Since my son’s second 18th century shirt was ripping in the neck seam, I sewed a new one for him.
After cutting out some white linen, I packed up my supplies and did quite a bit of stitching at home, including while visiting at Colonial Williamsburg’s Drummer’s Call, Under the Redcoat and up to the night before Independence Day!
In fact, it was completed late in the evening at the hotel, since we were in Colonial Williamsburg for Independence Day festivities.
STITCHING LAUNDRY MARKINGS
After arriving home I stitched the laundry markings over two threads.
The 3 denotes that this is the third shirt I have sewn for him.
A colonial gent would actually have many sets of shirts (which I’ve not yet sewn since I have so many other sewing projects) so one could be worn a day, or even for a few hours.
On especially hot days, they might change a few times to freshen up.
Since there so many similar shirts in the laundry, the laundress needed to know whose was whose.
The laundry markers helped with that.
STITCHING DORSET BUTTONS
A close of the laundry markings, with a close up of the Dorset button.
I sewed these thread buttons completely out of linen thread merely wrapped around my finger.
Comprised completely of thread, it’s amazing how strong they are!
There is one at each cuff and two at the neck.
MODELING THE SHIRT
Since the 18th century shirt was slept in and worn under all clothing, it needs to be quite long compared to shirts of today.
The 18th century shirt was essential as an undergarment, in keeping body soil away from the more expensive outer garments.
BIGGER RUFFLES
My son requested for this shirt more noticeable ruffles than the last shirt I made for him.
He was crushed when shirt #2 and shirt #2 didn’t pack that 18th century flourish of grand ruffles.
Thus, I made these ruffles about an inch longer, which was exactly what he wanted!
Look at those ruffles!
Although he’s ecstatic about the ruffles, he’s 18th century serious for the renderings!
