Kannik's Korner - Women's Shift 1790-1820

[cosmoblue]

Has anyone used this shift pattern?

It can be found at:
www.kannikskorner.com/patwomen2.htm

Opinions, thoughts, advice?

[Val]

This one has been recommended to me by a friend who works in Historic Williamsburg, along with the cap pattern. I know a couple people who made both, and liked them.

[cosmoblue]

Well, I have made my first attempt at this pattern with at least 2 more to go. This first attempt was supposed to be my toile so it is made in muslin, but since it is completely finished and wearable this is my first shift.

In general I thought that the pattern went together really easily, I even had to shorten it several inches using the directions that were given. I was a bit confused about the offsetting vs, seam allowances. I figured out by the end that it is offset 1/8" and sew at 3/8" from the "higher" edge. I also didn't realize until too late that the messy side (with two rows of stitches) of the seam goes on the inside. I rarely ever use commercial patterns and I always have trouble following directions for some reason. Other than that it was easy to follow. People with a less complicated logic would not have problems. I like the way that it is so clean on the inside with no rogue seam allowances to tidy up. Everything is felled.

What I have decided for next time is . . .
1. I will sew by hand, or at least mostly. The pattern was meant to be sewn by hand and would look so much nicer.

2. Keep notes as I am working, I have a feeling that I didn't make note everywhere that I solved a puzzle.

3. I think that I need to make it shorter still.

[Val]

I'm going to be (hopefully) picking up this pattern next week at our Dickens Fair in Riverside, CA, along with the cap pattern. I hope I can figure out the "offsetting" part because I have NO IDEA what that means. Darn.
Your's looks very nice for a first time.

[cosmoblue]

val said:

I'm going to be (hopefully) picking up this pattern next week at our [naughty word]ens Fair in Riverside, CA, along with the cap pattern. I hope I can figure out the "offsetting" part because I have NO IDEA what that means. Darn.
Your's looks very nice for a first time.

I don't think that you will have a problem. There is a picture.

[dawnluckham]

Nice job, Cosmo. I think you've got a nice length there, if you're comfortable with it. Wish I had time to hand sew everything! ;D

[lastbloom]

Just finished my shift a few days ago and it is awesome! I loved this pattern and did it by hand using the "traditional" construction methods. I think it was actually easier than trying to get the gussets through a machine, at least for me, and the finished product is neat as a pin. It is too long for me because I forgot to shorten it when I first cut the pattern, but oh well. It's a few inches above my ankles, but then I am very short.

My only complaint (and it is a very small one) is that the pattern does not tell you WHERE to place the embroidered initials and inventory number. On the men's shirt pattern, the instructions tell you to place the initials and number just under the bosom slit. They'd be covered by the gentleman's waistcoat and coat, but the only thing I can think of is that the initials on the shift have to go somewhere that would be covered by the corset.