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The 7 Stages of Piecing

The 7 Stages of Piecing

There are very few historical projects I've made over the years that have gone totally smoothly. In fact, I can think of one. Every other gown I've made, and a...
American Duchess
Lost In New York: Redthreaded and American Duchess Hit the Big Apple

Lost In New York: Redthreaded and American Duchess Hit the Big Apple

Adventures in New York City! Back in May I visited New York City...again...it's becoming a weirdly regular occurrence and that's no bad thing. I love NYC. I love it -...
American Duchess
PRE-ORDER: Kensingtons for ALL!

PRE-ORDER: Kensingtons for ALL!

My lovelies, today we have a *major* announcement for you. Lovers of 18th century costume rejoice, for our most popular "Kensington" 18th century shoes are now available in a range...
American Duchess
New Kensingtons Are Coming...

New Kensingtons Are Coming...

Ladies, we have a *big* announcement coming soon... If you want the inside scoop, click through to sign up for the email notification list.
American Duchess
How to Fit 18th Century Shoe Buckles

How to Fit 18th Century Shoe Buckles

You've just got yourself a fine new pair of American Duchess 18th century shoes and you ordered some sparkly 18th century shoe buckles to go with them. Now what? Fitting...
American Duchess
An 1880s Bodice Plastron - Refit

An 1880s Bodice Plastron - Refit

Me and Abby in our bustle gowns - totally different styles but we actually used the same pattern for the apron. Do you ever pop into your Costume Closet to...
American Duchess

I'm Going "Durrells" For the Summer

Or forever. Fans Addicts of British television will be familiar with the wonderful series "The Durrells" (or "The Durrells in Corfu" if you're here in the US where for some...
American Duchess
What Are Those Knobbles on 1790s Stays?

What Are Those Knobbles on 1790s Stays?

From "Corsets and Crinolines" by Norah Waugh - see those nobbles? What are those nobbles for? Read on... Have you ever wondered about those weird round knobbles and pads on...
American Duchess
Book Signing Soiree at Lacis Museum of Lace & Textiles

Book Signing Soiree at Lacis Museum of Lace & Textiles

This past weekend we popped over The Hill down to Berkeley to visit on of our favorite shops *ever* - Lacis Museum of Lace and Textiles. We were honored to...
American Duchess
The Creature Reborn - Retrimming the Pink Polonaise

The Creature Reborn - Retrimming the Pink Polonaise

Once upon a time I made a pink taffeta polonaise and trimmed it in organza, a very 1770s thing to do. At the time, I tried hand roll hemming and...
American Duchess
Podcast Episode 17: Embracing Your Eccentric Historical Self with Zack Pinsent, Historic Tailor

Podcast Episode 17: Embracing Your Eccentric Historical Self with Zack Pinsent, Historic Tailor

Hey Everybody! Woohoo! We have a new episode of Fashion History with American Duchess to share with you today! Earlier this year, we managed to get our favorite English tailor,...
American Duchess
Tagged: Podcast
1765 Robe a la Bon Bon - Progress on the Gown

1765 Robe a la Bon Bon - Progress on the Gown

The sacque back is looking swell I've been sewing on-and-off on my new sacque for a few weeks now. I only have the weekends to fiddle these days, but luckily...
American Duchess