When I measure for the wrist, I often measure the widest part of my forearm, that way when I am doing dishes or food prep, I can push the sleeves up to keep them out of the way.

My granny always had us start out with hankerchiefs to practice hand stitching and the like then make sleepshirts like you show us as wonderful first "full" projects because if you feel you've messed up anything, well, it's underwear nobody is going to see it. #BernadetteBannerBrigade #HandFelledHemsForLife

“The Square Gussets” would be a good name for a band.

as a guy that's attempting to learn to sew for the first time to create his own medieval garments, these videos help SO MUCH. Please keep these up and don't be afraid to do more guy-related stuff. I'd love to learn how to sew a Chaperon.

“there is some value in exploring the ordinary, the everyday” why did this make me tear up 😂

"hand felling" *alert Bernadette noises*

As someone who is fairly new to the world of sewing but especially sewing as recreation of period items, THANK YOU FOR BEING SO INCREDIBLY THOROUGH AND DETAILED.

I made a shift using an old cotton bed sheet (and wear it to bed as my most favourite nightie!) but if think it's time to buy some actual linen and have another go at basic undergarments!

Efficient cutting is period! pleasepleaseplease do a late 1400s kirtle!! I'm kind of obsessed with the 1490s right now, and it's such an interesting transitional period that it's REALLY HARD to figure out how to do it.

I'm 64 & one of my fav childhood memories is of Mom searching & ironing my slip before I dressed to go to school. There is something about the smell of nice cotton & starch that takes me right back to that. Esp as it was Winter & my slip was WARM! People didn't run their children to school. These days, I'm a fan of linen! Huzzah for the SCA!

I spend more time on basic sewing than on projects, actually, and I think most women have through the centuries. In the 21st century, that means repairing clothes, sewing curtains & pillowcases, resizing hand-me-downs, and retailoring thrift store finds.

I also have a greyhound helper and a cat that sits on what ever is about to be sewed, even if there is decoy fabric set out for him! I couldn't imagine sewing with out them!

You pushing your dog made me laugh way too hard 😂😂 my dogs at my parents used to do the same

This would be a great pattern for nightgowns, especially in flannel

I so rarely get flashes of inspiration that actually lead to a project, but watching your video has done that for me! I jumped up from the couch, wrote down my measurements, rummaged through my fabric stash and found some leftover linen and and cut out a shift. It's the shortest time I've ever had from inspiration to realization, since my most common speed bump is cutting anxiety, lol. Thank you so much for rebooting my muse!

The ruler/pencil/back tracer idea was genius. As one of my music professors used to always say, "Creative people have options!"

Your explanation of Rectangular Construction methodology is great. I'm going to direct people to this video to get a good grasp of the concepts.

I’m completely living for those hand sewing video clips in this vid. Why is this so soothing? Also, suuuuper appreciate the basic pattern instruction. Many thanks

When a firm, less likely to stretch rolled hem is desired... a fine cord is laid at the edge and the fabric edge is rolled around the cord. I was taught to lick my finger and thumb, pinch the cord and roll the edge. (water would probably work)

You really helped explain a lot of the questions I have had trying to draft shifts and you made it a lot less scary looking. And the visual explanation helps me a lot

I made my first shift out of a thrift store cotton bedsheet. $5 under dress! I have since made a linen one, and there is something so delightfully old-fashioned about wearing it. I feel instantly cuter, and my husband agrees!

Your dog coming to stand on your work made me laugh so hard! I struggle with keeping my cat off my work and out of my pins. Thanks for sharing your craft with us!

Inspired (to an extent) by the memory of this video, and because of the new Emma, I made my first ever piece of historical clothing (and actually my first piece of sewn clothing of any kind) a few days ago: and early 19th century shift! I'm sure its not the best - I drafted the pattern myself, machine sewed the whole thing, my seams aren't that even - but I made it! I made it for my friend because she's less curvy so I figured she might be a bit easier to fit. I really hadn't anticipated how giddily exciting it would feel to see someone wearing something that I made!

Anyone else watching this 15times over to not miss anything cause they’re planning to make one themselves? Or is it just me?

You talked about focusing on the one different thing and my eyes immediately went to that majestic sailor moon fan that you have on the wall.

