American Duchess Historic Shoes Blog
The Great 1840s Madness, and Some 18th c. Toile-ing
It feels fantastic to be sewing again, and to be sewing on a tight deadline. I believe in the power of tight deadlines to keep us excited about a project,...
The Great 1840s Digression
Today I went to the fabric store for one thing and one thing only: muslin, primarily for the purpose of mocking up James' 18th c. men's suit (more on this...
The Importance of Sewing Space
I've been so bad at updating, and this is because my brain has been a frazzled mess of goo due to the lack of organization and functionality of my sewing...
It's That Time of Year: American Duchess T-Shirts
Who wants candy?
American Duchess Boutique on Etsy
Retail shop is up and running, taking international orders as well as domestic, yay!
James' :Ubersexlich 18th c. Men's Suit: Sketches
The time has come to begin sketching and designing for James' 18th c. suit. The nice thing about men's fashion in the 18th c. is that while it was flamboyant,...
James' Fantastic 18th Century Suit - Starting Line
Red wool suit with gold trimming, Kyoto Costume Institute, 1740s It's about time I posted something, yeah? I have a good excuse: this little Duchie has finally found herself a...
Birthday A La Francaise
Last weekend I celebrated my birthday by skipping down to Alameda for an evening of dancing with my favorite people.When I returned on Sunday, my parents and I celebrated again,...
70 Thank Yous to 70 Followers
Today I'm happy to celebrate 70 followers to this blog! Thank you to all my readers, and welcome to all the new readers!2010 is fast approaching and I hope to...
Time Travel: Le Bal Des Vampyres, 1840s
I promise you I have some delectable projects to begin updating about soon, including a fantastic 18th c. men's ensemble ripe with embroidery and velvet and goodies. However, I also...
American Duchess, Now Open For Business
American Duchess is now accepting costuming commissions, yay! I am not solely an 18th century seamster - I also work in Elizabethan, Baroque, Regency, Victorian, Edwardian, and retro fashions from...
Costume Queen Gives "Kreativ Blogger" Nod to American Duchess
This portrait by Allan Ramsay has absolutely nothing to do with the article you're about to read. Tonight I have reason to celebrate! American Duchess has received the "Kreativ Blogger"...
Ladies and Gentlemen, The 1795 Barn Owl Robe
The moment at least a handful of you have been waiting for! Last weekend I wore The Owl to Gaskells. I had been planning, crafting, stitching, and wrangling my way...