Made by a Fabricista: Valentine Slip by Sew Chic Patterns

It has been a few weeks since I blogged last and I feel so bad! I have been quite busy at work and in my personal life, that blogging had to be put on hold for a little while. If you read my last post, featuring an interview with Laura Nash from Sew Chic Patterns, I mentioned that I would be making the Valentine Slip. I also mentioned that I was tearing up my sewing room because I lost the fabric I bought specifically for the slip! It took me a few days, but I found it pushed behind a pile of fabric in the closet. (Sound familiar?) 

I was really excited to start this because a few weeks ago, Laura was posting photos of different ways to make the slip on her Facebook page.  I had been wanting to make a slip for a long time and on a trip to Portland, OR I stopped by one of the infamous fabric stores in the area. I found a great nude lightweight jersey knit and a black mesh with a very tight weave. Both were excellent quality, but still lightweight enough to be used as a slip. I also picked up some pretty lace trims in a few different colors. At this point I had not heard of Sew Chic Patterns, so I was buying these items in hopes of figuring it out on my own. Low and behold two weeks later, I met Laura from Sew Chic and she shared her Valentine Slip pattern with me! 

Because I had purchased the materials before the pattern, I had to work with what I had. The pattern comes with two versions: view A showcases lace at the bust and around the hemline. View B features a pieced bust and ruffled hemline. I cut out size 12 for the top and graded it to 14 for the hips. The pattern is made for a B cup. While I am not a B cup, I cut it from a B (I'm not really sure why I did, I just did!) The pattern comes with a guide to adjust the cup size. (When I made the black slip, I adjusted the cup size and it fit even better than the nude slip!) 

I decided to make the view B because I wanted to add 1 1/2" trim around the top of the cup. I omitted the top piece from the cup and replaced it with a 1 1/2" lace trim. So I guess you're wondering how I did this? It was a little unfortunate because the trim was not as wide as the piece I omitted. It was only about a 1/2" or so off, so I wasn't too concerned. 

After constructing the cup itself, I attached the trim to the center front, making sure to line up the fabric along the design of the lace. I serged the edges of all knit pieces to give it a clean look. 

I stitched to about 1" or so before the top because I wanted to pivot the lace trim to go up the top of the cup. I couldn't figure out any other way to do it, without have an unfinished edge and I really didn't want that. I folded a dart in the trim at the center front and attached the trim to the rest of the cup. Below, you can see a finished center front cup piece. 

Here is a finished cup. I serged the cup seam also, although I wasn't going to. I hate when seams hit right at the bust and show through other pieces of clothing. If I wanted to change this in future slips, I think I would try to draft the cup in one piece. One quick note: When you add the lace to the second cup, be sure the lace design matches up to the other cup. Everything should be symmetrical!

After both cups are constructed, I stitched them together at center front. I didn't alter anything else in the pattern, so scroll down to check out the finished product!

I used pre-made lingerie straps that we had at Fabric Mart a few years ago. (Does anyone remember the strap bundles we were selling!?) Of course I didn't have very many basic colors in the collection I had, but I managed to find two cream straps. One strap is a slightly different color than the other, but who's going to see that? I used a zig-zag stitch to attach the straps to the front and back of the slip. 

I'm really happy with the way it turned out. I even had a chance to wear it earlier this week and it was perfect! The bust seams did not show through my dress either. 

When finishing the seam across the back, I used a wide zig-zag stitch similar to what you see on RTW bras.

I did not attach lace the hemline because I did not have enough to go around it. (Oops!) After wearing it this week, I realized that it was a little longer than I liked. It was almost as long as the dress I wore, which fell right around my knee. I think I may go back and shorten it an inch or two because I am afraid it would peak out of my dress.

I enjoyed making this slip so much, that I made a black version too! 

I used a black stretch mesh knit with a really tight mesh weave. It was sturdy enough to hold it's shape. I fell short again because the lace trim I purchased was 6 1/2" wide rather than the minimum requirement of 7". I also had adjusted the cup size, so the width of the lace did not exactly work out the way 7" would have. Thankfully, I was able to make it work, I just stretched the lace a little more when stitching the cup together. 

I could see this slip pattern being used for more than just a slip. Lengthen the hemline to create a hip hugging gown. Shorten the hemline to make a camisole. Even try different fabrics to make whatever your heart desires! I have not done a lot of work with trimming before so it was a lot of fun trying new products. I have to say, I am a lace trim addict now. I want to put it on everything! Have fun making this slip, the possibilities are endless!

If you would like to purchase your own  Valentine Slip pattern, click HERE.

~ Julie