Well, I am on my first vacation in 3 years ( I am a nurse) and today I decided to match my A.D.H.D with KZfaq and go where ever my brain summons a peak of interest. My late grandmother was a phenomenal seamstress , so good she did the entire town which we lived in that included the senior police force, some of the fire-dept , and other various well respected business and people in our tiny Newfoundland town. I am the only grand child that doesn't know how to sew the tiniest bit and always envied such a magical craft. Hours of dedication and precision is nothing short of remarkable and mind blowing. Sewing is a art that I have so much respect and awe for as I understand at the very least the hours of dedication it goes in to making different garments. I think as a rambunctious child sitting down period was hard for me to do let alone learning to sew lol. As an adult I am much more managed with my concentration to achieve such a goal. My favourite thing in the world is learning and this video just warmed my heart and absolutely inspired met to go down the path of learning how to sew . You're so warm and inviting and your work is impeccable and you're very patient and easy to understand - AND FUN! So I thank you! due to nursing shortage I cannot travel outside of my province for vacation so I am signing myself up for a sewing with you.

Linen smallclothes are gorgeous when all those messy edges are hemmed. (I can see why they lasted so long). I have a beautifully simple method for men’s chemises which borrowed from landskenecht fashion. I buy 36in linen (it exists thankfully) or muslin. Use a yard for each sleeve and 2-3 for the body (cut in half like your shift body here), stitch the selvedges together and join the shoulders parallel to the body (with large gussets of course) to finish I gather the sleeve ends and 4 yards of raw edge at the top into cuff and collar bands and it makes this beautiful, roomy ruffled shirt. (the neck gets a hemmed slit and the cuffs have a slit made of unjoined selvedge at the end of the sleeve) I’m not sure this style works for any men’s clothes pre 1500s though, but poofy shirts are fun.

OMG! I've spent the last week researching medieval shifts and I was getting nowhere. I used you kirtle tutorial to help make my first ever medieval outfit for the Visby medieval week and I wanted my next proper project to be making a shift. Thank you!!! X

I LOVE you channel! My greyhound Darcy is my assistant and he ensures his footprints are on stamped every project. Plus, he has his own handmade doggie quilts for good measure. Catherine is adorable! I just purchased an early 19th century shift from France to use as a pattern for my own shift. It is in transit from France. I look forward to getting it soon to start my own handmade shifts from here on out. Your techniques are helping me prepare for my next project! Thank you so much for the wonderful details. Ps: Darcy is white/brown ticking with brown brindle patches similar to Catherine! They could be litter mates!

Thank you SO much for the CG visuals in this video, And the tip to flip the gores to prevent bias to bias stretching, And the rolled edge, Just ..... everything. Thank you.

The pencil in the ruler thing was brilliant - looks like a problem solver thing I'd do!

They are so comfortable I use some that I made as night gowns 😁

I just started making a kirtle (based on your pattern drafting and heraldic dress videos!) and I knew I wanted a shift to go under it, so this is perfect timing! And I look forward to more #basicgarb :D

OH YES!!! I soo want a shift!!! I am a guy and I would totally wear one , they look so comfy.

I just want to thank you for this lovely instructive video. When your nephew reveals his plans for a viking birthday where the guests are expected to attend in costume, this becomes a really good foundational layer. :)

This is such a good video for so many reasons. I'm not planning on making a shift anytime soon but you gave so many good beginner tips that I've never heard anywhere else, and I really appreciate that.

This was a fantastic tutorial - thank you! Seeing the measurements, etc from the 5 min mark was a big help. Makes me wish we could have done this as a geometry lesson in school - it's the perfect application!

It's a basic undergarment, but it's beautiful in its simplicity and usefulness. Thanks for the tutorial, so easy to understand.

Oh, what perfect timing. Have been looking around, reading various things about medieval shifts. And just this afternoon planned a date with a friend to go to an event. I know what I will be watching after dinner!

“I have lists upon lists to look at, I have Pinterest board upon Pinterest board,” is the biggest mood. [ *side-eyes 4/5 of my numerous Pinterest boards...* ] Side-note: I’m about to completely hand-sew my first Renaissance shirt for Karolina’s #TheStripeyChallenge. I’ve also never self drafted a pattern. This is a HUGE help with making me less nervous about it. Those tips on measurements is a goldmine of info I would have never thought of!

Ha, I love Catherine! Whenever I try to work on the floor, my dog is determined to be in my lap - she's a chihuahua, though, so easier to work around.

That was most enjoyable! ! You sitting on the sofa sewing with your dog was so sweet!!

