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8 Drool-Worthy 18th c. Dresses From the Kyoto Costume Institute

8 Drool-Worthy 18th c. Dresses From the Kyoto Costume Institute

For some time now I've had the Kyoto Costume Institute's book...the miniature version. It was not until this afternoon that I finally received the KCI "big book," quite literally a...
American Duchess
Tagged: Research
1795 Owl Robe: The Perils of Plumage

1795 Owl Robe: The Perils of Plumage

Having survived the first half of the year's costuming rushes and events, it's time, at last, to start collecting materials for this year's Costume of Insanity, the Barn Owl Halloween...
American Duchess
Wherin Lil' Duchie Justifies the Purchase of All Those Feathers...

Wherin Lil' Duchie Justifies the Purchase of All Those Feathers...

If you read last night's tedious entry about feathers, you might have been shocked by how much money I just spent on feathers. I was a little shocked myself as...
American Duchess
How To: Sizing Up Vintage Patterns For Modern Wear

How To: Sizing Up Vintage Patterns For Modern Wear

Never fear, dear readers, for while this particular tutorial is showing a vintage 1950s pattern, these techniques can be used for any pattern that is not your size. Generally we...
American Duchess
Tagged: How-To
1795 Robe & Gown: Le Societe De Pique Nique Event

1795 Robe & Gown: Le Societe De Pique Nique Event

Hooray! The first wear of the 1795 linen robe and voile gown ensemble, complete with 18th c. Hair of Great Enormity, and the curved-brim Great Hat! I know I've been...
American Duchess
Behind The Masque: Owl Mask Inspiration Pt. 2

Behind The Masque: Owl Mask Inspiration Pt. 2

With something as outlandish as what has been percolating in my head, concerning the mask to accompany the barn owl ensemble, I feel it necessary to put as much planning,...
American Duchess
1795 Open Robe: It's About Time For Some PROGRESS

1795 Open Robe: It's About Time For Some PROGRESS

Finally! *Actual* progress! The 1795 Robe is almost completely constructed, but still miles from being finished. This mockup in yellow linen is unlined, and I have an obsessive problem with...
American Duchess
Travels In Time: Where Has Lil' Duchess Been?

Travels In Time: Where Has Lil' Duchess Been?

Oh Dear Readers, if I have not lost you completely, I'm sure you've been wondering in an upset fashion why I haven't posted anything in the past couple weeks or...
American Duchess
Hat-tachements: Resources For Hatpins

Hat-tachements: Resources For Hatpins

By now you all have a hat, of course, fabulously trimmed with ribbons and plummage. There is just one problem: how do you keep this thing on your head!?Enter The...
American Duchess
Tagged: Accessories Hats
A Wild Hair : When Good Wigs Gets Better

A Wild Hair : When Good Wigs Gets Better

At about 3 A.M. one morning I decided my 18th century "big wig" just wasn't big enough. It's not that I thought it ugly, it just wasn't the right shape....
American Duchess
The Amazing Crafthat Pt. Deux : Finishing!

The Amazing Crafthat Pt. Deux : Finishing!

When we last looked at our friend The Amazing Crafthat, the crown had been cut off and the brim shaped into a lovely curve, using the spray-bottle method.Now it's time...
American Duchess
Behind the Masque: Owl Mask Concept and References

Behind the Masque: Owl Mask Concept and References

What is more intriguing than and 18th c. Masquerade (and it's masks)?American Duchess' first monster project, which all the dress diary entries so far have been working towards, is the...
American Duchess