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Costuming Books from Christmas 2014

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...
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"Renoir" Civil War Photo Shoot with Eras of Enchantment

"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...
American Duchess
Mademoiselle Guimard in Turkish...or Chinese...Costume

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...
American Duchess
So a Robe a la Turque is What, Exactly...?

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...
American Duchess
18th c. Red Petticoat Re-Fashion

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,...
American Duchess
Costume Analytics: What Is a Robe a la Turque Anyway?

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...
American Duchess
Our Trip to England in Photos

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,...
American Duchess
Tagged: Miscellany
My 2014 Year In Review

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...
American Duchess
Tagged: Miscellany
1740s Scottish Tartan Outfit - Done!

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...
American Duchess
1919 Red Russian Winter Suit - Done!

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...
American Duchess
The 10-Day Tailoring Challenge - Completed in 8 Days!

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...
American Duchess
My 10-Day Tailoring Challenge

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...
American Duchess