Making an 18th/Early 19th Century Shift from an Extant Original!
It might be important to note that, according to the seller of the original shift, it was initially acquired from a French convent and so that might account for the slightly old fashioned (by the late 19th century) cutting and construction methods. I also suspect that the heavy quality of the linen and the position of the neckline may be more specific to the religious institutional environment of the original owner.
MATERIAL SOURCES:
-Linen: Grey Lines Linen, NYC
-Linen thread: Burnley & Trowbridge []
-Draw string cord: Joyce Trimming, NYC
Useful Tools for Those So Inclined:
(Please note that these are affiliate links)
-Clear 18-inch ruler:
-Steel-headed straight pins:
-Every size & weight needle you will probably ever need:
-My most favorite (& stupidly fiddly) #10 sharps, the tiniest needles:
-Ye Trusty Ol