Filter by
1790s Wrap-Front Gown - More Progress

1790s Wrap-Front Gown - More Progress

The front crossing. The ties will meet with as-yet-existent ties on the sides. I love the adjustability of the drawstring, too...one can go from modest lady to regency floozy in...
American Duchess
How To Make an 18th Century Wig from an Affordable "Costume" Wig

How To Make an 18th Century Wig from an Affordable "Costume" Wig

Earlier this week I espied on HalloweenCostumes.com a "Marie Antoinette" wig that looked surprisingly good. My criteria for judging this goodness were the overall shape, color of the hair (it...
American Duchess
A Sudden Wrap-Front Gown of the 1790s

A Sudden Wrap-Front Gown of the 1790s

I say "sudden" because one afternoon I had no such thing, and by that evening I did, or at least half of one. But there's been much planning and some...
American Duchess

American Duchess 18th century Fabric Collection (1750-1800) on Spoonflower

A couple weeks ago I went on a fabric-designing binge, fueled by my desire for 18th century historic prints. I designed a small collection based on my favorite sprigged muslins,...
American Duchess
1780s Half-Boned Stays

1780s Half-Boned Stays

Finished - they close edge-to-edge across my bust, but I also like them open like this - more thrust! See the difference in shape between these and Olympe's? In my...
American Duchess
Olympe's Stays - Complete! Finito! Done!

Olympe's Stays - Complete! Finito! Done!

I finally finished Olympe's lovely cream, goldenrod, and powder blue stays. Finally. FINALLY. It's only taken me FOREVER. They are too small for the smallest setting on my dress form,...
American Duchess
Pet en l'Air, now on Etsy

Pet en l'Air, now on Etsy

My pretty Pet, now listed in the boutique, and on I go to the next one! CLICK HERE for the listing.
American Duchess
The Pet at the "Winter Whites" Exhibition, Nevada Historical Society

The Pet at the "Winter Whites" Exhibition, Nevada Historical Society

This past Friday a contingent of costumed ladies and one whole gentleman attended the Nevada Historical Society's "Winter Whites" exhibition, a small display of gowns ranging from the 1890s through...
American Duchess
How To Make An 18th Century Petticoat

How To Make An 18th Century Petticoat

/Update: This tutorial is getting quite old! While it's still a goodie, for a more in-depth look at how to make an 18th century petticoat stitch-by-stitch in the historically accurate...
American Duchess
My Pet (en l'air) Project - Progress

My Pet (en l'air) Project - Progress

After fiddlage and fussling (technical terms), I think I've got this pet en l'air working. I apologize for the lack of in-progress photos (new camera comes tomorrow!), but I will...
American Duchess
My First Pet ... en l'Air - Toiling Around.

My First Pet ... en l'Air - Toiling Around.

For some reason I decided a little while ago that I actually like Pet en l'Air jackets. I never cared much for them before, but I suppose that little green...
American Duchess
Extant 18th c. Stays from the Marjorie Russell Clothing and Textile Museum, Nevada

Extant 18th c. Stays from the Marjorie Russell Clothing and Textile Museum, Nevada

A little while ago I attended a fascinating lecture on underwear through the ages, presented by Jan the Costume Anthropologist at the Marjorie Russell Clothing and Textile Research Center. While...
American Duchess