Sponsored by The Ladies of Refined Taste & Friends
and Minute Man National Historical Park

Hive 2: Sunday, February 14 — 1pm to 4:30pm, Minute Man National Historic Park, Noah Brooks Tavern

10am–4pm Shift-o-Rama
Give yourself a Valentine in the form of a new shift. Enjoy a day of camaraderie and learning. Our guest expert, Sharon Burnston, author of Fitting and Proper, will explain about the evolution of shifts through the 18th century, and you will construct your shift using period sewing techniques. You will be entertained during the day with 18th century prose. Admission is free, but pre-registration is required: email stephzsmith@gmail.com. Attendees will need to purchase and pre-wash and iron their linen prior to workshop.

In order to prepare for the February shift-o-rama, you will need 3 yards of a fine linen in some shade of white (or you may use unbleached), 3 to 4 oz. and of thread-count of 70–80 threads per inch. This available from two of our better sutlers, Burnley & Trowbridge (Angela Burnley) and Wm Booth Draper (Paul Dickfoss). We have contacted them so they will know what you need.

We strongly encourage you to purchase linen from either of these sources because we know it is of good quality. The linen that is being sold at many of the on-line fabric stores is of poor quality and does not stand up to washing. It would be a shame to put all this effort into a shift that disintegrates in the wash.

Please preshrink the linen completely (zigzag or serge the cut edges, then wash and dry on hot at least once) and iron it while damp.

You will also need sewing thread (mercerized cotton) and needles (#9 or finer), sharp scissors, fine sewing pins, and a sharp pencil. If you wish to use linen thread, the Londonderry is recommended in size 80/3 or 100/3. The recommended sutlers, I'm pretty sure, carry this thread as well.

If you have tape measure, bee's wax, thimble, yardstick, please bring those too.

On the day of the workshop you will be provided with cutting instructions, stitching instructions, and a neckline template.

Wear comfy clothes and bring your bedroom slippers—we want everyone to be comfortable. Also do bring your lunch; there is a fridge and microwave for us to use. We'll have coffee and tea. Snacks to share are welcome.

If you have any questions, let us know. And spread the word, this is going to be a fun day—let's fill up the first floor of the Noah Brooks Tavern with shift makers! You will be in for a treat. Sharon will be teaching you skills that she normally teaches in a paid workshop—everyone from the beginner to the pro will learn something—as well as be able to hone their sewing skills at this workshop.