Arrival of my first tartan!

[Elizabeth]

That is a beautiful shift pattern. For right now I would be tempted to just make a quick draw string neck peasant style shift out of a few yards of cheap thin cotton. I would not make it as full as most patterns show by taking a bit out of the width of the body and back. For a Renn Faire you would fit right in. Then you can take your time on the "real" garment and not be stressed out about it. It's always nice to have a peasant style shift in the wardrobe anyway.

[AlabamaCelticLass]

That is a beautiful shift pattern. For right now I would be tempted to just make a quick draw string neck peasant style shift out of a few yards of cheap thin cotton. I would not make it as full as most patterns show by taking a bit out of the width of the body and back. For a Renn Faire you would fit right in. Then you can take your time on the "real" garment and not be stressed out about it. It's always nice to have a peasant style shift in the wardrobe anyway.

Thank you for the link. Using Sharon's pattern, I made the first "practice" one out of an old bedsheet, and yes, it was enormous on me! Even when I reduced the width by 4 inches as instructed for wearers "less than 40 inches". At risk of my own embarrassment, here it is:

[Elizabeth]

Here is the Google link to the search page for "chimise 1800's. There are several of the style I am talking about. Thay are slimmer fitting and the sleeves are not as poofy as most Renn Faire renditions.

https://www.google.com/search?q=chem...evid=525567391

[marypenny]

I sew. I get it. Let us see the finished ensemble, please!

[AlabamaCelticLass]

I sew. I get it. Let us see the finished ensemble, please!

MaryPenny, do you sew 18th century women's clothing? I'm way behind on this project and trying to catch up. Having a real heck of a time trying to figure out this shift pattern I found and am using (http://www.sharonburnston.com/shifts_construction.html). Not really any pictures or diagrams showing her process, and I'm spoiled by modern patterns that explain step-by-step with illustrations, I suppose. The only historical clothing I've done is 1860s, so this is way different.

I decided to do a practice one first, before cutting expensive linen. I'm using an old bedsheet. I'm glad too, because I've made a mess of it. I'm almost done and it will just have to do for this weekend, but if I could find a better pattern or just get help understanding this one, it would be great!

[Doreen T]

The combination of the two fabrics is beautiful, I also sew and look forward to seeing your finished outfit.

[AlabamaCelticLass]

The combination of the two fabrics is beautiful, I also sew and look forward to seeing your finished outfit.

Doreen, I posted a photo in a new thread here under Misc. titled "My first attempt at 1740s Highland attire." I plan to improve upon it and make it more historically accurate.