American Duchess Historic Shoes Blog
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...
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...
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...
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...
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....
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 -...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...