FOUNDATIONS REVEALED COMPETITION ENTRY
The Little Prince(ss)
(click images to to enlarge)
Outline the story …
I knew I wanted a French book so I searched among my library and found the "Little Prince" by Antoine de St Exupery. It is an absolute classic and I love the Little Prince's journey where he discovers the universe and the meaning of friendship, while keeping his child mind.
I immediately thought of a poodle skirt because it's the right era (the book was published in the the 40s so the character would be a young adult in the 50s) and because I loved the idea of including the illustrations in my design as they are so emblematic of the book.
I used those illustrations for the choice of colour: a light green, also symbol of youth and growth, two main characteristics of the Little Prince. I chose to include the illustrations of his planet, the Fox, the Sheep and the Rose because he cherishes them. I think the character would like to have a reminder of them on him, especially his Rose: he loves her so she has a place on his heart.
The baobab tree is more for the aesthetics (4 elements on the skirt and the balance of colours) and because one my favourite line of the book is "Children, Watch Out for the Baobabs".
I added a yellow scarf (store-bought) that matches the Little Prince emblematic one as it is cold in space (and in North Yorkshire in February).
Outline the construction…
I decided to re-use a pattern I had used and fitted to me before: the Butterick b6556 pattern because I knew I wouldn't have my sewing machine with me (spending confinement with family), so I would need to hand-sew everything. I changed the skirt, the neckline and lengthened the sleeves to match the character better.
I took my old mockup, added pieces of fabric to fill the neckline and modified the pattern accordingly.
The construction is fairly simple: a bodice with two darts, fitted to me with an FBA and shortening the back. The bodice is bag-lined, but the sleeve lining is attached separately at the end of the sleeves (folding 2cm of the fashion fabric inside) and slip-stitched at the sleeve head. The skirt is a circle skirt with 3 panels: 1 for the front and 2 for the back to add pockets and a zipper.
The fashion fabric is cotton sateen (nice shine and natural fibres) and the lining is cotton poplin.
I learned needle turn appliqué with cotton fabric for the illustrations (no visible stitch and clean edges) from simple (a round planet) to complex (the tree branches) and embroidery for the lines (backstitch whipped with gold metallic thread) and stars. I learned that metallic embroidery floss is evil and needs to be pulled every second, but pretty!
For the hem, I used hemming web as it gives a clean finish, is applied fast and stiffen the hem nicely (almost like a line of horsehair).
What a neat take on a well-loved book. The colours are beautiful together.
Thank you!
I spent about 30 minutes in front of the fat square section choosing each of the fabric for the different elements (the cebdors defibitely though I was weird…) so happy it paid off!
Just lovely, the rose reaching up onto your heart is absolutely charming. You’ve done a great job recreating the feel of the book—simple lines, but heartfelt and playful.
Thank you!
I definitely wanted to incorporate the illustrations as they’re such an important part of the book. The rose needed a special place
While I read your descriptions, I was thinking what Anna said too!
Thank you!
Your appliqués are wonderful! Love your dress♡
Thank you!
They were really fun to make and I loved finding out about this technique
Beautiful mon ami!
Merci mon ami !
i have loved this sweet dress with its quaint appliques since i first saw it. i think you really captured the character of the book in these clothes. well done! good luck from craftyroo/icarus!
Thank you so much!
I also absolutely loved your dress with all its details, especially the embroidery and appliqué on the corset. And your wings looks so ethereal and ready to take off!
I absolutely love the applique! So whimsical and pretty, paired with the perfect shade of green! I’m in love with this design!
Thank you!
The appliqué were very fun to make and I was so happy to find this fabric during a long search at the marché St Pierre in Paris
Would love to see shops selling such dresses. What a lovely piece of work! 💕
Thank you so much!