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1770s Hair Help From the Interwebs

The Dreamstress is seeking advice for big 1770s style hair. I haven't done a wig in this style yet, but I did find this video tutorial not only extremely well-done,...
American Duchess
The Pretty Picture: Blogging For Costumers

The Pretty Picture: Blogging For Costumers

Anyone who has turned to the vast power of the interwebs has learned that there are myriad Dress Diaries, Journals, and Costuming Blogs out there ready to help you learn...
American Duchess
Tagged: How-To Miscellany
Scratch Hats: How To Make Structured Period Hats From Craft Store Goodies

Scratch Hats: How To Make Structured Period Hats From Craft Store Goodies

No period costume is complete without a hat. The proper hat can make a costume really stand out, and the absence of one can break it (and sunburn your head.)....
American Duchess
Measure Twice: Preparing For Costume Creation

Measure Twice: Preparing For Costume Creation

One day you're surfing the internet, enjoying your favorite dress diaries, when BAM! it hits you. There on your screen is an image of a dress, a jacket, a bodice,...
American Duchess
How To Bleach Feathers...

How To Bleach Feathers...

...or "Changing Birds in Mid-Stream."As you all know by now, I have been amassing to me a legion of feathers for the Halloween barn owl costume. The rooster schlappen has...
American Duchess
Guts: 1790s Wrap-Front Gown Details

Guts: 1790s Wrap-Front Gown Details

I was very bad throughout the construction of the voile roundgown, and didn't take nearly enough photos nor update this blog on the gown's construction. My excuse is that I...
American Duchess
Using the Binding Presser Foot You Don't Have...

Using the Binding Presser Foot You Don't Have...

...And Can't Get For Your Machine.I was full of glee today when I discovered such a thing as a binding presser foot for home sewing machines. Visions of perfectly machine...
American Duchess
Tagged: How-To Miscellany
How To: Sizing Up Vintage Patterns For Modern Wear

How To: Sizing Up Vintage Patterns For Modern Wear

Never fear, dear readers, for while this particular tutorial is showing a vintage 1950s pattern, these techniques can be used for any pattern that is not your size. Generally we...
American Duchess
Tagged: How-To
A Wild Hair : When Good Wigs Gets Better

A Wild Hair : When Good Wigs Gets Better

At about 3 A.M. one morning I decided my 18th century "big wig" just wasn't big enough. It's not that I thought it ugly, it just wasn't the right shape....
American Duchess
The Amazing Crafthat Pt. Deux : Finishing!

The Amazing Crafthat Pt. Deux : Finishing!

When we last looked at our friend The Amazing Crafthat, the crown had been cut off and the brim shaped into a lovely curve, using the spray-bottle method.Now it's time...
American Duchess
Hair of Great Enormity - a Practical How-To...

Hair of Great Enormity - a Practical How-To...

Get ready ladies. This is the post you've all been waiting for! A step-by-step guide to creating 18th c. monster hair from a long synthetic wig.So by now you've got...
American Duchess
The Amazing CraftHat Pt.1 - shaping

The Amazing CraftHat Pt.1 - shaping

Ever wander through the fun-filled aisles of the craft store and notice the straw hats? They come in many sizes, from large sun hats to miniature doll's hats. The kicker,...
American Duchess