So I'm ditching the linen idea because I know the heartiness of the yarn won't really jive with the delicacy of this "Chemise Trimming." I picked another Habu yarn, Cotton Gima, a fine cotton ribbon in light blue that almost feels like paper.  I like the slightly quirky look of the ribbon in the swirly fan-like pattern as a swatch, but I don't think it is quite right, either. 

I still have to find a solution to the top support issue. With the bamboo, I'm going to try an I-cord edging all around the top and make the straps and I-cord as well, then pick up stitches for the edging.  Hopefully this will support the full weight of the dress and allow the edging to sit nicely around the neck and shoulders without being pulled and becoming distorted. If that doesn't work, my backup plan is to make the I-cording and edging with Rowan 4-ply cotton.  Hopefully this will be a good combination of both strength and delicacy.
Meanwhile,  I've knitting the dress from the bottom up to the waist and have run of out of yarn.  I tried it on today and marvelled at how well it fit!  It's exactly how I pictured it.  All that scribbling of numbers before I started knitting has certainly paid off!  It's the first time in a while that something hasn't come out too big (I'm a loose knitter and tend to become even more so as the project progresses).

Since I have a break until I get more yarn I'm thinking about the bottom hem.  I'm toying with the idea of picking up stitches on the inside of the skirt and crocheting down to create the effect of the lace peeking out from under.  Here is a swatch using some mercerized cotton that is comprable in weight and size to Rowan 4-ply cotton.  --Leah