think? It’s more…in your face…
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The KCI J&G Project: Reference and Mysterious Mysteries
The main question on my mind as of late has been “What does the jacket do in the back?” Obviously there is an extant, existing garment, yet no one except the lucky…
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The Evolution of Fashion…
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…