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V210: Sugarpine Living History Day 2012, and 1933 Vintage Vogue Dress

V210: Sugarpine Living History Day 2012, and 1933 Vintage Vogue Dress

As promised, here are pics from today's lovely event at the Ehrman Mansion, Sugarpine State Park, Lake Tahoe. Our Great Basin Costume Society group - Oscar, Debbie, Baby Autumn, Sarah,...
American Duchess
V211: I Like Big Bustles and I Cannot Lie

V211: I Like Big Bustles and I Cannot Lie

It is rather like an insect carapace, isn't it. Last Friday night, I took a class with the industrious Mary Crawley, leader of the local Steampunk club, High Desert Steam,...
American Duchess
V209: 1933 Vintage Vogue 2671 Throwtogether

V209: 1933 Vintage Vogue 2671 Throwtogether

In the midst of all the mad sewing for Costume College (next week!), I thought I'd put together a simple "recharge" dress for a 1930s picnic tomorrow. So then why...
American Duchess
V208: 1770s Chapeau de Paris Sketches

V208: 1770s Chapeau de Paris Sketches

I'm winding down the Parisian Gown (at least the gown part of it), and realize I need an awesome hat to go with it. No ordinary bergere will do -...
American Duchess
V207: August Call For Sponsors

V207: August Call For Sponsors

Hi Lovelies! Do you have a business you think would benefit from advertising here on American Duchess? How about trying out a banner for the month of August (or 30...
American Duchess
Tagged: Vintage365
V206: Please Vote - What Is The Circumference of Your Calf?

V206: Please Vote - What Is The Circumference of Your Calf?

Why am I asking this? Well, I'd like to learn the average calf size of you lovely ladies interested in purchasing Tavistock button boots, and other future boot styles. I...
American Duchess
Tagged: Shoes Vintage365
V205: Nearing Completion for the Parisian Gown

V205: Nearing Completion for the Parisian Gown

I've been working holes into my fingers over the past week, trying to complete shiny new costumes for Costume College, the first weekend in August. I have her on my...
American Duchess
V204: Repro Vintage Butterick Pattern Haul

V204: Repro Vintage Butterick Pattern Haul

Okay, so maybe Butterick patterns were on sale for 99 cents at JoAnn's the other day, and...and maybe I bought a whole bunch of Vintage Butterick reproduction patterns. I have...
American Duchess
V203: New Dress Design: Robe Royaliste

V203: New Dress Design: Robe Royaliste

I don't have enough 18th century gowns. I have jackets and things, and I do love jackets, but when it comes to full gowns, I have, like, one (soon to...
American Duchess
V202: Small Biz Betties: Starting and Maintaining a Blog

V202: Small Biz Betties: Starting and Maintaining a Blog

Hello again, and welcome to Small Biz Betties, where I share my experience in setting up a small, online costuming/crafting business. This week let's talk about setting up and maintaining...
American Duchess
V200: Redingote Portraits of Win

V200: Redingote Portraits of Win

I love the 1780s and 90s, particularly the mannish styles, like the Redingote. Something about those big collars and buttons, paired with big-ass Gainsborough hats - YUM! Lady in Light...
American Duchess
V201: How To Make a Hedgehog Hairstyle With Your Own Hair

V201: How To Make a Hedgehog Hairstyle With Your Own Hair

The late 18th century "hedgehog" hairstyle is one of the easiest coifs to create, though is can seem daunting at first. You can create this style on wigs or hairpiece,...
American Duchess