Knitting Lingerie Style-Along

Silk Slip

Hi Ladies! I finished the knitting on my Silk Slip a couple of weeks ago, but I was having trouble trying to find some decent fabric to match. I finally found some yesterday.
Then I saw Robin was having trouble transferring the measurements from the book onto the fabric, so I created a tutorial of how I did it over on my blog if anyone is interested. Now to sew everything together... ;)
Everyone's projects are looking so beautiful! I really enjoy seeing the progress.

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!

Finished!

I've finished my silk slip. I'm pretty pleased with the results. I had a few problems with the construction but it turned out fine. Firstly, the cups were very very pointy when I sewed them together along the seam line. I don't know if my gauge was off a bit (possible since I was using a different wool), or what. But I ended up sewing the cups together on the sewing machine and angling the dart so it started on the seam line at the base and ended a 1/4inch in at the centre. This helped a lot although it did loose a little of the width of the cup.  I made the size A, as I'm a small 34A, but if I were making this again I think I'd make a B cup, as mine seems only just big enough with the tighter dart.

Secondly, There is a keyhole in the back  with a fastener. I followed the instructions without really realizing what was happening until the bias strip was half sewed in. It bunches out a bit because of the tight turn that the strip does. I think if I did this again I'd either miter the joint, or cut a tear-drop hole that the strip could sew around easier without bunching and would still meet at the top for the fastener.

Oh, and I made the skirt a good 4inches longer than the pattern recommended so I could use it as a dress slip. And I only used one 50gm ball of wool with room to spare. I imagine you'd need more for a larger cup size but an A can definitely be made on one ball.

Silk Slip

Hi all, I've just joined. I bought the book a little while ago and have been dreaming over the pages. It is a little traumatic for me to go yarn shopping where I live now and I've been dreading trying to find substitutes - I dislike buying wool online because the colours always look different! - but anyway - I've started on the Silk Slip and so far so good.  Here is my sample. Was very lucky and got almost the same gauge. Relief! Am using Sublime - Cashmere Merino Silk DK in cream.