American Duchess Historic Shoes Blog
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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,...
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...
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 -...
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...
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...