A much needed update to my oldest sewing tutorial || Elizabethan Shirt

The first 1000 people to use the link will get a free trial of Skillshare Premium Membership: skl.sh/morgandonner03211
This video was sponsored by Skillshare.
My old blog post on "How to Sew an Elizabethan Shift": www.morgandonner.com/2010/10/h...
If you want more info about shirts of this style, I highly recommend getting a copy of Patterns of Fashion 4 by Janet Arnold once the reprint finishes (planned for Winter of 2021, so it will be a while, but worth the wait!).
Fabric used for this video: fabrics-store.com/fabrics/lin...
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www.amazon.com/shop/morgandonner
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00:00 Intro
02:05 Cutting Main Body Piece
03:40 Cutting Neckline
05:45 Fish Face
06:07 Hemming Center Front Opening
07:27 Neck Gusset
08:00 Cutting Collar Piece
08:50 Gathering Neckline
10:49 Ruffle Cutting
14:25 Pleater Machine
15:33 Gathering by Machine
16:17 Ruffle Construction
18:40 Sleeves
22:00 Sleeve Gussets
26:39 Eyelets
27:56 Side Pieces
29:33 Seam Finishing
32:06 Done!

[@MorganDonner]

The first 1000 people to use the link will get a free trial of Skillshare Premium Membership: skl.sh/morgandonner03211 Thank you all for watching! Do you have old projects that you would do differently if making them now? What would you change?

[@e.urbach7780]

I have several of my early projects on my "remake" pile right now! I change fitting and style, when possible to make it fit me, or to re-use it for another purpose. I have resized & re-styled a "Renaissance" dress to serve as an "18th century" dress for a 5th grader. I have taken apart a plain full skirt/petticoat and put it back together as 1890s cycling bloomers.

[@AnniCarlsson]

What was the name for that ruffelmachine?

[@stacyturner8330]

@@AnniCarlsson Morgan's was a Read. There are a number of makes, all mostly the same. Princess and Sally and Elizabeth come to mind as well.

[@Ella-iv1fk]

I made a red wool coat about 6 years ago, which I love but hardly ever wear because it's a bit tight doesn't allow quite enough arm movement. I recently added pockets to it and made it a detachable hood but would like to make it again with a better fit. I also tried making ye old pirate shirt after seeing Bernadette's but it looked like a sack on me, so this has inspired me to try again with less width at the shoulders. And a deeper neck slit.

[@stacyturner8330]

@@Ella-iv1fk Any cabbage left? try the gusset trick on the coat!

[@IonIsFalling7217]

“What you make your shirt out of is nobody else’s business” needs to go viral in the costuming and reenactment communities. Give people grace, like Morgan giving Past Morgan grace. Circumstances are often less than ideal. What matters is what we do with them. ❤️

[@isabelledescarries5593]

Yes! I love how Morgan is neither dogmatic or gatekeeping.

[@kerriskb19]

and the reality is...pretty sure "back then" people made do with what they had access to as well which were probably also considered less than ideal.... as BB and others always remind us- piecing is period lol

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

Yes!!! I have been at a loss to understand why anyone cares!! Don’t like the material I used don’t use it. Don’t like how someone makes something don’t make it that way. If you want to make it in some fluorescent colour have fun. Don’t people have other things to do but criticize?

[@katherinemorelle7115]

Yep. I use a homespun cotton for my shifts and chemises. I just can’t afford linen, which is really expensive where I am (like, $30/m expensive!). But the homespun is a loose enough weave to be very breathable, yet opaque enough that I can wear it with nothing underneath as a nightie around other people, and not be showing anything I’d rather not show. And unlike linen, it was only $5.50/m. I bought 15m when I first saw it, and when I’m did I shed with what I got, I’ll likely buy 20m more, because it’s just really useful- for linings, shifts, shirtwaists, anything I need a breathable white fabric for. I’m poor. I have to work my hobby around the fact that I only have a pension. So I really don’t see why it’s “bad” to substitute whatever I need, whenever I can. I won’t use polyester, but that’s a personal comfort thing, as I live in a very hot and humid climate, so polyester is just way too hot and sweaty. Yes, I’d prefer a nice linen, but that’s not a possibility, and I’m happy with the substitute that I’ve found. I also love using old bedsheets when I can.

