OK, I think I've finally got it (thanks to the photo/scan Barb posted earlier, in this thread - I'm a visual learner, and having a print like that, in front of me was a great aid!!) :
pleats "test" pinned - and i also went over my chalk marks, with thin, white, basting thread , as i find the chalk fades

now I "just" have to sew the pleats ( properly) ... but for now, i think i hear a cold stout calling ...