Filter by
Three Vintage Hats and the American Duchess Boutique

Three Vintage Hats and the American Duchess Boutique

Hello historically inspired ladies! I thought you might be interested in three vintage hats I've listed in the new and improved American Duchess Boutique on Etsy. Here they are (click...
American Duchess
Tagged: Boutique Hats
Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing = Tailoring Magic for the 18th c. Costumer

Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing = Tailoring Magic for the 18th c. Costumer

Do you guys know about Gertie's? I don't remember how I found this blog, but it's absolutely fantastic. She is doing a "sew along" on a retro-style winter coat, and...
American Duchess
What's All This About Casaquins?

What's All This About Casaquins?

Half a casaquin, the lovely and somewhat strange pleats in back. You may have noticed I've been talking a lot about 18th c. jackets, particularly the casaquin, lately. There's a...
American Duchess
Costume Analytics: The American Redingote, 1791

Costume Analytics: The American Redingote, 1791

This week on Costume Analytics we will take a trip across the Pond and look at a snazzy American fashion, depicted in Ralph Earl's 1791 portrait of Mrs. William Moseley....
American Duchess
Design Sundays: "Raindrops" Raincoat on Garmz.com

Design Sundays: "Raindrops" Raincoat on Garmz.com

"Raindrops" coat design, by yours truly. Give it a vote (click the picture) This week on Design Sunday: a new jacket sketch inspired by an absolutely darling 18th c. pink,...
American Duchess
Tagged: Design Sketches
What Exactly IS a Tea Gown?

What Exactly IS a Tea Gown?

Pretty new teacup from Sacramento. There is a tea coming up, to which my Lady Mother and I have been invited, and we're quibbling over what to wear. In our...
American Duchess
What Is the Difference Between a Caraco and a Casaquin?  and Other 18th c. Jackets...

What Is the Difference Between a Caraco and a Casaquin? and Other 18th c. Jackets...

Countess Olympe asked the question, "what is the difference between a caraco and a casaquin?" And what about those other jackets-with-mysterious-French-names too? Well here we go... Disclaimer: The information in...
American Duchess
Costume Analytics: 1780s Casaquin Jacket

Costume Analytics: 1780s Casaquin Jacket

This week on Costume Analytics we are taking a look at an extant garment from the 1780s. This little jacket is known as a "casaquin," a short jacket usually pleated...
American Duchess
1940s Evening Gown in Progress

1940s Evening Gown in Progress

I have mucho to update you all on, and I'm having difficultly deciding where and which project to start with! See, it's one of *those* months, in which way too...
American Duchess
Tagged: Vintage
American Duchess Designs on Garmz.com

American Duchess Designs on Garmz.com

Special thanks to Lady Carolyn Runnells, who sent me a link to this snazzy new website, called Garmz.com, I think you should *all* take a look at. It's a website...
American Duchess
Costume Analytics: 1770-80 Chintz Caraco & Petticoat

Costume Analytics: 1770-80 Chintz Caraco & Petticoat

This week on Costume Analytics, we'll be looking at everyone's favorite caraco-petticoat ensemble, from the V&A. A beautiful example of a matching jacket and skirt, this English ensemble is made...
American Duchess
Pattern Grading, Not For the Faint of Heart

Pattern Grading, Not For the Faint of Heart

The dining table in all its glory I just finished a bit of an assignment that is quite literally the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my...
American Duchess
Tagged: Patterning