[@MuseDisorder]

@@katherinemorelle7115 I use old bedsheets too, also when I can't afford tweed I use my husband's old wool suits with silk linings that he was going to toss, I used it to make an Edwardian walking skirt with a waist coat , they turned out really nice. I repurpose what fabric I can. And Follow Morgan Donner for uplifting awesome ideas among others too. I love the homespun cotton idea, I have found a type of cotton gauze fabric kind of what you are describing, I wonder if that'll work for me, as I live in the desert and need lightweight too fabric.

[@Abbie-hz9hx]

I really enjoyed that you didn't wear the same clothes through the whole video. I have no scale for how long things take and your "costume changes" help me feel like I'm not failing if I don't finish something in one sitting.

[@MorganDonner]

Yes! Thank you! Stuff takes time - getting it done super quickly is a whole extra challenge 😳

[@emmaauty2922]

Totally agree! And not mentioning it definitely normalises it too! I am pregnant, looking after a toddler and doing up our house. When and if I get to sew it’s in very small bursts, and that’s normal too and something I’m learning to embrace (and not idealise sitting down for a whole day - the back ache 😂).

[@camillajefferson386]

I loved that too! I came here to comment on how I loved all the different outfits (especially that red, polka dot bandana!) and how Morgan isn't presenting the idea that you have to be in historically accurate outfits to sew historically accurate outfits, haha. (And that it takes time, as you said.) Oddly a really inspiring detail by itself!

[@katjakatt836]

do stuff as you can, hon. we all have other things going on so don't worry about it

[@michellecelesteNW]

Accidentally googles self. Improves upon former self. New level of awesome achieved!

[@RosieFinch]

It's funny because my friend found your blog post for this and made a gorgeous chemise and recommended your tutorial to me. I'm not great with written patterns so when I saw you had a youtube channel I was hoping you had a video on this chemise-- back then your channel had three videos! I subscribed and happily followed along your various sewing/crafting journeys. And now you're doing a video on this chemise! It's full circle! :D

[@MorganDonner]

I love it when things work out that way! 😊

[@MuseDisorder]

Same here, I found Morgan Donner from that shift tutorial and found her on KZbin, I love this lady so much!

[@dcinrb8538]

I discovered you from a Bernadette Banner recommendation. 🍄🍄

[@noblemily]

That ruffle machine just blow my mind.

[@butadara]

Omg right? I rewatched that atleast five times??

[@adedow1333]

I want one now. I'm really good at machine gathering, bit that would be awesome

[@Ohhiderr885]

I audibly said "what kind of witchcraft is this" and made my other half come and watch it with me.

[@megankilinski4580]

Me too! I was so confused how the needles were attached, I searched around and watched video on how to use the pleater. Realized the needles are bent and sit in a groove. Very cool!

[@saritshull3909]

It’s called a smocking machine. I’ve seen a ton on fb marketplace

[@stacyturner8330]

Morgan: We shall see how well my early attempt has held up Follows: a whole video where she is SO SO kind to baby morgan, whilst gently augmenting and refining the process Morgan: Just do two rows of gathers, the results are nicer Follows: Hand done micro cartridge pleats, Vintage machine cartridge/smocked pleats, easy at home best practice gathers if you have no spoons for the hand work and don't own a bangin smocking machine Me: I wanna be Morgan when I grow up

[@MorganDonner]

This is the kindest comment I've ever gotten 😭💖

[@MuseDisorder]

I love this!

[@katherinemorelle7115]

Morgan and Cathy Hay are my go tos for when I’m feeling a little down- generally or with sewing specifically. They always make me feel better, and remind me that it’s okay to not be perfect. The journey is awesome, and I only need to compare my self to my past self. If only we were all as kind to ourselves and others as Morgan and Cathy are. The world would be a much better place.

[@ruthanneparkes1464]

I agree :) should watch some more Cathy Hay then

[@aksez2u]

Hooray! I'm always a bit sad when people mock their past selves. Be kind to yourself, you've always done the best you can at the time!

[@jayc9345]

When you started talking about cutting your sleeves long to begin with, all I could picture was Abby's solo dance party in her medieval shift video with the super long floppy sleeve tubes

[@MorganDonner]

Oooo, that would have been so fun! 😂

[@AbbyCox]

@@MorganDonner What a *missed* opportunity. I'm not going to say I'm mad, but I am a little disappointed.

