Last night I finally got back to work on the 1770s English gown. I’d only pleated the back and stitched one side down, before, but here’s what I did last night: It’s…
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English Gowns of the 18th Century
I’ve had my sewing confidence rattled lately by the utter failure of my Robe a la Turque, so I’m sorely in need of some hand-holding through a project. Enter the Larkin &…
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Mademoiselle Guimard in Turkish…or Chinese…Costume
In my journey concerning The Turque thus far, I’ve learned that contemporary French terminology surrounding this type of gown, and other orientalist gowns, is fuzzy. Levites, Circassiennes, Polonaises, Turques…they kindof all smoosh…
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So a Robe a la Turque is What, Exactly…?
In my first post about the Robe a la Turque, I wound up with more questions than I answered, realizing I’d only just peeked into the rabbit hole that is 18th century…
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18th c. Red Petticoat Re-Fashion
Woot! The first project of 2015 is complete, and piece #1 of my Robe a la Turque is ready. Refashioned red petticoat with apron This petticoat was once a sad, sad tube.…
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Costume Analytics: What Is a Robe a la Turque Anyway?
It’s been a long time since I’ve done a Costume Analytics, but I’ve found myself entering “new territory” with a type of 18th century gown I *thought* I understood until I took…
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Embroidered Stomachers of the early 18th Century
Every once in awhile I do some handiwork that I’m then very proud of later, and always glad I took on. Last time, it was an embroidered 18th century pocket, and this…
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Plannings For A 1740s Scottish Ensemble
I do love me some OL and the show’s been inspiring some Scottish-themed ideas, especially since I “rediscovered” a gorgeous tartan skirt that’s been lurking in my closet the last 11 years,…
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More On The New “Pemberley” Regency Shoes…
Though I gave a short introduction to the new Pemberley Regency Shoes last Friday, I thought they could use a little more “show and tell,” to update you all on what’s new…
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How To Make Your Own Pair of Couture Pompadour 18th Century Shoes
Last week, I showed you several pairs of custom-made shoes I designed for Whoopi Goldberg. I was so flattered by the comments – thank you! – and also a little frustrated that…
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About Whoopi Goldberg’s Custom Made Shoes
A few months ago, I was asked by Whoopi Goldberg to design some custom shoes. She asked me to make “four pair as rich looking and feeling as you can with your…
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Bright-Ass Yellow 18th Century English Gowns
I’ve been obsessed with bright yellow 18th century (and Regency) gowns for awhile now, and yet I still don’t have one. The marigold hue is swoon-worthy, but also intimidating, but now it’s…
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Buyer’s Guide to 18th Century Cotton Floral Prints
One question I receive a lot is, “where do I find appropriate 18th century floral prints?” I realize that it’s taken *years* to source these out, so to save you time (and…
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The Beginnings of a Little Pierrot Jacket…Finally
This weekend I knuckled down, found some motivation, and did some honest-to-goodness historical sewing. I’ve had this gorgeous Colonial Williamsburg print since 2012, but it’s taken me this long to make it…
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Introducing the New “Georgiana” 18th Century Shoes, And How to Dye Them Perfectly
Today, after years of re-development, I’m happy to announce that “Georgiana” 18th century shoes have returned! “Georgiana” was the first American Duchess shoe style ever, but after we sold out of our…
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On Location at Bacon’s Castle – Journey to the 17th, 18th, and 19th Centuries
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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18th c. Quilted Petticoat Progress
I realize I did a lot of work for my trip to Colonial Williamsburg that I then didn’t finish in time…and didn’t share with you. Followers on Facebook will know I found…
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My Annual Sewing Rut
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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More Highlights from Williamsburg and Jamestown
I was quite terrible (and busy) and didn’t take a lot of photos, but here are a few more from the trip… Day 1… Maggie and I arrived, dropped our stuff at…
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Shoes for Jamestown, and Williamsburg, and Whoopi Goldberg
I have some exciting news to share with you all! While I was in Williamsburg, I had a couple meetings with the costume departments of Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown, both of which…