Shift
Date1700-1750; altered 1790-1820
OriginEngland
MediumLinen, cotton sleeve ruffle, silk marking stitch.
DimensionsOW: 43"; OL: 26"; Body linen: 82 warps x 72 wefts; Neck ruffle: approx. 100 x 100.
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1984-79
DescriptionShort shift in white linen. Low rounded neckline edged with finer linen ruffle 2 inches wide. Neckline has drawstring threaded through tabby tape for adjustment. Slit at neck front, 3 3/4" long, is reinforced with decorative needlework of the type called "Hollie Point". Ungathered sleeves with gusset under arms. Later cotton ruffles edge the sleeves. Linen sewing thread.Label TextShift or Nightgown
Britain, ca. 1750, remodeled 1790-1820
Linen, marked E. P. with silk cross-stitches, later cotton sleeve ruffles
1984-79
This short shift has a reinforced slit at center-front, possibly for ease in nursing. Women in "childbed" wore shifts with shortened skirts. This shift shows evidence of remodeling. It may have originally been a long shift, later cut down for wear during nursing and confinement.
MarkingsE.P. in cross stitch at center front.
