Pattern: Butterick 6031, view A
Fabric: slip-making kit purchased last year from Gertie (stretch jersey and lace trims included)
Size: 10 graded to a 12, A/B cup pattern piece
My progress on my Yona coat stalled this weekend due to a) making a big, stupid sewing mistake with the collar and running out of thread, and b) waiting for my flannel to arrive from Fabrics.com, the shipping has been soooooo slow. So, I took it as an opportunity to whip up a quick project from Gertie’s slip sewalong kit that’s been lingering in my stash since last year.
Isn’t it pretty?? I just love how girly and feminine this slip is with the lace trims, light pastel color, and cute little bow. This was a super-fast project that I whipped up in a few hours Saturday afternoon, and wore out to dinner that night underneath my dress for extra warmth.
I followed along with the sewalong posts on Gertie’s site, which were really helpful in guiding me on what size zig-zag stitch to use on my machine for attaching the different lace trims and sewing together the seams. This is my first foray into lingerie sewing, and I’m not completely certain if it’s for me. Sure, it’s pretty easy to whip up a cute bra or panties in no time, but when making this slip, I wasn’t a fan of the fiddly nature of stretch lace and flimsy, slippery fabrics. It’s a different type of fussiness I guess I’m not used to.
The fit is spot-on with the pattern, the cups fit perfectly (which I wasn’t sure about, since it’s a combo A/B pattern piece) and I did my standard grading of taking the pattern from a size 10 at the waist out to a 12. This gal is fitted, which is perfect for wearing under clothes – you don’t want anything too loose adding extra bulk and making it difficult for clothes to fit!
This fabric is a dream and feels absolutely soft and lovely! It’s a stretch micro jersey that Gertie sourced for the slip kits (which I don’t believe are available anymore), I’d love to get my hands on some more. Luckily, there was fabric leftover after I cut the slip out, so I have a pair of undies cut out to make and I can probably squeeze a cami out as well…I’ll just need to get some stretch lace trim.
However, I wasn’t a fan of using stretch lace for the straps, they seem really flimsy and not sturdy enough to function properly. I think in the long run these straps won’t hold up to wear and tear, so I’m going to replace them with bra strapping I picked up at Fabric Place Basement. That would be my only suggestion to anyone looking to make this – find real strap material, because stretch lace aint gonna cut it.
Have you tried sewing underpinnings? The new issue of Seamwork has some great information on fabrics and sewing techniques for lingerie, and a cute bra and undie set that I think I want to try!
I just finished this same slip in black last week. I agree with your assessment 100%. The pattern is great, the sew-along was helpful for zigzag settings, the straps are flimsy (although the slip fits me close enough that I'm not worried about weight on the straps), and I want more of that fabric! I've had no luck finding anything online. Let me know if you happen to turn up some!
This is so pretty!
It looks lovely – and sounds satisfyingly quick!
It is lovely. The color is great!
absolutely lovely.
It's so pretty! I have this pattern waiting to be sewn up so thanks for the tip about the straps – I'll remember that!
Here's the post where Gertie says where she found the stretch jersey in the kits: http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/2014/02/my-butterick-lingerie-pattern-choosing.html She lists three different places and commenters to the post mention more.
Hi Lucinda – this is a lovely slip! I just made a chemise and panties from the same pattern. I am just getting back into sewing and I started a blog last week. I’m now following your blog and your reviews on Pattern Review. Your garments are amazing! Thank you for sharing your projects and knowledge on your blog!
Barbara Cooper