American Duchess Historic Shoes Blog
The "En Fourreau" Myth
NOPE In our modern world there is much of the past that has been obscured. Looking through the lens of time, especially when you have to peer through the film...
Simplicity Patterns Now Available on AmericanDuchess.com
Hi! This is just a quick announcement to let you know that we now have all of our American Duchess Simplicity costume patterns available at AmericanDuchess.com, woo! You'll find Simplicity...
The State of the Book (2) Address
Abby works on Cynthia's (Redthreaded) hair while I photographs each step for "The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Beauty," coming July 2019. Hi! I've been a pretty terrible blogger...
The Eternal Sunshine of the 18th Century Gown
This year at Costume College it really was all very, very yellow This year I kindof copped out at the Costume College Gala...but in a very Georgian way. I can't...
The Green Goblin - 1790s Dress - For Real This Time
Nicole, me, and Samantha in our Regency gowns at Costume College 2018 I promised finished-dress-worn photos of this little devil of a 1790s project, so here goes... I was quite...
Jane Austen Festival, 2018
Maggie, Abby, and Nicole looking gorgeous at Jane Austen Festival, 2018 Jane Austen Festival in Louisville, Kentucky, marks the center point of the year. This event always takes place in...
A Little History of "Sophie" 18th Century Mules
The Laundress, 1761, by Greuze Mules! (AKA Slippers!) Did you know that mules were incredibly common in the 18th century? Women of all social classes wore them in various materials...
The Green Goblin: A 1790s Round Gown
The remainder.... It's a few days before Jane Austen Festival in Louisville, Kentucky, and I've stitched the last stitch of a new gown for this year's event. And what a...
The 7 Stages of Piecing
There are very few historical projects I've made over the years that have gone totally smoothly. In fact, I can think of one. Every other gown I've made, and a...
PRE-ORDER: Kensingtons for ALL!
My lovelies, today we have a *major* announcement for you. Lovers of 18th century costume rejoice, for our most popular "Kensington" 18th century shoes are now available in a range...
New Kensingtons Are Coming...
Ladies, we have a *big* announcement coming soon...
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How to Fit 18th Century Shoe Buckles
You've just got yourself a fine new pair of American Duchess 18th century shoes and you ordered some sparkly 18th century shoe buckles to go with them. Now what? Fitting...