American Duchess Historic Shoes Blog
The Eternal Sunshine of the 18th Century Gown
This year at Costume College it really was all very, very yellow This year I kindof copped out at the Costume College Gala...but in a very Georgian way. I can't...
A Little History of "Sophie" 18th Century Mules
The Laundress, 1761, by Greuze Mules! (AKA Slippers!) Did you know that mules were incredibly common in the 18th century? Women of all social classes wore them in various materials...
The Creature Reborn - Retrimming the Pink Polonaise
Once upon a time I made a pink taffeta polonaise and trimmed it in organza, a very 1770s thing to do. At the time, I tried hand roll hemming and...
How to Lengthen/Shorten 18th Century Stays
The #1 question we receive about Simplicity 8162 (and will with Simplicity 8579 as well) is how to lengthen or shorten the stays. Particularly with Simplicity 8162, the body block...
Pieces of Me - Remaking an 18th Century Gown
Sacque gown, partially deconstructed, 1765-69 - National Trust NT 1350856 It's commonly known that 18th century dress textiles were made and remade and remade again. A great many extant gowns...
My Big Fat Yellow English Gown - Finito!
Lauren here - Doesn't it just feel *so good* to best a cranky project, wear it, and love it? I'd been working on my yellow English Gown for most of...
And It Was All Yellow...
You're going to think I'm all-over-the-place right now, and you would be right. Projects here, projects there, moving house, moving business, omg! It's been stressy, for sure, but this is...
The Silver Ghost 1770s Robe a la Francaise at Costume College
It was a good hair day Posting from the future - 2020.I realize I never completed the project link for the Silver Ghost Francaise. To be honest, I have very...
A Visit to l'Hermione at Yorktown
The third day in Williamsburg we actually spent in Yorktown, on account of the tall ship l'Hermione having put in there the night before, and it being an event not...
Progress on Le Polonaise AKA The Creature
Trimming the bodice - the left side was done with the roll hem foot and it really "ate" the fabric - the right with a different method. I will need...
1770s Polonaise - Progress, but Slowly!
1770s Polonaise - the skirts are drawn up with cords, to create the three partition effect the gown is named for Work on this crazy froofy dress comes in spurts,...
Shoes of the Revolution - More About "Dunmore" 1770s Shoes
As most of you know, yesterday we opened for pre-order our latest 18th century shoes, "Dunmore," named for Lady Dunmore, and developed with and for Colonial Williamsburg. "Dunmore" has been...