Started the Silk Slip...

I decided I needed to cast on a new project for this KAL and went with the Silk Slip. I made the bra cups first as that part I was sure about (B), and they went pretty quickly - I started and finished both of them tonight.

Here's a close-up of the lace and color of the yarn - I'm using Cascade Pima Tencel from my stash in a plum color.

And a view of both together - one must be more curled on the edge than the other, as they are definitely the same size: Now, a few questions.

1. What size should I make for the midriff (band) part? My "underbust" measurement is 31", which falls between the 2nd and the 3rd size. However, I noted that the finished measurement for the 2nd size is 31.5" and for the 3rd size it is 35". I'm tending to think I should go with the smaller size, but I'm scared by my previous experience with negative ease on the Surplice Bodice Cami. However,that was linen yarn, and this is a stretchy pima cotton/tencel blend.

2. Stupid question - how do I sew the darts? Do I just fold them up like the diagram shows the arrow pointing and join the seam with mattress stitch? Do I make darts like I would for sewing purposes (if so I don't think I get it with this setup)? Is this kind of like short rows in that it's making a pocket for the bust? I'm not super familiar with how short rows work having never added them to a garment for fit (and haven't really needed to, I don't think.)

3. What is the best way to transfer the shape to be cut out of the fabric to the tissue paper? Should I enlarge the diagram on a copier (doubt I could get it large enough, but it might be big enough to measure outside of to get the right measurements.)

Thanks in advance for any help!

Comments

[Monica]

I really like that color, Robin! I was going to use the mattress stitch to sew the darts, even though the book said to just sew it on the sewing machine.
As for the pattern transfer, if you lay out your material on a flat surface, then place a starting mark near the upper right corner and use the measurements from the diagram for your size it should work. I hope to have some fabric soon and I will take pics for a tutorial when I do. :)

[Joan McGowan-Michael]

Robin, you'll get better results if you press out your bra pieces and then sew the darts like sewing a dart in fabric. You may still do it by hand, but fold the right sides together, then sew along the dart to close it.

WRT the fabric part of the slip, it works best when you take a piece of brown paper, fold it in half, then transfer 1/2 of the schematic to the paper with the fold being the center line. That way your skirt is balanced and even. If you flub cutting out paper, it's a lot less discouraging than on fabric.
When you're happy with the paper pattern, position it on the fabric and use it as a pattern to cut around.

I hope this helps,

Joan M-M

[Alyssa]

I just finished the silk slip and you can read my post for some thoughts - I had some problems with the bra cups being really pointy when I folded and sewed along the edge. I ended up sewing it on the machine and angling it so it was shapped more like a sewing dart (at a steeper angle - not 90degrees like the pattern) if that makes sense? Good luck anyway, the colour looks fab!

[Aimee]

I would go with the smaller size. I'm between sizes too; I went a size up and it was too big. Also, the lace really opens up when you steam block it, so you have some fudge room.

For the pattern, I put the paper on the floor and drew the straight lines, then used the old "pencil on a string" trick to draw the curved bottom of the skirt. It worked perfectly.