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How to Fix Funky Points on 18th Century Stays

How to Fix Funky Points on 18th Century Stays

See those points on the front edges of the stays, at the bust? If you've got a pair of 18th century stays that lace at the center front, either fully...
American Duchess
The 1630 Thang - Finishing the Bodies

The 1630 Thang - Finishing the Bodies

Dayum she looks good! 1630 Dutch formal basque bodice with ribbon points. It's been a few weeks since I started the yellow and black bumblebee-lobster bodice/bodies/smooth-covered stays for my 1630...
American Duchess
What Are Those Knobbles on 1790s Stays?

What Are Those Knobbles on 1790s Stays?

From "Corsets and Crinolines" by Norah Waugh - see those nobbles? What are those nobbles for? Read on... Have you ever wondered about those weird round knobbles and pads on...
American Duchess
How to Lengthen/Shorten 18th Century Stays

How to Lengthen/Shorten 18th Century Stays

The #1 question we receive about Simplicity 8162 (and will with Simplicity 8579 as well) is how to lengthen or shorten the stays. Particularly with Simplicity 8162, the body block...
Patterns and Books for 18th Century Stays

Patterns and Books for 18th Century Stays

Simplicity 8579 Stays, 1700 - 1770. With the release of our book, The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Dressmaking, we've given you patterns and instructions for a great many...
American Duchess
The 1790s "Jane Austen Goes to Ikea" Gown - The Corset

The 1790s "Jane Austen Goes to Ikea" Gown - The Corset

Ikea does it again - Ingmarie curtains >> This year is 1790s year. After completing all the book projects, Abby and I can finally settle into share-able projects. Both of...
Lauren Stowell
1830s Corset Inspiration & Research

1830s Corset Inspiration & Research

Hello Lovelies - So I'm plugging away on my 1830s corset, and all seems to be going to plan...which is good seeing as how when I picked up my needle...
American Duchess
Simplicity 18th Century Stays - Adding Boning

Simplicity 18th Century Stays - Adding Boning

I've been MIA on the Simplicity 18th Century Pattern Hacks lately, due to moving, but I'm back! Time for more helpful hacks and hints for constructing Simplicity 8161 and 8162...
American Duchess
18th Century Stays: Boning Patterns

18th Century Stays: Boning Patterns

In preparation for making your Simplicity 8162 18th c. stays, you may wish to re-draw the boning pattern. The pattern comes with an accurate layout for half-boned stays. If you...
American Duchess
18th Century Stays - Q&A about Simplicity 8162

18th Century Stays - Q&A about Simplicity 8162

Continuing on with the Simplicity 18th Century Pattern Hacks, I thought it would be good to cover some questions about the pattern specifically. I've finished my stays made from this...
American Duchess
18th Century Stays - Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How

18th Century Stays - Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How

Ladies, now it's time to get started on our Simplicity 18th Century inspired patterns! You've got two pattern packs - one with underpinnings and one with the outfit itself -...
American Duchess
V156: A Start to The Billinghurst Stays, 17??

V156: A Start to The Billinghurst Stays, 17??

Rather awhile ago I shared with you some photos of a very interesting, atypical pair of 18th century stays held in our local costume and textile collection. There was much...
American Duchess