The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Dressmaking - by Lauren Stowell & Abby Cox (Paperback)

About the Book

"This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to make and wear your 18th century dream gown. [The authors] have endeavored to ... [bring] historically accurate dressmaking techniques into your sewing room. Learn how to make four of the most iconic 18th century silhouettes--the English Gown, Sacque Gown, Italian Gown and Round Gown--using the same hand sewing techniques done by historic dressmakers. From large hoops to full bums, wool petticoats to grand silk gowns, ruffled aprons to big feathered hats, this manual has project patterns and instructions for every level of 18th century sewing enthusiast"--Amazon.com.

Book Synopsis

Bring History to Life

Whether you wish you could time travel to the court of Versailles or the Highlands of Scotland, this comprehensive guide will walk you through how to make and wear your 18th century dream gown. Lauren Stowell and Abby Cox of American Duchess have endeavored to make the impossible possible by bringing historically accurate dressmaking techniques into your sewing room. Learn how to make four of the most iconic 18th century silhouettes--the English Gown, Sacque Gown, Italian Gown and Round Gown--using the same hand sewing techniques done by historic dressmakers. From large hoops to full bums, wool petticoats to grand silk gowns, ruffled aprons to big feathered hats, this manual has project patterns and instructions for every level of 18th century sewing enthusiast. With Lauren and Abby's guidance, you'll feel as if you just stepped out of an 18th century portrait.

The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Dressmaking demystifies 18th century fashion and sewing techniques so that you can wear these beautiful gowns with confidence and style.

Review Quotes

"In this must-have volume, the American Duchess ladies solve your costuming worries, sharing solid yet accessible research, inspiring images and tips from the sewing trenches in a style that makes historically accurate 18th century sewing more achievable and fun than it's ever been."

-Cathy Hay, CEO, Foundations Revealed

"Finally we have a book to span the gap between academic research and hands-on sewing instruction for the 18th century. It takes the mystery out of historically accurate technique and presents it in a beautiful and achievable way, grounded in the authors' years of experience in hands-on research."

-Cynthia Settje, Owner, Redthreaded Costumes & Corsets

About the Author

Lauren and Abby's company, American Duchess Inc., has been providing historically accurate lady's shoes since 2011. Their shoes and accessorieshave been used in productions all over the world, including ABC's Once Upon a Time, Starz's Outlander and American Gods, Broadway's Hamilton: An American Musical, Dangerous Liaisons and Cinderella. Their shoes have also been used by the New York Metropolitan Opera, Ford's Theater and have walked the red carpet at the Academy Awards. They live in Reno, Nevada.