Book Review- The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Dressmaking

The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Dressmaking is a comprehensive guide that brings history to life by teaching you how to hand sew Georgian gowns and wear them with style. Written by Lauren Stowell and Abby Cox of American Duchess, this guide is perfect for anyone who wishes they could time travel to the court of Versailles or the Highlands of Scotland.

The perfect book for any fan of period drama series such as Downton Abbey, Pride and Prejudice (1995 and 2005 versions), Jane Eyre (2006 and 2011 versions), Emma (1996 and 2020 versions), Sense and Sensibility (2008), Wuthering Heights (2009 and 2011 versions), Bridgerton.

In this book you will learn how to make four of the most iconic 18th century silhouettes, including the English Gown, Sacque Gown, Italian Gown, and Round Gown. The authors have carefully researched and recreated the historically accurate dressmaking techniques of the time, so you can make your 18th century dream gown using the same methods that dressmakers of the era used. The book features project patterns and step-by-step instructions for every level of sewing enthusiast, from beginners to advanced.

Whether you’re looking to create large hoops or full bums, wool petticoats or grand silk gowns, ruffled aprons or big feathered hats, this book has everything you need to make your 18th century gown come to life. Lauren and Abby provide expert guidance and tips to help you make and wear your gown with confidence and style, making you feel as though you just stepped out of an 18th century portrait.

The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Dressmaking is the perfect guide for anyone who loves the 18th century and wants to bring history to life by creating beautiful, accurate, and stylish Georgian gowns. Whether you’re an experienced sewer or just starting out, this book will help you bring your dream gown to life and wear it with pride.

Next Pattern:

There is a certain kind of sewing pattern that makes you start mentally matching fabrics before you have even finished reading the description. You know the type — relaxed shapes, clever details, pockets if the sewing gods are smiling, and just enough room for you to use that fabric you bought “for something special” three years ago.

That is exactly where Matchy Matchy Sewing Club seems to have found its sweet spot.

This indie sewing pattern brand has been getting more attention lately, and it is not hard to see why. The patterns feel cheerful, wearable, and creative without looking overly complicated. They have that handmade wardrobe energy sewists love right now: loose dresses, easy tops, patchwork details, everyday pants, quilted pieces, and garments that look like they were designed for real life rather than a mannequin who has never sat down.

What makes Matchy Matchy Sewing Club especially appealing is that it does not feel intimidating. The designs have personality, but they still look achievable. They invite you to play with fabric, mix prints, use scraps, and sew clothes that feel comfortable enough for the school run, the craft room, the market, or a lazy Sunday spent pretending you are only “tidying” the fabric stash.

And really, that is a big part of the current handmade wardrobe trend. Sewists are not just looking for another plain sewing pattern. They want pieces that feel personal. They want PDF sewing patterns that are beginner-friendly but still interesting. They want garments that let fabric choices shine, especially if there is a chance to use up those beautiful leftovers we keep folding neatly and then never touching again.

Matchy Matchy Sewing Club taps into all of that beautifully.

Next Pattern:

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