In this full-day workshop, you will draft and sew a simple linen shift.

A shift is a simple, unfitted foundational garment worn from the Viking era through the 19th century. This is the perfect project for a first foray into historical sewing, because the pattern consists entirely of simple rectangles and triangles.

In this workshop, you will construct your own simple and historically accurate shift. We will draft and cut the pieces to measure and assemble them with a sewing machine. Then we will fell the seams by hand so that no machine stitching will be visible from the outside of the finished garment. If you prefer to sew everything by hand, you can do that too—you just won’t get it quite as finished while you’re here. You will leave with your own shift, and all of the knowledge and materials you’ll need to complete the seams and hems at home.

The 18th-century-style shift modeled here (left) follows the basic pattern that we'll use in this workshop. Alterations can be made to suit different historical eras.

This class is offered at $75 for members and $80 for non-members. The price for this class includes a $25 materials fee. Your shift will be lightweight linen (3.5oz/yard) of a medium grade, suitable for everyday attire. We will use all-cotton thread to sew it together.

For questions please call Ligonier Valley Historical Society at 724-238-4983 or email ebarth@compassinn.org.