[@MorganDonner]

That tracks, I'm often a bit disappointing.

[@lajoyous1568]

@@MorganDonner?!?! You disappoint? Never!

[@SimpleDesertRose]

To be fair we did get some funny faces and the same frown she gave when she traded hair styles with Bernadette and Rachel 😂

[@MuseAndDionysus]

Morgan used to be like "attach the sleeves 'the usual way' to complete your garment" No explanation, just sheer determination.

[@laneyhesse8102]

I appreciate your great grammer, and punctuation. 👌

[@Alice-gr1kb]

The nightmare of dress historians: “the usual way”

[@SingingSealRiana]

@@Alice-gr1kb or historical cooking. no amounts times or how the result is supposed to be . . .

[@jess5046]

My favorite bit is hearing, "What you make your shirt out of is nobody else's business," because that in itself is historically accurate. People then - as now - made do with the materials that they had. They might know what would work best, but that doesn't stop them from making what they need by using what is available.

[@SingingSealRiana]

while linnen has amazing qualities that make it an especially good choice for these typs of garments, the main reason for it getting used what how available and effortable it was and today, sadly cotton gets that spot so using cotton totaly is in the spirit of the thing!

[@Noel.Chmielowiec]

My life has officially been changed, how did it never occured to me that you can use two needles simultaneously for gathering, Morgan, you are a genius!

[@bureizukappa]

There were so many useful tips in this video that it makes me want to take a second stab at a shift! Also I know it wasn't anything intentional but I appreciated all the "costume changes" quietly showing that its okay to take time on our projects. As always thank you thank you thank you for your wonderful videos!

[@MorganDonner]

Glad you enjoyed it! And also so happy that you appreciated that - it always takes me a while to make most things, I get a bit worried that folks will be annoyed with how often my nail color/outfits change 😅

[@adedow1333]

@@MorganDonner Nah, we love it! It's encouraging!

[@raraavis7782]

@@MorganDonner hjj JJ

[@EmmaStrutton]

Seeing how kindly you critique your past work is so inspiring for me to keep pursuing my own sewing journey. It's always hard not to nitpick every flaw.

[@maleahlock]

My late Nanna used to do the double needle gathering stitch. I was mesmerised by how quickly and neatly she made those tiny pleats. Thank you for the video! It was a great deal of fun.

[@MorganDonner]

It takes a lot of getting used to, but I have fun giving it a try every time it might be useful in a project!

[@super_siri]

It makes so much sense to do that as well, I can see how very useful it would be to figure out.

[@stacyturner8330]

Mine too! I'm not nearly as good ; )

[@ragnkja]

Good call on the underarm gussets. I have a shirtwaist that lacks them and is nearly impossible to get off on my own.

[@MorganDonner]

Yeah, they are such a livesaver!

[@ez8314]

A couple of my modern dressy shirts have virtually nothing in the way of arm & shoulder reinforcement. I'm a wide shouldered person with a preference for the lacy, and I've ripped more shirts than I'm willing to admit 😩😩

[@ragnkja]

@@ez8314 In the case of the shirtwaist that goes under my bunad it’s impossible to pull one arm out of the sleeve, it has to be pulled off all at once, and it isn’t heavy enough to do the bent-over wiggle that you see in manuscripts depicting people taking off a kirtle or chainmail.

[@ragnkja]

@@lydiahilovska9474 Not on extremely slim-fitting garments, no, but yes on inelastic shirts that aren’t button-downs. Or rather, to have room to UNdress, as it would allow the wearer to take one arm out of its sleeve at a time.

[@agsuvongiest]

Oh the fish face, I used to do it in bus to babies (and at the bus stops also) when their parents weren't looking. The joy and giggle on the baby's face made me happy (and also the puzzled face on their parents when they looked back at the baby)

[@katherinemorelle7115]

Ah, that being da back memories of taking my daughter on buses and trains when she was little (she’s not so little anymore). I always loved it when a lovely stranger would make faces at her. It just brought a warm joyful feeling. Because it’s fun and adorable, and I couldn’t entertain her the entire time. So I’d always shoot a smile their way to say thanks. And now both my daughter (a teenager, time goes so fast!) and I make faces at babies whenever we can. Because who doesn’t want to see a baby giggle?

