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  • All About the New 16th c. “Tudor” Exclusives

    November 4, 2015

    It’s been *ages* in prototyping the new Tudor shoes, but they’re finally done! This has been an interesting project, one with many challenges. The first was sorting out the design. After discussion…

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  • “Virginia” Renaissance Shoes GIVEAWAY!

    October 17, 2014

    Today’s the day, my darling dears – “Virginia,” our new Renaissance shoe, has opened for pre-order, which also means it’s giveaway time! Here’s the lo-down on Virginia: All-leather construction: upper, lining, sole…

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  • How One Fugly Loafer Became the Gorgeous “Virginia” Renaissance Shoe

    October 15, 2014

    The development story of our new “Virginia” Renaissance shoes is rather a long one (but I’ll keep it short, with lots of pictures, promise!). We’ve been working on the design since March,…

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  • A Quick Look At Late Elizabethan/Early Jacobean Shoes

    October 13, 2014

    Today we kick off a series on European footwear at the end of Elizabeth I’s reign, and beginning of James I’s, culminating on Friday with the pre-order release of our latest early-period…

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  • On Location at Bacon’s Castle – Journey to the 17th, 18th, and 19th Centuries

    May 7, 2014

    The Lady of Portland House shines in “Antoinette” Mules in blue While I was in Virginia this past March, I had the opportunity to work with some truly wonderful ladies at a…

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  • Ladies’ Elizabethan Separates Explored

    April 26, 2014

    Last time, I was musing over trim styles on doublets, but towards the end of that post I realized that perhaps the design I had in mind was a “fair-ism,” something that…

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  • Elizabethan Doublet Trimming Ideas

    April 24, 2014

    Diane d’Andouins by Etienne Dumonstier Earlier this year, when I was feverishly sewing for Colonial Williamsburg, I put together a quick test bodice in some russet velveteen. It was just to test…

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  • My Annual Sewing Rut

    April 19, 2014

    Once again, I have absolutely no motivation to make a single stitch of anything lately. I’ve learned that this is quite normal, and that if I force the issue I’ll regret it.…

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  • Elizabethan Costume Modeling at Nevada Museum of Art

    February 19, 2014

    This past weekend I modeled again for the painting class at the Nevada Museum of Art. It’s quite an enjoyable experience, even though sitting still for 3 hours is difficult. I enjoy…

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  • Introducing “Stratford” Elizabethan Shoes for Men and Women

    December 12, 2013

    I’m so happy to present to you “Stratford” Elizabethan Shoes, the product of blood, sweat, tears, and a great collaboration with Francis C. Classe, an excellent historical cordwainer (shoemaker) and footwear historian.…

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  • Chopines – Platforms of the Past

    June 19, 2013

    Chopines are so cool, especially when you compare them to the oh-so-modern heel-less shoes that are currently in fashion.  I guess they’re not as modern as they think. šŸ™‚ Via How do…

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  • A Trip to Valhalla Renaissance Faire, 2013

    June 3, 2013

    This past weekend was one of many festivities, one of which was the annual visit to Valhalla, our most local Renfaire. Oh Renfaire, how I love thee.  A day of utter silliness…

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  • In Progress: Late 16th Century Doublet

    May 29, 2013

    Every once in awhile I go meandering off into other centuries.  My love of costuming started with Elizabethan, and it is still a period I adore, though I seldom costume for it…

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  • V187: Those Catty Elizabethans

    July 5, 2012

    I just love this illustration, don’t you? Gennady Spirin. Illustration from ā€˜The White Catā€ So I’ve been reading Jean Hunnisett’s Period Costume for Stage & Screen: Patterns for Women’s Dress 1500-1800, and recalling…

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  • V182: The Lovely Bones: Reliquary Busts of Female Saints

    June 30, 2012

    Last night a beautiful image popped up on my Pinterest feed … this one. Her name is not known – a companion of, or a saint herself? What do you think her…

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  • V155: Valhalla Renaissance Faire, 2012

    June 3, 2012

    Lovely courtesans, cute gig I’m back from Valhalla Renaissance Faire, at South Lake Tahoe.  Yesterday was lovely, not too hot, and not snowing, lol.  Here are some photos from our day… Mom…

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  • V154: Off to The Faire!

    June 2, 2012

    I’m away at Valhalla Renaissance Faire, in South Lake Tahoe, CA, to day, so I’ve left you with Ole Bess herself, until I can get back to post pictures from the day.…

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  • V150: A “Tudor Tailor” Kirtle in Progress

    May 29, 2012

    So it became apparent that a glorious new Elizabethan noble ensemble just wasn’t going to happen this year, so it’s back to my good ole trusty red jacket I’ve worn for the…

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  • V119: Are Sequins Period Accurate?

    April 28, 2012

    The Met: toque (hat), 1915 The short answer is YES! I’ve heard this question come up a couple of times, in regard to using sequins on our Titanic gowns.  Sequins are not…

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  • V101: How to Make Miniature Portraits

    April 10, 2012

    Awhile ago I posted about lovely little 18th century miniature portraits, and what a nice addition to one’s costume they can be. Well here’s how to make them! What You’ll Need: Clear…

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