Replies

1. 
   Josefly | Jan 14, 2009 05:27am | #1

   I love the feel and hand of all-cotton batiste under cotton dresses and skirts. Depending on the construction of the dress, and whether I want it for body and structure as opposed to just making the garment less see-through, I might use it for underlining, instead of lining.It's nice to be dreaming of sleeveless cotton dresses. We aren't have a blizzard, but the forecast this week is for dropping low temps daily, reaching the teens this weekend. Brrr.

   Edited 1/13/2009 9:29 pm ET by Josefly

1. 
   rodezzy2 | Jan 14, 2009 07:51am | #2

   Its only 1 degree here in Chicago.  Cotton baptise sounds soft and beautiful.

   Edited 1/13/2009 11:52 pm ET by rodezzy2

2. 
   MarieCurie | Jan 14, 2009 10:12pm | #3

   The pattern is Simplicity 3884, sleeveless, princess seams, with a tulip flare at the bottom of the skirt.  The pattern comes with instructions for lining, which I need to make the dress less see through rather than for crisp support.  Where do I find batiste that isn't see through?  The only place I know to find really cotton batiste is only white or black.  My local Joann's only carries cotton/ploy blend batiste, which is not what I want.

   I wish it would warm up to the teens.  This morning was minus 12.

   Also, as long as I'm asking... I have great patterns that start with an 8 as the smallest size.  After much testing on muslins with several pattern brands, I've concluded I need to cut a size 6.  Is there a way to confidently, consistently scale down a pattern just a little bit?  Or should I just suck it up and only buy patterns in the correct size?

1. 
   Josefly | Jan 15, 2009 05:42am | #4

   I like that pattern. Yes, unfortunately, all-cotton batiste is not always easy to find, and not in many colors. I've seen it, though at a local independent fabric shop, in pastel colors as well as white and black. I don't remember seeing it in a nude color, though. I think batiste might give you enough coverage, but not sure. You may have to look online, if Joann's is your only option, and I would want a sample first, to check the sheerness, before I ordered.

2. 
   cafms | Jan 15, 2009 08:11am | #5

   Here is an online discussion of pattern grading which might be of help. https://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/4368/making-sense-of-pattern-grading   There are also some articles in Threads #113 July 04 "It's easy to Make a Multi-size Pattern Larger or Smaller Than Its Printed Range"  Also in # 101 July 02 "Making Sence of Pattern Grading"           

   http://www.sewingmuse.org/articlesbycategory.php?artcat=17  There may some more articles listed here that would help.

1. 
   MarieCurie | Jan 15, 2009 06:58pm | #6

   Both suggestions were excellent help.  Thank you very much.

3. 
   tryitagain | Jan 22, 2009 07:07am | #7

   I would email Fabric Depot (Fabricdepot.com) in Portland, Or. It has a huge selection of fashion fabric and a very helpful staff. I have mailed samples I needed matches for and they were perfect. Good luck.