[@emmaauty2922]

My toddler would love that! Although he’s never been on public transport- thanks COVID!

[@MioMyDog]

The "Attach the sleeves!" has the exact same vibe as Great British Bake-Off technical challenges. 😂

[@lauramurphy]

Okay but can we appreciate how cute ALL of her different looks are in this video. Like it's fun how they aren't identical but still all fit together with her looks.

[@esterventer9119]

Do I plan to make my own Elizabethean shift... ? Probably never. Did I watch the whole video, mesmerised by her gentle voice, kind heart and beautiful artistry? Absolutely YES! For a rough day, this was like a calming balm on the soul.

[@uzlezzz]

I love how you basically demoed a bunch of your hairstyles throughout the video: both up and relaxed down braid versions. I especially liked the loose twin braids with bandana look at the end!

[@MorganDonner]

Yay! Thank you! Bandanas make everything cuter :D

[@FromtheMPR]

Two needles at the same time for gathering - sheer genius! Mind blown.

[@annapanes4743]

Love how she had a cookie in one hand and her phone in the other.

[@the_quiet_life]

This video just solved a recent "mystery" I had about a nearly invisible seam in a vintage petticoat I bought... It's the just selvedges whipstitched together as you describe around 12:55!

[@MorganDonner]

Wow, that's cool! I love it when selvedges look so clean that can just do that whip technique 💕

[@stacyturner8330]

Isn't it AMAZING how fine those butted selvedge seams can me? Sometimes I think "Oh a tiny flaw in the fabric" and then I'm like "No, that's just the world's finest handwork!"

[@stacyturner8330]

@ran ran I can't imagine how it would work for non selvedge. Share the link?

[@stacyturner8330]

@ran ran thanks for sharing! I see that this is with seam allowance so a bit different, but the basic technique is the same. I was somehow imagining some insane witchery where there were butted seams with no selvedge or allowance, which was, of course pretty silly!

[@sarih3502]

I remember using this post to make my own shift at school! I didnt even realise it was you. Very cool

[@celestecypher]

Gussets are kinda magic. I have a costume I accidentally did the bicep too tight on, and just added a gusset (changing it a few times before it actually fit) and BAM can't even tell. Amazing.

[@stacyturner8330]

My husband is a bicyclist and has monster thighs to go with his 33" waist. On dress pants I take the cut bottoms from hemming and just make a crotch gussett and a liner so they don't instantly wear out ; D

[@celestecypher]

@@stacyturner8330 ooo I'm going to take note of that. I'm super short and my thighs eat pants!

[@stacyturner8330]

@@celestecypher It's kinda magic. Sometimes if there isn't enough from hemming or I don't do the hemming I go to my stash of worn out wool pants for a close match. It's not very visible anyway. I use a heavy linen for the liner, he loves how soft and cool it gets and it wears so well!

[@polkadot8788]

I remember finding that tutorial when looking for smock tutorials. I miss blogs. The rise of the vlog has meant the death of useful tutorials to reference on blogs.

[@stacyturner8330]

I feel your pain. As much as I enjoy all our costubers, I really prefer written and pic instructions that I can easily reference...

[@polkadot8788]

@@stacyturner8330 i think there is a place for a hybrid approach. Written but augmented by video when you need to see a technique in motion.

[@stacyturner8330]

@@polkadot8788 We are greedy. Video please, and THEN captured stills and written instructions!! That would be perfect lol

[@Chibihugs]

What a merry stroll down memory lane. I feel a mighty urge to shake my head at anything I wrote in teens or early twenties, lol. But the fish face hint, seemed like sound advice. Love the collar on this shirt! So pretty

[@MorganDonner]

🐠 The fish face is absolutely key, I'm certain of it.

[@alaskacosplay]

I like that youre using a blog post you made a decade ago and it still produced a wonderful output. I have sketches, patterns and even old costumes I have used/seen/repurposed in other costumes I made nowadays and it really is a time saver and its better than taking up space on a hanger and it’s gonna just make a lot less waste when it’s literally just scraps. Also is nobody gonna talk about the half green half cream/ivory dress in the background? That is absolutely gorgeous and it really does resemble the medieval heraldic garments that are shown in effigies and portraits and the heraldic dress you made a couple of years ago. I love how its a 1950s meets medieval history bound and I now wanna make a two tone dress like that.

