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Setting 18th Century Sleeves the 18th Century Way

Setting 18th Century Sleeves the 18th Century Way

This was my *first* time setting sleeves "the period way," and it definitely takes some practice. But here's a little insight, for those who are completely confused about how to...
American Duchess
Revolution Dress - Coming to the End...Sortof

Revolution Dress - Coming to the End...Sortof

I've spent all day sewing on the Revolution Dress, for this weekend's festivities, Gaskells Ball and Pirate Faire. The gown is done (yay!). I'm proud of it! Lilly's not wearing...
American Duchess
The Rag-Curled Hedgehog Wig of Win

The Rag-Curled Hedgehog Wig of Win

Why...so...serious? A few days ago I was chatting with Lauren M, Lady of Portland House, and I asked her about her fantastic hedgehog wig, and how she got it so...
American Duchess
Revolution Dress - Skirting the Issue

Revolution Dress - Skirting the Issue

The back with the skirts down, no hem yet. So I've been procrastinating on The Revolution Dress because I got kindof stuck with those front rumples, but thanks to all...
American Duchess
Revolution Dress - Front Meets Back

Revolution Dress - Front Meets Back

Some more progress and problems on the Revolution Dress... First, I was having trouble getting the front pieces to lay smoothly after I stiffened the silk with fused interlining. Bugger....
American Duchess
Revolution Dress - Baby Got Back

Revolution Dress - Baby Got Back

Just a quick update on this gown I've been procrastinating on. I cut it out, there's a start, and pinned up the en fourreau back pleating, using pgs 49 -...
American Duchess
On Wiglets and Hair Pieces, Part 1

On Wiglets and Hair Pieces, Part 1

I say "Part 1" because this is a work in progress. I would also like to say up front that I am not a hair genius, in fact I suck...
American Duchess
Revolution Dress - About Those Stays

Revolution Dress - About Those Stays

The Dreamstress asked me to share a little about the stays I've been working on. Those extra grommets at the bottom are me messing up. Ignore those, pls. :-) I...
American Duchess
Revolution Dress - A Better Idea of What the Heck I'm Doing

Revolution Dress - A Better Idea of What the Heck I'm Doing

The idea of how this gown, "the Revolution Dress," is going to come together has been milling around in my head for a couple weeks now, in a somewhat nebulous...
American Duchess
Revolution Dress - Undies!

Revolution Dress - Undies!

This is just a quick post on underwear, in all its glory. As you know, I've started this latest 18th c. gown project with the basics, a proper set of...
American Duchess
The Revolution Dress - Beginnings, Again

The Revolution Dress - Beginnings, Again

Last time, I wrote about a new 18th c. project concerning a Robe Retroussee dans les Poches, but since then the project has been morphing and smooshing around trying to...
American Duchess
Starting Small on a Big New 18th c. Project

Starting Small on a Big New 18th c. Project

I finally have a new 18th c. project in mind, yay! I want to make a striped red Robe a l'Anglaise, but to be worn either polonaise'd (verb) or "dans...
American Duchess