Shift

Date1790-1820

MediumLinen tabby, linen twill tape, linen cording

DimensionsOL: 21"; Width across chest: 22"

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Cora Ginsburg

Object number1990-5

DescriptionWoman's short-skirted white linen shift with rounded, scooped neckline and short sleeves, which were cut off at a later date. The shift is completely open at front, fastened with three drawstrings: one of cording at the neckline, the other two of twill tape, spaced 1 1/2" and 6 1/4" below the neckline. The cording is run through a 1/4" casing, the twill tapes through 1/2" casings. The twill tape casings have two small eyelets spaced 1" apart at the center back for adjusting the fit. The shift is cut with a flare at the hips, pieced out with small gores. The garment is constructed with all raw edges enclosed.
Technical information: The neck edge has been finished and the casing created by turning the top edge of the fabric under 1/4". The seams have been sewn using a back stitch with 15 stitches per inch. The casings and the hems of the edges have been secured with whip stitches at 15 per inch. The eyelets at center back have been finished with a buttonhole stitch.
Label TextShifts with short skirts, such as this one, were worn by women in childbed. They were convenient for sitting in bed and nursing. This example has a history in the New York Van Rensselaer family.
ProvenanceWorn in New York by a member of Van Rensselaer family, probably Anne, Mrs. Philip Van Cortlandt.