Actually, I've done quite a lot of Disney. Simplicity has had the Disney license for a long time and I often am the one asked to turn their artwork into a wearable thing.
As a toy designer I've done many movie "tie in" toys ranging from Muppet Babies, X-Men characters to Lord of the Ring collector figures. When doing this kind of work everything has to be approved by the licenser, in this case Disney.
As a toy designer I've done many movie "tie in" toys ranging from Muppet Babies, X-Men characters to Lord of the Ring collector figures. When doing this kind of work everything has to be approved by the licenser, in this case Disney.
Back in the 80s when I was still at McCalls I did this pattern.
There are a couple interesting/funny things I can tell you about the pattern above. First, it was my introduction to polar fleece. I don't think there was anything being made with it yet, but it was the perfect material for these costumes.
This was the first licensed pattern I'd done for the sewing industry and I approached it like I would a licensed toy first enlarging the illustration as much a possible, then drawing a grid over it and using a proportional scale to transfer the measurements of each portion of the character correctly from drawing to costume.
This was the first licensed pattern I'd done for the sewing industry and I approached it like I would a licensed toy first enlarging the illustration as much a possible, then drawing a grid over it and using a proportional scale to transfer the measurements of each portion of the character correctly from drawing to costume.
This is a proportional scale.
Because I was expecting to get these costume back for corrections and changes from Loony Tunes, I had sewn things with large stitches so it would be easy to take apart and fix. Well, unexpectedly they liked my first sample. And even more unexpectedly they decided to have some models wear them on the Today Show. AND while the model wearing the Sylvester Costume was dancing around on camera the big red nose popped off right onto the floor ... oh well ... it got a good laugh!
They send style books with artwork from several different angles and sheets with the exact colors to use. These are the same style sheets used by anyone making products using the licensed character, whether a night light or stuffed toy. But this time, if I remember right, the sheets for this project didn't arrive and I had to find as much information on line as I could. The first fabric swatches I sent in were for a dark green. I couldn't tell the right color with the images I was finding on line, but Disney wanted teal. The only fabric I could find with the correct shade was crushed panne velour, which Disney liked. Color for them is more important than fabric type.
In the old days we had to send in the actual costume for approval and we would get back a sheet with very specific changes they wanted. Now everything goes via the internet and photos are sent. But they still have the final say.
Here are some more Disney costume patterns I have made over the years, some are still in the current catalog.
They send style books with artwork from several different angles and sheets with the exact colors to use. These are the same style sheets used by anyone making products using the licensed character, whether a night light or stuffed toy. But this time, if I remember right, the sheets for this project didn't arrive and I had to find as much information on line as I could. The first fabric swatches I sent in were for a dark green. I couldn't tell the right color with the images I was finding on line, but Disney wanted teal. The only fabric I could find with the correct shade was crushed panne velour, which Disney liked. Color for them is more important than fabric type.
In the old days we had to send in the actual costume for approval and we would get back a sheet with very specific changes they wanted. Now everything goes via the internet and photos are sent. But they still have the final say.
Here are some more Disney costume patterns I have made over the years, some are still in the current catalog.
There is the classic princesses for adults ...
You can dress your 18" doll as a Disney princess. This is currently available.
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and girls, still in the catalog.
and you used to be able to dress Barbie up, too. But, alas, this is out of print now.
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There even used to be these same classic princesses for babies. My favorite is the baby Snow White.
Doing this pattern last year, I learned about a whole new world of Tinkerbelle spin off characters and the little girls who love them.
This is currently in the line.
This is currently in the line.
A couple fun ones from the past ...
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Buzz came complete with "power" back pack.
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This one has a good story.
Models are hired after the costumes are all finished. Modeling agencies send potential models over to try on the costumes to see if they fit and who they look best on. The story goes ... the kid who was chosen to be Captain Hook was the only one who would wear the wig!
I've always been told being agreeable is an important part of getting hired in any job. It really counted this time.
I've always been told being agreeable is an important part of getting hired in any job. It really counted this time.
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