[@MorganDonner]

Oh my goodness, thank you so much! As for the particolor dress in the background, it makes me happy that you recognize the heraldic historybounding look I was going for! 💕

[@alaskacosplay]

Morgan Donner as a frequent viewer on this channel, I love learning about the times and fashions of the medieval and renaissance era. I love a two toned dress and I used your heraldic dress tutorial as a reference for my own heraldic dress which is shorter for history bounding.

[@TeklaFrancis]

Perfect timing! I'm making a similar shirt and helped me visualize a few of the next steps.

[@MorganDonner]

Awesome! I hope you have a great time making your shirt!

[@enyanel]

I’d recommend watching Bernadette Banner’s pirate shirt/puffy shirt video as well, it’s very similar in construction, but obviously a puffy shirt, not a shift😊

[@jenniferandrew3373]

Take off the sleeves and the neckline ruffle, and this is exactly how I make my nightgowns.

[@michellecornum5856]

Hee hee hee. Forget living long enough to become the villain. Here we have Being on the Internet long enough to Google and take your own tutorial.

[@P0nyl0ve]

* quietly runs to the fabric store to get some linen *

[@stacyturner8330]

Isn't it wonderful when you get a surprise inspiration?

[@rosacanisalba]

I've been stashing old bedlinen at the family home - Dad had it set aside to make rags 😱

[@dee-annegordon5959]

Clearly making that fish face near the beginning was worth the good luck. Looks both comfy and stunning!

[@sarahbeth124]

Did you read my mind? I have been wanting to make a shirt like this for ages, but haven’t had the confidence to chop into the fabric. Your tutorials make thing so much less overwhelming / intimidating. I can’t wait to get home and finally get started! Thanks Morgan! 💖

[@MorganDonner]

You can do it! Chop the fabric! :D

[@therealpoppinfresh]

OH MY GOD that collar gusset tip is gonna SAVE my 18th century pirate shirt. It's got so much fraying and damage in that area! MORE GUSSETS!

[@lauramiller8400]

I love the Ms. Frizzle look!

[@MorganDonner]

Thank you! 💖

[@sierralarars]

I really like how you say that people would of deviated from the norms and no one way is right. Very few do that, most are 'this is rigid in this way and never done another way, cotton was never ever ever pinked o.o'. You don't know Moira.. there's people who change stuff now, of course people changed stuff then! Kinda sucks out the fun? So thankyou lol! The end shirt turned out super pretty! I also liked the note about fibres too. Its your shirt, make it out whatever fibre you want. Hell even bedsheets are fine, doesn't need to be so rigid and be 'it needs to be XXX fibre or the Fibre Police are gonna get you'. If folks are close enough to do a burn test on your clothes the are TOO close lmao.

[@ragnkja]

Bedsheets are usually a great source of cotton or linen!

[@annakilifa331]

*would have

[@sierralarars]

@@annakilifa331 think you are in the wrong thread? I don’t care about your grammar corrections, go bother someone who does. Also, how I write is how I colloquially speak. Across the UK thats different depending on where you are. Go find something productive to do instead of being grammar police.

[@jennyatelier_augenstern1180]

Oh this gave me all the feels. Your and Katafalk's Blogs were my first ressource for historical clothing back in the day and I remember being totally impressed with all these beautiful works.It took me a long time to learn that youtube isn't just a place for memes and music videos, but also a place for learning ressources, too. It is so great to see how comfortable and skilled you became with showing others how they can craft those things! And it made me think about my own journey, too. Idk this made me feel very nostalgic, warm and fuzzy. :) And since I am struggling with making yet another chemise myself some of your technieques are super helptul like the use of two needles for gathering! I feel like I learned a lot here in areas I personally move in and that's such a cool feeling! Thank you so much for everything you put out there in all that time, not only does it teach me ways to do stuff, but it also quite frequently brightens my day!

[@MorganDonner]

😭❤ Thank you so much! It seriously makes me so happy when folks say they found my blog/videos useful. Even sharing one new thing makes it completely worth it!