OMG! This video is the most timely video ever! My first SCA event is coming up in a few weeks and I'm scrambling to get some basic garb sewn. I NEEDED this! There are a billion resources for gowns and seemingly almost nothing for smocks. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

I never fail to learn from watching your videos. Thank you for making them so enjoyable.

making a medieval shift has been something i've been struggling with (even though it seems simple). thank you so much for this!! you've really helped me when it comes to my medieval garb and i honestly couldn't thank you enough. :))

As a novice sewer of things I think I can do this. I have been looking for an easy beginner project to practice on and this might just be it. Thank you for sharing!!

17:02 This actually looks like it'd be really helpful in terms of fitting oneself. Sadly I don't know anyone who would need, want, or know how to do a fitting party, so I'm kind of stuck with doing it on myself. Your little tool looks surprisingly helpful :0)

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I've been looking a good video showing period appropriate undergarments to make and wear for my first SCA event. Bonus points for Greyhound cameo!😍

Thank you sooo much for sharing this construction video. I was literally just discussing with a friend of mine about how armscyes could be adjusted for smocks, and whether a square, triangular, or diamond gusset would work best for him. I am going to share this and hopefully it will help him with his next construction. If Mr Donner were wanting a man's early Tudor smock, I would love to see the construction video for it... Just throwing that out for ideas. Not that you don't already have a ton of them. Hahaha.

I was also inspired to start my first limen shift using your instructions. And rolling the neck edge is so GENIUS. Thank you!

Im just starting on a handsewn shift today - I’m not really into historical costuming but I have a huge problem with sweating at night, so I wanted to sew myself a couple of linen ‘night gowns’ - and why not just do a simple shift pattern, and do it by hand ;) And I’m TOTALLY inspired by you and Bernadette banner!!!

You Visual Aids and explanations of simple pattern drafting is AMAZING!! I'm a seamstress and I'm gonna totally reference this to other who are learning pattern drafting! 😍

This was perfect timing, as I’m planning my first-ever project, and a medieval shift seems like the most logical place to start. 💜💜💜

So many techniques I have forgotten over years. Thank you for showing us how to tuck in the neck line when the fabric won't roll easily.

Thank you thank you thank you! And thanks for answering the linen weight question- I’ve been actively procrastinating because I didn’t want to buy the wrong fabric and then have wasted all that hand stitching.

Isn't good underware the best? It just makes one feel so ready to face the world. Thank you for the video.

I loved seeing your dog join you with your fabric. My cats do the same thing but mine lay down and don't move. You can' yell at hem them just want to join us and help if they can. Just love, both ways. Thank you

This video inspired me to start my first historical costuming project. I finished the shift last night and really enjoyed the whole process. Thanks so much for these videos :)

I could watch you sew all day. Wait, that’s what I did yesterday. This morning I am only watching this one while I make a pattern! Thank you!

I’m drafting a pattern for this as we speak watching this video. This shift is perfect to go under my leather armor I’m also crafting!

Had a weird Deja Vu moment. Long long ago beside my husband in bed reading he made moaney groany kind of noises. Wondering what brought that on lookup up to check and aha! A new issue of Wooden Boat had arrived. I just heard myself make similar ish kind of noises viewing your hand sewn flat felled seams. 🤣🤣🤣

This was recommended to me as both tops (I am developing sun sensitivity) and nightgowns. Came back to take notes and draw diagrams and will now go for it!!!! For the tops, I am keeping neck high, cutting a slit down center front and will edge with bias tape or something and have ties to close it.

I get the same little needle marks in my nail polish from hand sewing. It's a lovely little secret mark so many of us bear. Great video, as usual!

If you wanted to machine stitch our felled seams, you could always try a blind hem stitch, that way there is only a small tick of thread that pops to the outside surface. Best place to find this type of stitch in modern garments would be mass produced mens suit or trouser hems.

Oooh the rolling thing with the neckline was new for me, thank you!

I can't get over the neckline marking tool. You're amazing.

XD "Hi, Catherine" got me absolutely! Perfect simple pattern and great tips for a beginner, I'm still not sewing myself, but more and more tempted... Thank you for this!

Do I have any reason, interest, material, tools or money to make a shift? - no. Am I watching this video for about the 20th time anyway, because your voice is calming and theses Tutorials are just the right amount of distraction while studiing? - Yes, absolutely

I have been teaching my daughter how to sew. We are also members of SCA, so her first project are T tunics. she sat down to watch with me and said that she need to watch this so she know how.

I keep coming back to this video to watch while working on my current shift. Thank you!!!

