After the Fetes Galantes ball at Versailles was cancelled two years in a row due to the pandemic, I wanted to put my red robe à la française to good use for DragonCon in Atlanta. And my friends Jessi and Paige from Cosplay and Cocktails inspired me to make my own Rococo costume(s) with a geeky […]
American duchess
Sewing My First Robe à la Française
In preparation for Fetes Galantes 2020 (yes, the one the pandemic canceled), I made a robe à la française, or sack-back gown, mock-up to wrap my brain around the confusing construction of this garment that had intimidated me at first sight. I hand stitched, machine stitched, and learned a lot along the way. I ended up finishing […]
Sewing 18th Century Garters
Last year while working on my gown and accessories for Fetes Galantes (yes, the one the pandemic canceled), I made four sets of 18th century ribbon garters. I made two pair for myself, and two sets for friends who were also going to attend the event. They were quick, easy, and so pretty! Here’s how […]
An 18th Century Bergère Hat Upgrade
Several years ago I trimmed an 18th century bergère (a flat-brimmed straw hat with a shallow crown) rather modestly for a Claire inspired Outlander costume. I’ve since never worn it. So last year while working on my gown and accessories for Fetes Galantes (yes, the one the pandemic canceled), I upgraded my hat using The American Duchess […]
Sewing 18th Century Chemise & Stays
Hard to believe a year ago this month I was busy making my 18th century chemise and stays in preparation for Fetes Galantes at Versailles. And then the pandemic happened and I got as far as the mock-up for my robe a la francaise. With no idea when things will normalize, globally, as least I’m […]
A Quick Regency Sleeveless Spencer: Historical Hogwarts Edition
During this pandemic, I’ve been bouncing around different historical eras and cosplay projects. And following the socially distanced Regency picnic that we attended earlier in the summer, I’ve continued to upgrade my Regency wardrobe, including this quick Historical Hogwarts sleeveless spencer in Ravenclaw blue. [Related: My First Foray Into the Regency Era] I’ve sewn now three […]
A Quick Regency Picnic Bonnet
Towards the beginning of this summer, and pandemic, we got invited to a socially distant Regency picnic by a member of the Houston Regency Society on their private property. It was so nice to have a historical costuming event to prepare for, as other events were being cancelled left and right. I had a Regency outfit […]
A Quick Regency Sleeveless Spencer
Towards the beginning of this summer, and pandemic, we got invited to a socially distant Regency picnic by a member of the Houston Regency Society on their private property. It was so nice to have a historical costuming event to prepare for, as other events were being cancelled left and right. I had a Regency […]
My First Foray Into the Regency Era
Following yesterday’s post on my gown and open robe, I’m sharing the rest of the outfit for my first foray into the historical costuming the Regency era. Depsite being in a huge hurry to make and throw this outfit together in about a week, I’m proud of how it turned out, flaws and all! While […]
Regency Gown and Open Robe
Following yesterday’s post on my Regency bonnet, I’m sharing the 1790’s gown and open robe I made to go with the bonnet, inclduing a short pattern review of American Duchess/Simplicity 8941 pattern. This was my first foray into historical costuming the Regency era, and it has felt like a bit of a gateway drug. [Related: […]