American Duchess Historic Shoes Blog
Belle Epoque Wardrobe - 1890s Linen Cycling Jacket
The finish 1890s linen cycling jacket Like many of us during this lovely pandemic, I've been UFO-busting for the past several months. I've picked up and finished so many projects...
Sewing Patterns for Turn of the 20th Century Historybounders
My version of Simplicity EA258101 with alterations, paired with a split skirt from Historical Emporium I've been on a wardrobe-building bender lately (er, when am I ever *not* wardrobe building?)...
History is Cool: 1890s Belle Epoque Linen Summer Blouse
Hi all! Well, during this crazy time in human history I managed to start and actually finish one (1) project, an 1890s summer shirtwaist made in lovely white linen. I've...
The Nevada Statehood Ball - An Evening in 1864
The crew - Abby, Chrissy, me, and Caroline at the Nevada Statehood Ball, 2019 - photo by Chase Stevens. A few posts ago I shared how I refit my 1860s...
A Spoopy Day in Virginia City, Nevada
The Spoop-Crew in Virginia City, NV. No actual buckets of blood were consumed, but we thought about it.... Several weekends ago a group of friends came to visit us here...
Altering My 1860s Evening Gown
Currently on my sewing table is a "simple" alteration to my one-and-only 1860s evening gown. I made this gown, along with a matching day bodice, back in 2014 and over...
Photo Shoot: An Afternoon in the 1890s
Abby Cox in 1890s splendor in Virginia City, Nevada A little while back, Nicole and Abby got dressed up in late 19th century attire and we dashed up to Virginia...
Resplendent in 1835 - A Photoshoot
Nicole Rudolph in her c. 1835 ensemble. OK, so it's pretty obvious I'm obsessed with the 1830s now (though I will never stop loving the 18th century deeply). I've made...
Meet our New Theatrical Footwear Line!
American Duchess Spring/Summer 2019 Theatrical Line We are trying lots of new things this year in shoe-company-land. For years we have (rather unexpectedly) supplied historical footwear to the opera, ballet,...
#SewingIsHard - A Corded Petticoat
via I realize I never posted this video here for you guys. Abby shares her trials and tribulations in making her 1830s corded petticoat. Enjoy! If you'd like the PDF...
1833 Plaid Dickens Dress - Progress!
Abby and I think these gowns look rather like 1950s evening gowns before the sleeves go on and ruin everything! More 1830s goodness! All the other Gigot Girl Gang members...
An 1833-ish Dickens Fair Gown!
#goals I have had an inexplicable love affair with the early 1830s for many years now, but it's never been satiated....until NOW! This year, our Gigot Girl Gang™ is headed...