[@LixiaWinter]

I found a whole bunch of old bedsheets and duvet covers and until I make all of them into petticoats, shifts, drawers and pirate shirts, Fiber Police can go home, I'm not giving a flying f-

[@ragnkja]

Your choice of fabrics is excellent, and anyone who tells you otherwise is a fabric snob.

[@adedow1333]

Won't lie: I love working in cotton. Can't figure out what everyone's problem is. I also have some super nice (ruined in the corner) cotton bedsheets set aside to make a dark blue chemise a la reign. So excited!

[@ragnkja]

@@adedow1333 Literally the _only_ argument against using cotton in European historical sewing is that it wasn’t used much north of the Alps until the mid-18th century. I assume it’s similar for other parts of the world. In any case, a chemise a la reine would be made of cotton, usually white, but don’t let that stop you from making your beautiful blue one! You’ve seen Morgan’s tie-dye one, right? And there are lovely examples of such gowns in other colours on KZbin as well; SnappyDragon made a black one for her friend.

[@aliciaoverturf]

I’m saving some of those “old fashioned” bed skirts because of the lovely velvet brocade and all that very useful light weight cotton for the shifts. Never fear, your not alone

[@emmarichardson965]

I adore working with old bedsheets. They've been washed so many times that they're usually nice and soft, there's next to zero chance of shrinking, the panels are so much wider than fabric on a bolt, and they're cheap (especially at the thrift store).

[@rosacanisalba]

Morgan Donner shows her kindness and generosity of spirit that we all guessed at in her and many other costubers. Which makes all of the begginer sewers like me feel like we won't be judged pitching up to an event in an ad hoc outfit thrown together from existing clothes and something we made out of whatever fabric we could get. ❤ you Morgan and all the other costubers who are not embarrassed by who they were to become who they are now.

[@sarahbast6618]

I live for Morgan Donner video days!!! They are a big help on those "ruff days!"😁

[@katbird5872]

I'm watching this while braiding my hair to do your no elastic up-do! (with skinny ribbon because I cant be bothered to brave the basement to get more appropriate width ribbon...I'm sure it will be fine?) Edit- I did it! It's not the prettiest, but it was my first try so thats fine!

[@derrith1877]

I wore my long braids in Morgan's syle for the first couple years of the Covid pandemic. Works like a charm even with thin ribbons in my very fine, smooth hair. It sheds bobby pins like snow.

[@amandabashor1312]

I love how well you showcase that historical sewing like Everything Else in life is a constant learning process and that there is a skill and knowledge evolution. No one knows all and everyone started somewhere. Love it!

[@ceruleanskies001]

I can not have too many shift videos. I know it's just squares and rectangles but it's always helpful to see it done. Like you said, there are many ways to make a thing! Hope you had didn't cringe too much redoing your old tutorial

[@MorganDonner]

Glad you like them!

[@squidpuppies]

I think I made a shift using this blog post many years ago - doubled over neck ruffle and all. The LOVED it to death and only retired it earlier this year when it got caught on something and ended up with a 12 inch rip down the front!

[@ez8314]

The lacing on the sleeves were really cute and would actually be a bit more practical, with how often I'm pushing my sleeves way up to my shoulders. Something I'll have to try in the future!!

[@kassandramartin208]

As someone who found you and your channel via this exact tutorial, this was a SUPER fun video! My husband and I both have shifts that we love and wear using this tutorial, so it obviously worked out for me! Further, my husband says it is the most comfortable shirt he owns, and unintentionally history bounds it ALL THE TIME.

[@josephinedykstra3383]

The two needle trick is so cool!

[@lucie4185]

I am wondering if you do one needle and keep it in the stitches it may be easier to run the second one through the same gaps. I may need to experiment sometime

[@lauren8984]

Omg last year I followed your tutorial for a 16th century (?) mens doublet from 2013! I didnt even realize it was you until the end of the post when I scrolled through the project gallery. This brings back funny memories lol

[@ifyouloveChristyouwillobeyhim]

Seeing you stitch with two needles at once (something I've never seen in my life) was like watching Legolas shoot multiple arrows at once for the first time when I was a kid.

