Wanting a little more information about our looks?? 
Here goes…hold on tight, and consider yourself warned! Lots of pictures….lots of information…

Jane Banks Flies a Kite

CL’s outfit is loaded with movie references {including our photo shoot backdrop of “St. Paul’s Cathedral steps”}, without screaming – “That’s soooo Mary Poppins!” 

We redrafted the dress to become an a-line dress {11.5″ side seams} past the collar area.

The mirrored piping was added around the front collar area, to accentuate the “kite lines.”

“Tuppence” buttons were sewn down at the back neckline, and held in place by hand-stitched button loops. Michael’s tuppence were precious commodities in the movie, and we didn’t want to have another “run on the bank….” while showcasing this look!

The sleeves were lengthened to create a long-sleeved version of this dress.

More piping was added on the notched cuffs, based on the Tinny Dress by Straight Grain.

Our focal point was the reverse appliqued kite {using this tutorial}, 
and was further detailed by adding trim to it. Doesn’t the trim look like miniature kite ties??

We embroidered {chain-stitched} a kite string, waving in the breeze.

Removable {snapped} kite ties were then added along the embroidered string. To achieve this look, we sewed rectangular kite ties, tied them in the center with a clear plastic ponytail holder, and then covered each with gray DMC thread before adding the snap.

This added an element of dimension, as well as functionality of the garment’s cleaning! Yeah, we were pretty excited about our use of ponytail holders and DMC…hidden away in the outfit. Isn’t it amazing what “look” a little plastic ponytail holder and DMC can give you!?!?

Finally, as a hidden detail {but, oh so key} in the movie inspired creation was CL’s bloomers. Doesn’t every toddler need a pair of color-blocked bloomers?? The main fabric was one with birds {feed the birds, anyone??}, and the color-blocked section was added with the embroidered quote describing Mary Poppins as “practically perfect in every way!”

Interfacing was added {and lined}, and the phrase, “Practically Perfect in Every way” 

As for the CHARACTER INSPIRED look from the movie? That goes to Jane Banks! We “modernized” Jane’s look, but kept key details to her overall garment’s appearance.

Jane Banks 1960’s Style {EA’s Dress}

From Jane….

To EA….

Our starting point was the Oliver and S, School Photo Dress {sz 3}.

Modifications / Detailing included:

We redrafted the yoke piece of the garment to create a drop-waist bodice piece (8” finished side seams).

Shoulder seams were increased by 1/2” {towards the neck}, and the Music Class Blouse collar {view B, and attached with the opening on the back} was used to replace the original School Photo collar.

Trim {remember those small ‘kite ties’ that divided CL’s reverse-appliqued kite??} was then added along the front bodice to compliment CL’s kite dress, as well as EA’s coat topper {discussed below}.

A side-pleated skirt was attached to the bodice area.

Jane Banks Outerwear {EA’s Coat}
From Jane….

To EA….

Our starting point was Oliver and S, Jump Rope Dress {sz 3}.

Modifications / Detailing included:

We began by splitting the front of dress into 2 sections with placket going down the front center, adjusting the pattern pieces width to accommodate the placket.

Keeping with Jane’s “look,” three thick strands of cording were sewn along either edge of the placket. This created visual appeal and texture running the length of the coat. 

This was a DIFFICULT sew – keeping the cording evenly spaced on suiting fabric {not the stiffest of fabrics to be achieving such a feat}!

The dress was then lengthened to a “coat topper length” … long enough to cover the drop-waist dress underneath.

 

The detailed “faux cuffs” had us at HELLO {modernized from Jane’s original ones}!

From Jane….

To EA….

These beauties tied the entire “look” together for us!! 

A finishing detailed “kite tie trim” (matching CL’s reverse appliqued kite and EA’s dress) was added around the peter pan collar and faux cuffs to complete the “modernized look.”

 

And, there you have it: Jane Banks Flies a Kite

Tomorrow’s post will be a little more “Behind the Scenes” action from this week’s challenge. 

What were some movies discussed that didn’t make the cut?

What was the most time consuming aspect of the look? 

What did we dread/put off completing? 

What was the biggest ‘ah-ha’ while working through pattern redrafting?

What fabric did we build this entire look around, and what was a last minute ‘grab’ to tie it all together?

Who got the biggest “GOOF” for the week? 

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