18th century shift

Lately, I've been expanding my 18th century wardrobe, and with a few 18th century events planned (though they've since been...

You know what they say about historical costuming? "Foundations, Foundations, Foundations!" er... or something like that. But in all seriousness, when I began my research into historical dress the piece of advice I found over and over and over again was to have the correct undergarment, no exceptions. In the 18th century, this means: a shift, stays, false rump, pockets, and petticoat(s) - the more the merrier for the later. Shift I started with the simplest and most important garment first…

. If you want this pattern please e-mail me and I will send it to you. .

The stays are made from two layers of linen canvas, reproduction 18th century silk brocade / droguet as the top layer and linen lining. They...

Mara Riley's Costume Site

Heavy linen shift

Woman's shift of linen, British, 1740-1780; pleated sleeves

My late 17th century smock or shift (I'm not sure when the terminology shifted - pun intended!) is finished. It's all hand-sewn and somewhat speculative since I couldn't really find any extant examples in my searches. Perhaps I didn't search long enough, but I don't care at this point because it's…