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V205: Nearing Completion for the Parisian Gown

V205: Nearing Completion for the Parisian Gown

I've been working holes into my fingers over the past week, trying to complete shiny new costumes for Costume College, the first weekend in August. I have her on my...
American Duchess
V204: Repro Vintage Butterick Pattern Haul

V204: Repro Vintage Butterick Pattern Haul

Okay, so maybe Butterick patterns were on sale for 99 cents at JoAnn's the other day, and...and maybe I bought a whole bunch of Vintage Butterick reproduction patterns. I have...
American Duchess
V203: New Dress Design: Robe Royaliste

V203: New Dress Design: Robe Royaliste

I don't have enough 18th century gowns. I have jackets and things, and I do love jackets, but when it comes to full gowns, I have, like, one (soon to...
American Duchess
V202: Small Biz Betties: Starting and Maintaining a Blog

V202: Small Biz Betties: Starting and Maintaining a Blog

Hello again, and welcome to Small Biz Betties, where I share my experience in setting up a small, online costuming/crafting business. This week let's talk about setting up and maintaining...
American Duchess
V200: Redingote Portraits of Win

V200: Redingote Portraits of Win

I love the 1780s and 90s, particularly the mannish styles, like the Redingote. Something about those big collars and buttons, paired with big-ass Gainsborough hats - YUM! Lady in Light...
American Duchess
V201: How To Make a Hedgehog Hairstyle With Your Own Hair

V201: How To Make a Hedgehog Hairstyle With Your Own Hair

The late 18th century "hedgehog" hairstyle is one of the easiest coifs to create, though is can seem daunting at first. You can create this style on wigs or hairpiece,...
American Duchess
V199: Georgian Man Candy

V199: Georgian Man Candy

Oh, I know you're disappointed this post isn't about sexy, be-wigged gentlemen on the 18th century. It's about the kind of bling a man would have worn on his shoes...
American Duchess
V197: Summer Tea at Carolyn's

V197: Summer Tea at Carolyn's

Today I attended a delightful Summer Tea, hosted by Carolyn and Debbie of the Great Basin Costume Society. There were lots of lovely things to eat, and lovely people with...
American Duchess
V195: Red Dress in The Garden

V195: Red Dress in The Garden

Here is preview of a shoot Chris and I did yesterday, for this weekend's Bastille Day Sale. More on that tomorrow, along with more photos...
American Duchess
V196: Bastille Day Sale, July 14-15 - Vive La France!

V196: Bastille Day Sale, July 14-15 - Vive La France!

Today and tomorrow, all 18th century items in the American-Duchess.com shop are on sale for 25% off. That includes Pompadours, Kensingtons, and Pemberlies, as well as Fleur and Dauphine shoe...
American Duchess
V194: More Robe a l'Anglaise Problem Solving

V194: More Robe a l'Anglaise Problem Solving

Just getting any idea of final look, with one panel of skirt pinned on, and some trim pinned to the CF - the trim will go around the neckline and...
American Duchess

V193: Interview With Lauren Maringola, "Wearing History" Patterns

Today's interview is with a fantastic, successful, lady entrepreneur and seamstress, Lauren Maringola, of Wearing History, a wonderful company producing authentic, reproduction vintage patterns for a wide range of sizes....
American Duchess