American Duchess Historic Shoes Blog
Regency Styles I Actually Like
...because I don't have quite enough on my mind right now! I will admit I'm not a big fan of the Regency, on me. I love it on others -...
Red Russian Doll Coat, Now Looking Like A Coat
Wow this project is kicking my buns ... but in a good way! With the help of many books, not least of all Vogue Sewing, I've been trying some tailoring...
Fall/Winter Shoes Sneak Peek
Or... "A Monday in the Life of American Duchess." Here's a quick snap of my sewing worktable today. Not much sewing going on, as you can see! These are the...
Embroidered Stomachers of the early 18th Century
Every once in awhile I do some handiwork that I'm then very proud of later, and always glad I took on. Last time, it was an embroidered 18th century pocket,...
Plannings For A 1740s Scottish Ensemble
I do love me some OL and the show's been inspiring some Scottish-themed ideas, especially since I "rediscovered" a gorgeous tartan skirt that's been lurking in my closet the last...
Civil War Gown Inspiration and Plannings
...oh yes, *plannings* !I have terrible Costume A-D-D at the moment. Terrible. One of the many things I want to make *right now* is a new Civil War gown. I...
My 2014 Steampunk Ball Costume - Complete!
So the ball was ages ago, but I didn't have a good photo of my whole costume until today. As it stands, you can't see much detail in this, but...
1919 "Red Russian Doll" Coat Progress
It's looking like a coat! The belt around the middle is just there for mocking up, and is tighter than the final belt will be. Things are going together really...
F/W Shoes: Re-Pre-Orders Now Open
It's that time of year, when we here at ADHQ are already getting ready for the big holiday rush. No, I'm not playing Christmas music or slurping down eggnog lattes...
New Project! Russian-Inspired Late Edwardian Suit
It feels like it's been ages since I embarked on a complex historical project, but with Winter coming, and photo shoots needing shooting, it's time to start (yes, already!) on...
Hard Lessons in Victorian Corset Making - My "Duh" Moments...
Left side - boning, strength additions, and padding. I still have wrinkling, but it's better than it was.Right side - no boning, no strength layers, no padding. I can make...
I'm In Hong Kong!
Please excuse my lack of blogging this week - I'm in Hong Kong!I'll have lots to report on when I get back - you can bet your bottom dollar I'm...