You are a good teacher and I also enjoy your background music. I think I'm going to try this.

For marking fabrics, I have learned from a friend who works as a seamstress, that a crayola marker is a very visible and still completely washable option. Though you will need to be ok with potentially 'staining' your hands until you have a chance to wash them.

Love this basicgarb idea. Need more please. I'm plus size so most patterns end with adding gussets. Patterns exist but this really helped explain fitting it very well.

Morgan, this video is incredibly well made, both clear and detailed. I’m not even planning to make a shift anytime soon and your teaching style kept me watching the whole thing

I have lots of experience sewing but it's all been modern stuff. I've been wanting to get into costuming and I think this is the perfect project to get started with.

Thanks Morgan for this video! As others have been saying, such great timing as I am making a Medieval sherte of my own. I have only just started sewing this year and this is my second garment apart from a very basic tunic accidentally made too large. Knowing how to cut and sew the collar is especially helpful, as well as seeing how gussets are added which assures me that I'm heading in the right direction. Hope Costume College was fun and inspiring!

Rewatched and drafted a pattern as I listened. Seems to coming together ok. Practicing with a cheap synthetic (old curtain). Once I have the stitching - ah linen!

I used this video years ago to make my first undershirt and I'm coming back as e refresher because I have a baby on the way and need to start on gowns for her for next spring

Gosh, this was one of the most helpful sewing videos I've ever seen!

I am *loving* your shirt/pinafore combos SO MUCH

Yay! I'm so excited for this basics series! Even though medieval/Renaissance isn't my period (I'm more 1880-1914), it's so fun to learn about history and clothing construction from earlier periods. And I can definitely see your videomaking skills growing from your previous videos! :)

I'm so glad I found your channel (thank you Bernadette and Cathy). I'm looking to start sewing in general and wanting to go into historical costuming. I figured the first place to start is with the basic underthings and you have certainly explained things very clearly that I feel much more confident in starting a project like this. I'm looking forward to more videos.

I LOVE this video ❤️. It’s giving me confidence to try sewing a garment, which I have never before felt confident enough to attempt. Thank you 🙏!

Perfect timing! This is exactly what I need as I'm about to make my very first linen chemise to go under a medieval style costume. Thank you! X

This video inspired me to pick up my shift again that I’ve been working on over the past month :). It’s an 18th shift and my first entirely hand-sewn project!

I truly believe you can do anything. If you told me you were Knighted and a professional jouster fulltime...I'd just nod my head.

Morgan, I am definitely going to make this. My mockup (probably calico) is likely to be destined to be a housedress! Since one of 'the clothes group' explained that the chemise is to protect the clothes from sebum and shed skin and sweat, we've been looking for an example to work from. We love your work, and finding this is fantastic. (The 'clothes group' is you, Bernadette Banner, Abby Cox, Nicole Rudolf, and a couple of others. This tells you a lot about my taste in clothes!)

Love the idea of your Medieval Basics series!!

Thanks Morgan! This is a great little resource, and I'm super excited about these basics videos. It's really easy to get caught up in all of the beautiful gowns, but you can't really wear them without the proper foundations, and they can be very daunting for those of us new to the wonderful world of historical dress

Always a pleasure to watch your handwork. Thank you for sharing your expertise.

These videos always leave men wanting to make myself a smock and kirtle even though I know darn well I don't have anywhere to wear them. It just seems so comfy and practical!

not my time, not my style BUT! the way you explain patterns is FANTASTIC!

Fabulous video as always!!! Definitely going to follow THIS order of sewing operations instead of sewing all of the seams, then trying to figure out how to fell them when they are most certainly not pointing in the right or same directions. Thank you for such a lovely and informative video!!!

2 weeks from today is the mideval fair weekend here in town, and I need to get sowing 😅 so binge watching KZfaq sowing and stitch along

Thank you. You've done a great job explaining and showing how to do this. I can't wait to get started on this project.

You are an absolute GEM! I love your videos so much, they are my happy place recently lol. You are wonderful. Please don't ever stop being YOU

I love the fact that you put your pins in your shirt! I do too! Love the flat felled seams!

Wonderful, helpful video. This is exactly what I needed to get started with costuming. And your beautiful dog is clearly a useful sewing assistant for you. Lovely to see her.

This is so satisfying to watch. It's like ASMR for the eyes :D That folding of the fuzz into a neat edge is cathartic.

Thank you for your videos. I just finished hand sewing my first shift. I have learned so much from you!