Making the New Year's eve costumes reminded me of how much I love making costumes.  Although I had resolved to making some apparel this year, my mind kept going back to costumes.  I got interested in 18th century women's dress.  There is a Facebook page for 18th century dress and some sewing patterns.  I've decided to start with the shift.  I will be making mine out of linen.  Everything should be hand sewed.

A shift is a long shirt (or chemise) worn as the innermost layer of 18th century women's clothing. The basic shape remained the same from the 16th until the early 20th century. It was worn by all classes and served as vest, drawers and nightshirt.  I will be using Simplicity Pattern #8579 for this garment (View B).  I also bought the American Duchess book to guide me on how to sew the dress.  However, it does not cover the undergarments so I will be relying on information found on the Internet for that.