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V281: Rainy Sunday in Colonial Williamsburg

V281: Rainy Sunday in Colonial Williamsburg

Today, our second day in Colonial Williamsburg, is rainy and cold. On top of that, I've got a cold myself, so getting up and out in costume was a little...
American Duchess
V277: Working With Ostrich Feathers: Plumes, Drabs, and Spads

V277: Working With Ostrich Feathers: Plumes, Drabs, and Spads

Today I would like to share my experiences with ostriches. ... or... at least their feathers. Ostrich feathers are not as straight-forward as one would think. There are three different...
American Duchess
V272: Finished Indienne Print Curtain Gown, 1780

V272: Finished Indienne Print Curtain Gown, 1780

Finally I've got all the little bits n' bobs complete on my Indienne print Curtain-Along dress, and just in time too - we leave for Colonial Williamsburg this coming Wednesday!...
American Duchess
V270: The "Robe Royaliste" at Nevada Museum of Art

V270: The "Robe Royaliste" at Nevada Museum of Art

Last night I had another opportunity to model for the costume painting class at the Nevada Museum of Art. I wore my new "Robe Royaliste," a dress I made, erm,...
American Duchess
V269: A Baby Neckerchief from a Baby Gown

V269: A Baby Neckerchief from a Baby Gown

I'm a sucker for fancy embroideries, but I just plain suck at doing them myself, so I look for textiles that already have nice embroideries on them. A tantalizing source...
American Duchess
V262: Progress on the "Curtain-Along" 1780s Indienne Gown

V262: Progress on the "Curtain-Along" 1780s Indienne Gown

So far so good - and sleeves that FIT! This project might have been quick if I hadn't spend whole chunks of days not doing a darn thing. At least...
American Duchess
V261: American Duchess For The Cure - Fundraising For Breast Cancer Research

V261: American Duchess For The Cure - Fundraising For Breast Cancer Research

Hi all! Did you know it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month? Many of us have been through or have loved ones who have battled breast cancer, myself included. To help raise...
American Duchess

V260: Tasty 18th Century Pomatum For Your Hair

"Maybe she's born with it...maybe it's beef grease pomatum." 1775 (Reynolds) Jane detail This year at Costume College, I attended a wonderful class given by Kendra of Demode, on the...
American Duchess
V259: Starting on the Snowshill 1730-50 Riding Habit

V259: Starting on the Snowshill 1730-50 Riding Habit

You know when you have tons of stuff to get done for a major costume event or trip, and yet Costume ADD strikes and despite being ridiculously short on time,...
American Duchess
V254: Fitting Mom's JP Ryan Jacket(s)

V254: Fitting Mom's JP Ryan Jacket(s)

JP Ryan Jacket in progress Today my lovely Lady Mother came over for help fitting sleevils into two of her Colonial Williamsburg pieces - both swallow-tailed jackets, in different materials,...
American Duchess
V255: The Festive Attyre 18th Century Curtain-Along

V255: The Festive Attyre 18th Century Curtain-Along

I was so tickled to see that the wonderful Jen, of Festive Attyre, has started an international sewing "curtain-along," for everyone who is making an 18th century something-or-other from any...
American Duchess
V251: Starting the Indienne Gown, 1780s

V251: Starting the Indienne Gown, 1780s

With only about a month left until we leave for Williamsburg, I have rather a lot of sewing to do! I was giddy when I found this Indienne print cotton...
American Duchess