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18th Century Shoes: How to Loop Your Latchets

18th Century Shoes: How to Loop Your Latchets

Question: How do I install the bows on my 18th century shoes? Click "Read More" to learn how ... You Will Need .... A pair of 18th century latchet shoes,...
American Duchess
Tagged: How-To Shoes
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
Making a Workable Dress Form - or - The Violent Transformation of Franken-Lilly

Making a Workable Dress Form - or - The Violent Transformation of Franken-Lilly

This is Lilly straight out of the box. Lilly is a dress display mannequin, as opposed to a dressmaker's form. She has a nice jersey cover over a molded, hard...
American Duchess
Tagged: How-To Miscellany
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
"Why Don't I Look Right?" : Getting The Look Spot-On with Historical Costumes

"Why Don't I Look Right?" : Getting The Look Spot-On with Historical Costumes

I often get questions, or read comment threads, about why a historical ensemble doesn't look just right, and it's got me thinking about the things to consider when putting together...
American Duchess
Tagged: How-To Miscellany
Late 18th Century Skirt Supports - The Unorthodox Edition

Late 18th Century Skirt Supports - The Unorthodox Edition

I have received some questions from you guys asking what I wear under my petticoats to give that super-poof shape. Well...it ain't pretty. I don't have picture-perfect panniers, or layers...
American Duchess
Tagged: How-To Undies
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
Going Baroque: De-Bling-ification

Going Baroque: De-Bling-ification

That's just TOO MUCH BLING! Yesterday I acquired my trim, 8 yards of stiff, shiny, blingy silver goodness, about 2" wide...but unfortunately blisteringly, blindingly blingy. Too much bling - baroque...
American Duchess
Pattern for Smartness - 1940s Sewing Inspiration

Pattern for Smartness - 1940s Sewing Inspiration

I clicked through to this video from la Chatelaine Chocolat's blog, so we have her to thank for the link. I'm enthralled by this little video put out in 1948,...
American Duchess
Tagged: How-To Miscellany
How To Make 18th c. Cockades

How To Make 18th c. Cockades

by Lauren Reeser Cockades are so cool. They add so much interest and texture to a hat, pinned to a jacket, even tied onto your shoes. So here's how to...
American Duchess
Button, Button - Who's Got the Button?

Button, Button - Who's Got the Button?

by Dana Reeser Or more correctly, who made the button? Lil' Duchie never played "button button" so she didn't get the reference, but this is Lil' Duchie's Lady Mother writing...
American Duchess
Monster Head: Dealing With Problem Wigs

Monster Head: Dealing With Problem Wigs

Once upon a time I cut my hair short. Really short. As a costumer, this presents certain challenges, which I decided could and would be solved by embarking on a...
American Duchess