[@RabbitOfAutumn]

Me with every one of her videos: I love her hair This video: Here's three different one Me: *does happy dance*

[@sharpduds]

It just hit me, but you've got OG Miss Frizzle energy, if she was the Theatre/History teacher

[@stevezytveld6585]

It can take a bit of courage to go back to your old work an evaluate it without being harsh on yourself. Well done. Both then and now the results are lovely. I inherited a Read pleating machine from my late Mum's stash. I've been a bit intimidated to use it, especially since it came without instructions. I never thought of using it to add in the gathering threads... fascinating. - Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown

[@disneydreaming0210]

Every outfit in this video is to die for. You work all of them. And your hair is perfect 😍

[@MorganDonner]

😭💖 Thank you!

[@elinesophie6134]

It's really clear you put a lot of effort into this video! I mean, from your beautiful outfits to the great editing! I am super impressed. I especially loved how you included the talking head over the construction portion like around 07:45. I hope it was as enjoyable for you to create as it was for us to watch

[@MorganDonner]

Thank you so much!!

[@christinewashburn102]

Morgan! I have knee-length hair and I only ONLY wear my hair taped now because you taught me how! So much more comfortable than bobby pins! You have changed my life.

[@Majmysza]

I am super impressed with how well you make it look with more modern garments!

[@Clowreader]

I love when people can critique their past selves. Always feels weird to hear people defending outlandish opinions they said years ago just because they want to stay "proud" and are "never wrong." Nobody is perfect and we all grow as people (or society as a whole) at different speeds. Love the video and tutorial!

[@fernlintner65]

I LOVE how the changes in outfits shows the passage of time throughout this project. Reality is such a great thing, you are mortal also and did not whip this out in 30 minutes lol. Very detailed great video. Also love the awl going through several times reality again love it!

[@tinkersintheworkshop4439]

I would love a live action Magic School bus remake, with you as Ms Frizzle - your outfit is giving me those vibes!

[@katencat]

Oh man. I just made a Tudor shift that I really don't like. I wish I had waited and used this tutorial instead. Maybe this means I should try again!

[@ragnkja]

Make note of what went well and what you want to change, and try again!

[@sandiemable]

Oh my gosh, going back in time to watch a younger self must have felt weird! The shirt turned out beautifully; I just love watching a master at work. You make creating a shirt, without a pattern, look effortless. xoxo's Sandie

[@lizshoemaker]

That paper model of the gusset was highly effective. It explained what you were talking about really well!

[@Forthygreaterglory]

I’d love to see what sort of a folk dirndl you’d make.

[@agimagi2158]

That needle trick is magic! I used to mark points with a ruler so the gathers are symmetrical... this is so much more clever, I'm in love!!

[@taekwongurl]

I have all this cotton lawn I have been itching to make a shirt out of for the summer, but I could never decide! I guess I know what I'm going to do now.

[@terrielemaire5884]

I've decided that I need to make a shift...that is literally one of the cutest, most versatile looking garments ever!

[@MsDeepAndDark]

The destiny of thrifted bedsheets has been decided. Stay-home elizabethan shift they will become!😁

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

Inspired to start a new dress, out of repurposed second hand clothing. Also, to triage-garden. Thank you Morgan Donner, for the inspiration. I appreciate your going back, revisiting your old post, and editing it with what you've learned over the in-between years. I think that's a great idea

[@cwbrownCaroline]

Love the double needle gathering stitch idea, it makes so much sense, also love the opposite folds connection. What a great way to be able to see where you started, and how far you have progressed. Love your channel!

[@MorganDonner]

Thanks so much!

[@carolinevwall]

I arrived for the sewing and I'm leaving with a hopeful sense of compassion for my past self. What a win.

[@haleymorrison7639]

lol it’s so funny how dogs will just come look at you for a few seconds then just leave

[@julzgulz1992]

I just love your historically inspired style- it’s both so modern and antique! You could be in an oil painting or in a mall. Just gorgeous.

[@stephaniehight2771]

Even though it was blue w/ polka dots instead of gingham, when you styled the new shirt w/ the polka dot pinafore dress and braids, SOOO Dorothy Gale.

[@juanitar.miller5210]

Thank you!! I didn’t know a “rolled hem” could actually BE a rolled hem; and stitched by hand, to boot!👏🏻

[@wild_lee_coyote]

I remember your journey from way back then. Seeing you grow as a seamstress and as presenter has been a treat. It will be interesting to see this channel in 10 more years.

