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217: Costume College Day 1: Ice Cream Social, Yay!

217: Costume College Day 1: Ice Cream Social, Yay!

Costume College is *awesome* ! So far I've met tons of wonderful people, learned all about proper sleeve drafting, altering, and fitting, and made some indestructible 1770s rolls to clip...
American Duchess
V216: Small Biz Betties: Making Public Appearances

V216: Small Biz Betties: Making Public Appearances

Hello again! Today I'm in Southern California, attending "Costume College," an annual event chock full of classes on all kinds of costuming stuff, along with shopping, and a sweet costume...
American Duchess
V215: Interview with Alicia of "Little Bits Clothing Company"

V215: Interview with Alicia of "Little Bits Clothing Company"

Hi All! Today I've got an interview with Alicia of "Little Bits Clothing Company," a great little business creating reproduction historical gowns of the 18th and 19th centuries, along with...
American Duchess
V214: 18th Century Silk Clocked Stockings Now on Pre-Order

V214: 18th Century Silk Clocked Stockings Now on Pre-Order

Okay, ladies (and gents too), it's finally time. The new clocked stockings I've been working on are finally available to order. Purchase yours at www.american-duchess.com . White silk stockings with...
American Duchess

V213: Extant vs. Extent - What's the Difference?

"I'm an extant gown with a skirt of great extent" In the historical costuming world, we talk and write a lot about original garments. It's important to get the right...
American Duchess
V212: Georgian Hair Hopping

V212: Georgian Hair Hopping

Chris and I did a photo shoot the other night, for the clocked stockings pre-sale coming up in a couple days. I wore my new "Parisian Gown," and wanted to...
American Duchess
V210: Sugarpine Living History Day 2012, and 1933 Vintage Vogue Dress

V210: Sugarpine Living History Day 2012, and 1933 Vintage Vogue Dress

As promised, here are pics from today's lovely event at the Ehrman Mansion, Sugarpine State Park, Lake Tahoe. Our Great Basin Costume Society group - Oscar, Debbie, Baby Autumn, Sarah,...
American Duchess
V211: I Like Big Bustles and I Cannot Lie

V211: I Like Big Bustles and I Cannot Lie

It is rather like an insect carapace, isn't it. Last Friday night, I took a class with the industrious Mary Crawley, leader of the local Steampunk club, High Desert Steam,...
American Duchess
V209: 1933 Vintage Vogue 2671 Throwtogether

V209: 1933 Vintage Vogue 2671 Throwtogether

In the midst of all the mad sewing for Costume College (next week!), I thought I'd put together a simple "recharge" dress for a 1930s picnic tomorrow. So then why...
American Duchess
V208: 1770s Chapeau de Paris Sketches

V208: 1770s Chapeau de Paris Sketches

I'm winding down the Parisian Gown (at least the gown part of it), and realize I need an awesome hat to go with it. No ordinary bergere will do -...
American Duchess
V207: August Call For Sponsors

V207: August Call For Sponsors

Hi Lovelies! Do you have a business you think would benefit from advertising here on American Duchess? How about trying out a banner for the month of August (or 30...
American Duchess
Tagged: Vintage365
V206: Please Vote - What Is The Circumference of Your Calf?

V206: Please Vote - What Is The Circumference of Your Calf?

Why am I asking this? Well, I'd like to learn the average calf size of you lovely ladies interested in purchasing Tavistock button boots, and other future boot styles. I...
American Duchess
Tagged: Shoes Vintage365