American Duchess Historic Shoes Blog
Costuming Books from Christmas 2014
I know we're well into 2015 already, and Christmas is a distant, fading memory, but I forgot to share with you the books I received as gifts and also found...
"Renoir" Civil War Photo Shoot with Eras of Enchantment
Last October I had the opportunity to shoot with one of my regular, gorgeous models, Liza. You might remember her from our Gibson and Astoria shoots last year. This shoot...
Mademoiselle Guimard in Turkish...or Chinese...Costume
In my journey concerning The Turque thus far, I've learned that contemporary French terminology surrounding this type of gown, and other orientalist gowns, is fuzzy. Levites, Circassiennes, Polonaises, Turques...they kindof...
So a Robe a la Turque is What, Exactly...?
In my first post about the Robe a la Turque, I wound up with more questions than I answered, realizing I'd only just peeked into the rabbit hole that is...
18th c. Red Petticoat Re-Fashion
Woot! The first project of 2015 is complete, and piece #1 of my Robe a la Turque is ready. Refashioned red petticoat with apron This petticoat was once a sad,...
Costume Analytics: What Is a Robe a la Turque Anyway?
It's been a long time since I've done a Costume Analytics, but I've found myself entering "new territory" with a type of 18th century gown I *thought* I understood until...
Our Trip to England in Photos
For Christmas and New Years Chris and I went to England, where Chris is from, to visit family and be tourists. Chris wanted to show me where he grew up,...
My 2014 Year In Review
Gosh but a year is a long time. We often don't even realize how much we've made in just 365 days, so it's wonderful to look back. I started a...
1740s Scottish Tartan Outfit - Done!
1740s Scottish working woman's tartan wool ensemble (Here's another I'm posting about from *the future* - ah, how remiss in never finishing up these projects! But here goes...)There wasn't much...
1919 Red Russian Winter Suit - Done!
The final 1919 suit worn together for a holiday event. I love how this came out! I learned a lot about tailoring (what little I did on the collar), piecing...
The 10-Day Tailoring Challenge - Completed in 8 Days!
Well, here it is, my 1935 jacket, on my body. I'm super proud of this project, even with all the mistakes I made. It's wearable and looks pretty alright (please...
My 10-Day Tailoring Challenge
About 7 days ago I decided to start a tailoring project. Years ago I received McCall 8420, a 1935 pattern with a skirt and kinda-half-Norfolk jacket. The pattern was my...