American Duchess Historic Shoes Blog
V225: Starting the 1790s "Robe Royaliste"
Before Costume College, I was making plans for a new 1790s gown in purple taffeta, called the "Robe Royaliste." I decided on a chemise style like the lovely green/gold gown...
V223: 17th Century Infanta Inspiration
Blargh, I hate being sick. I don't want to sew or do much of anything, really, but it's just so easy to look at pretty pictures....so I'll do some of...
V222: "Miss Nevada" 1890s Vaudeville Secret Gala Costume
I'm terrible at keeping secrets, but managed to not make a peep about my "super-secret Costume College Gala costume" for the greater part of a year. All the Northern Nevada...
V220: The Parisian Gown - Finished!
Despite all the trouble this gown gave me, I'm so happy with how it turned out! I certainly learned many a lesson about fabric choice, sleeve construction, and general patterning....
V219: The Overland Passage
Ugh! I haven't blogged today on account of traveling back from Costume College, Los Angeles to Reno, a good nine or more hours. It felt kindof like this... We're back...
V218: Costume College 2012: Time Traveler's Gala
The Gala at Costume College is overwhelmingly awesome. Everybody turns out with the most dazzling, stunning, out-of-this-world costumery you can imagine. Here are a few snaps I took tonight... Yay...
217: Costume College Day 1: Ice Cream Social, Yay!
Costume College is *awesome* ! So far I've met tons of wonderful people, learned all about proper sleeve drafting, altering, and fitting, and made some indestructible 1770s rolls to clip...
V216: Small Biz Betties: Making Public Appearances
Hello again! Today I'm in Southern California, attending "Costume College," an annual event chock full of classes on all kinds of costuming stuff, along with shopping, and a sweet costume...
V215: Interview with Alicia of "Little Bits Clothing Company"
Hi All! Today I've got an interview with Alicia of "Little Bits Clothing Company," a great little business creating reproduction historical gowns of the 18th and 19th centuries, along with...
V214: 18th Century Silk Clocked Stockings Now on Pre-Order
Okay, ladies (and gents too), it's finally time. The new clocked stockings I've been working on are finally available to order. Purchase yours at www.american-duchess.com . White silk stockings with...
V213: Extant vs. Extent - What's the Difference?
"I'm an extant gown with a skirt of great extent" In the historical costuming world, we talk and write a lot about original garments. It's important to get the right...
V212: Georgian Hair Hopping
Chris and I did a photo shoot the other night, for the clocked stockings pre-sale coming up in a couple days. I wore my new "Parisian Gown," and wanted to...