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V166: Book Review: "The Art of Finger Waving" by Paul Compan

V166: Book Review: "The Art of Finger Waving" by Paul Compan

Art of Finger Waving -- Recreating Vintage 1920s and 1930s Hairstyles Paul Compan (c) 2007 by Bramcost Publications ISBN 978-1-934268-34-6 There are few techniques in the world of vintage fashion...
American Duchess
V164: Vintage Shoe Ads of 1939-1941

V164: Vintage Shoe Ads of 1939-1941

Oh how I love shoes, particularly vintage 20th century shoes. They make me swoon! Some of you already know I'm working on a couple 1920s and 30s designs for next...
American Duchess
V163: The Carson City Rendezvous, 1860

V163: The Carson City Rendezvous, 1860

Mums on the left, me on the right, in our plaid hoop dresses, and bonnets made by dear friend Maggie This past weekend Mummsies and I attended the Carson City...
American Duchess
V162: My First Re-covered Victorian Parasol

V162: My First Re-covered Victorian Parasol

Yesterday I showed you some lovely extant Victorian parasols that I looked at for inspiration in re-covering a long-handled polyester parasol I bought at Valhalla last weekend. This is the...
American Duchess

V161: Pretty Victorian Parasols

Happy Saturday. I'm a bit late with this entry because I was away at the Carson City Rendezvous for most of the day, but better late than never. These are...
American Duchess
V160: Progress on My 18th c. Pocket...and Then More Pockets!

V160: Progress on My 18th c. Pocket...and Then More Pockets!

I've been embroidering on and off since early May, on my first Georgian pocket. I originally used a pattern from Costume Close-Up: Clothing Construction and Pattern, 1750-1790, but decided not...
American Duchess

V159: 18th Century Bow Jewelry - What to Look For and Where to Get It Today

1780 In the 18th century, bows were a very popular motif found in just about everything aesthetic - architecture and interior design, textile and clothing, and jewelry. For today's topic,...
American Duchess
V158: Pocket Trash

V158: Pocket Trash

What is Pocket Trash? I first heard this term used by the lovely Miss Emily Waterman and her Doctor, in regards to items carried on your person, while re-enacting, or...
American Duchess
V157: Opinions Please - Mid-Victorian Shoe Survey

V157: Opinions Please - Mid-Victorian Shoe Survey

Hi Ladies! It's market research time once again, and your invaluable opinions are needed to help us decide on a mid-Victorian style of shoe, for next year's historical footwear lineup....
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
V155: Valhalla Renaissance Faire, 2012

V155: Valhalla Renaissance Faire, 2012

Lovely courtesans, cute gig I'm back from Valhalla Renaissance Faire, at South Lake Tahoe. Yesterday was lovely, not too hot, and not snowing, lol. Here are some photos from our...
American Duchess

V154: Off to The Faire!

I'm away at Valhalla Renaissance Faire, in South Lake Tahoe, CA, to day, so I've left you with Ole Bess herself, until I can get back to post pictures from...
American Duchess