Up to my Knees in Net

One of the things I need to make for the gown is a "horsehair" slip. I've searched and searched for horsehair only to find out they don't use it anymore - too stiff, too uncomfortable. Net is the way to go so off to the fabric store for some netting. Most ready made gowns have a slip attached. I decided to do a detached one for several reasons. A friend who makes wedding gowns said for easier storage, use a detached one. Also the possibility of a slip pulling on the lining is eliminated when it's detached. And the bottom line for me - just plain easier. I used a very light lining fabric for the slip and a simple A-line pattern so very few seams. If this pattern looks dated to you, it is, close to 40 years old (and notice the price of $1) and yes it's the pattern for my own wedding gown. Some things are hard to part with. I just never thought I would be using it again, ever!
After sewing up the lining seams, I measured a certain amount down from the waistline. The fullness had to start a little below the hips. After marking with pins, I used the longest machine stitch to mark the line. I did this at the hip and also 15" up from the hem as there are 2 flounces to attach.

I cut out 4 panels of net, each one @ 32" long for the main flounce and 4 panels of net (14" long) for the bottom flounce. The panels for each section were sewn together to make a tube. The "marked lines" on the lining (both sets) were divided into 4 sections also. A large basting stitch was sewn across the top of the net panels on both sets. It's easiest to work in sections so each set of basting threads started and ended with a panel. The top of the panel was pinned - beginning and end to the lining section and using the basting thread, drawn up to fit into the space. Then using pins every inch, I pinned like crazy to hold the gathered net to the lining.

I have to say...working with net was the "the pits", full of static when attaching to a synthetic lining and all over the place and quite prickly! I kept thinking through this whole process, I'm glad no one in the family ever wanted to be a ballerina and I had to make costumes. Anyway, if I ever entertain the notion of working with net again - Just Shoot Me! What started out in my mind as a simple job, turned into a whole day affair, but it's over and done and looks pretty good. (Isn't that ridiculous! below)

I sewed the net in place with a narrow zigzag stitch. One of the things that really helped in handling all this net was the little tool you see below.

One of my students gave it to me years ago and I cherish it. I've found more ways to use it and working with it here it was a great. It held the net so the needle could catch where I wanted it to.

So the slip is now on the dressform. You can see the bottom flounce which is underneath the top layer.

and the top layer.

I really needed to have the slip done before going further,  to see how the gown would hang. Jill is coming this weekend for fittings and fun, can't wait.