Filter by

V33: Only Death and Taxes, in the 18th century

I have done absolutely nothing costume-related in the past couple of days, and that is because I've started my 2011 taxes. /groan. 'Course, taxes in the 18th century were a...
American Duchess

V32: Guest Post @ The Dreamstress, and Pierrot Jackets

One of my favorite pierrots - from The Met Today I am a guest blogger for The Dreamstress. I wrote a little article about Pierrot jackets, one of my favorite...
American Duchess

V31: Book Review: "18th Century Embroidery Techniques" by Gail Marsh

18th Century Embroidery Techniques Gail Marsh (c) 2006 by Gail Marsh ISBN 978-1-86108-476-7 There comes a time in every 18th century costumer's career when embroidery seems like a good idea....
American Duchess
V30: An Embroidered Apron - My First Williamsburg Piece

V30: An Embroidered Apron - My First Williamsburg Piece

I was pleased to receive my vintage embroidered panel in the mail the other day, but it needed some tweaks. Firstly, it was dirty and smelled of vintage. (You know...
American Duchess
V29: Fabrics for Colonial Williamsburg...Again.

V29: Fabrics for Colonial Williamsburg...Again.

Oh, the best laid plans of seamstresses.... I went shopping for fabrics today and came across the perfect stripe silk for my future Colonial Williamsburg polonaise. It looked at me...
American Duchess

V26: 18th Century Panniers - examples and ideas

Trouvais.com I've been thinking about panniers lately. Pocket hoops. Hip padding. For an upper class impression, it looks like a little side hoop action was still en vogue for the...
American Duchess
V25: More Fabric Stamp News, and Astoria Pre-Sale Update

V25: More Fabric Stamp News, and Astoria Pre-Sale Update

Hi Ladies and Laddies, After posting about the fabric stamps yesterday, they arrived in the mail, and I immediately played with them to see how they looked. I'm so very...
American Duchess
V24: Block Printing 18th Century Fabric - Preparations

V24: Block Printing 18th Century Fabric - Preparations

After much deliberation and many very helpful comments, I revised my Colonial Williamsburg mix n' match plans: Now the two jackets will be in prints, and the two skirts and...
American Duchess

V23: 18th Century Accessories - Embroidered Aprons

Lewis Walpole Library Despite working on a 1912 Titanic gown currently, and having several other projects lined up before I need to start on the Colonial Williamsburg stuff, I just...
American Duchess
V7: Williamsburg Mix n' Match, and Finding Fabric

V7: Williamsburg Mix n' Match, and Finding Fabric

Before I run off in a different direction, I will post one more time about my Colonial Williamsburg plans. Since the trip is planned for October, I have quite a...
American Duchess

V6: Favorite Yellow Things of the 18th Century

I decided yesterday to make my Williamsburg jacket and petticoat in bright-ass yellow, a color that was extremely popular in the 18th century. With the boom of all-things-Chinese and far-East...
American Duchess

V5: Williamsburg Ensemble #1 Plan

Something like this...but...flouncier. Thanks to all of you who commented on my first post about my Williamsburg costume conundrum, especially Abby, Nicole, and Hallie, I have come upon a plan....
American Duchess