[@Rozewolf]

A delightful shirt build. I recently made my first Elizabethan smock/chemise with the neck gussets. A bit fiddly, but a very nice addition to my construction toolset. I too have gone back and looked at previous 'builds'. I too discovered that I left out bits, and to make some of the items again, I will need to 'revamp' my pattern. Thank you for a lovely tutorial.

[@canucknancy4257]

It's amazing to look back and see how much a person has changed in 10 years. Still as beautiful and charming as ever. Thanks for the tips and tricks for making this chemise. It will come in handy when I finally get to making one of my own. Thanks so much for sharing your project. Take care.

[@marialazarova5373]

You and Bernadette inspired me to start hand sewing more and it's so satisfying to finish stuff in detail by hand

[@psalm91rdwlkfpgrl]

they're inspiring me to sew more in general 😸

[@tetchedistress]

Thank you for saying cotton is okay. I am grateful for you saying that our work is our own, and good enough. Hugs.

[@lyndabethcave3835]

The double-needle gathering is GENIUS.

[@studious_nonchalance]

I am now very interested in making one of these! Beginner level projects are so hard to find when you are, uh, a beginner!

[@lauraoergel6003]

Oh. Myword. Ive been dreaming of a double needle threader and this ruffle thing BLEW my mind. NEEEEEED.

[@jamilynncreates3622]

This is hands down one of the best sewing tutorials I've ever seen. And this is the clearest explanation of why 2 rows of basting is important when gathering!

[@dcinrb8538]

When Morgan models the cut sleeves, the song "I'm a little teapot. Short and stout...." Played in my mind, lol. Take care and be safe 😷

[@christopheryanac977]

You're like the bob Ross of sewing thank you for bringing in fun with your projects and giving others encouragement to do their own projects. 😊

[@TheMetatronGirl]

Two needles?? Genius! Why do I never think of these things? That’s going to save me so much time. 🤩😍

[@andrewharald88]

Hi 👋

[@marliesethomas]

Oh my goodness, using two needles at the same time is GENIUS!

[@amandamarquart2047]

It’s been said several times by others but I really appreciate that you didn’t hide how long this video took you by rewearing your clothes. As a hobby sewist my projects can take up to a month or more because I only get a couple hours a week to work most of the time. Thanks for making us amateurs feel like we’re still rockin it!

[@lynn858]

Woke up my cat with my reaction, when I saw the two needles for gather stitches trick. THANKS!

[@stephanief.2808]

Please know I adore your videos and how you present everything, I love this project. However, your sweet doggo checking in on you really just made it that much better

[@EmeraldVideosNL]

Morgan, that white shirt with black dress, and the curly things in your hair and the contrast with the ribbon. That look is just to die for, you look great!

[@marisa1637]

I have zero interest in making an elizabethan shirt. But watching you teach me how to do it is somehow heartwarming, calming, and just good fun. Great job being you :)

[@suev4143]

That's what i do wrong - no fish face! I need to practice. (Now dreaming of making a perfect garment, or perhaps just fin-ishing one that is wearable.) Thanks for this video. I am inspired.

[@spectacularbear]

what I learned from this video is that by putting lace trim on the collar and cuffs of the shift I made from Bernadette's video, it became Shakespearean

[@TheHBSeamstress]

I'm definitely going to try the dobbelt needle trick next time I'm making gatherings on something. 👍❤️

[@shellsbellswac1]

Wait wait wait...this rolled hem. WOW! My mind is blown. THANK YOU MORGAN!! I always get so frustrated trying to create a small delicate hem to fell into place and this will be such a game-changer. You are a genius.

[@lyreparadox]

So THAT'S how you do a rolled hem! I've been doing it all wrong.

[@ursii1998]

I really like that you have different clothing on through the video. Little reminder that not everything is done in one day! 😊

[@kailarose93]

Morgan this LEWK IS FABULOUS I'm gonna need a tutorial on that velvet kirtle-esque dress when you have a moment 😍

[@MorganDonner]

Thank you! I bought the velvet bodice used (check out the thrifting video from last Nov/Dec) and I love it so much!