To Cassandra, from Steventon, "The Overton Scotchman has been kind enough to rid me of some of my money, in exchange for six shifts and four pair of stockings. The Irish is not so fine as I should like it; but as I gave as much money for it as I intended, I have no reason to complain. It cost me 3s. 6d. per yard. It is rather finer, however, than our last, and not so harsh a cloth." - Jane Austen, Sunday 25 November 1798
This definition of a shift is from history.org:
The shift was the undermost garment worn by children and women. It served the same purpose as the man's shirt. Made from various qualities of white linen, it had either a drawstring or plain neck, as well as drawstrings or cuffs at the elbows. It could be plain or lace trimmed.
The Irish would have been the Irish linen. I wonder if you can still get Irish linen like that. It looks to be thin. I work at a fabric store, but we cater more to quilter's, so we do not carry linen. I should check the internet. I am sure if it is still being made it will be offered somewhere on-line. I know linen is available for cross stitch.
The Overton Scotsman was a door-to-door peddler who did not necessarily have to be Scotch. It seems to me he would have been to Jane Austen, like the Fed-ex man who delivers our ever-anticipated internet orders, right?
I hope you enjoyed your day today!
Terrie
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