Sewing HELP and Mary Poppins

[b-1]

I would like to make the sash that Mrs. Banks wears in Mry Poppins. It is like a beauty queen sash. I feel confident that I can do the sash and lettering but it is the "rosette" at her hip that I am not sure about how to make. I have not been able to find a pattern that looks exactly like the rosette. (The rosette in the movie is very flat) Any ideas? TIA

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

Hey b-1, sorry for the delay but I didn't see this post yesterday! The type of rosette you are talking about is generally made from a length of ribbon. The wider the ribbbon the more circles/loops you can make and the harder it is to keep it flat!

I did a couple of these for a costumer many years ago and I will try to describe what I did to the best of my ability.

In addition to the ribbon you choose make sure you get a spool of strong thread - probably quilting or buttonhole twist. Thread a fairly good size needle (makes it easier to handle) but do NOT cut the thread from the spool. Start at one end of the ribbon simply running a long (but not too long) basting stitch through the ribbon close to one edge. Ultimately you will gather the ribbon along this stitch. As I recall it was easier to run the thread through the entire length of ribbon, then knot the spool end off (simply cut it from the spool then with enough tail to put in a good sturdy knot. You may even want to stitch the knot.

Then start gathering the ribbon back towards the knot until it is "ruffled" as much as you like. Once you have the entire length ruffled it should begin to look like "petals". Knot the other end. Now what you do is start circling the ribbon upon itself with the smallest bit in the center. As you do this have a length of thread in your needle and stitch the edges to themselves. Sort of like a rag rug. Underlap successive rows as you go. Once you have the rosette to the diameter you wish I would suggest stitching the whole thing from the inside several rows but not catching the ungathered edges, to a sturdy backer such as felt.

Good luck! Feel free to PM or email me if I can help some more.

Deb