Late 17th Century Smock/Shift

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 done!

It's hand-sewn from a lightweight linen-cotton blend and is sort of a cross between a Portuguese smock in Patterns of Fashion 4 and the 1750's smock pattern on Sharon Burnston's shift research pages with a big ruffle added to the neckline.

I might get good pictures of it on me once I finish the stays, but it just looked ridiculous when I tried it on. I may end up cutting down the neck ruffle a bit if garments over it don't squash it down a bit.

The neckline is big enough for me to wear it off the shoulder for c. 1660's dresses...



( More pictures... )

It was satisfying, but I'm glad I'm finished with it and onto the stays.

Speaking of stays, they progress.