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The Eternal Sunshine of the 18th Century Gown

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

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...
American Duchess
The Creature Reborn - Retrimming the Pink Polonaise

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...
American Duchess
How to Lengthen/Shorten 18th Century Stays

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

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!

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...
American Duchess
And It Was All Yellow...

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...
American Duchess
The Silver Ghost 1770s Robe a la Francaise at Costume College

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...
American Duchess
A Visit to l'Hermione at Yorktown

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...
American Duchess
Progress on Le Polonaise AKA The Creature

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...
American Duchess
1770s Polonaise - Progress, but Slowly!

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,...
American Duchess
Shoes of the Revolution - More About "Dunmore" 1770s Shoes

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...
American Duchess