Film Petit #2: Amélie

"Times are hard for dreamers."

Welcome to our second installment in the Film Petit series. What does that mean? It means that Kristin and I, plus the lovely Gail this month, have chosen to make our kids some clothing inspired by our very favorite movies. Not our kids' favorites, mind you. You won't find any Disney princess costumes around here. (See the Life Aquatic Film Petit here.)

This time around our looks (and our photo shoots) are inspired by the French film Amélie. I've watched this movie so many times, and each time I do I find more to love about it. Amélie is a lonely girl who creates a fantasy world to live in where she can dictate where the adventures lead. She decides to create fantastic and anonymous ways to help make others happy and find love.

Meanwhile, Nino is a lonely boy who is on an adventure of his own. He and Amélie grew up just "five miles apart, they both dreamed of having a brother and sister to be with all the time."

 Nino's adventure revolves around the photo booths of Paris. He is obsessed with collecting discarded photo strips that people leave behind or lose under the booths.

 When their paths cross, Amelie falls in love with Nino, but of course has to lead him on in a game to find out who she really is.

"Follow the blue arrows..." 

 "The fool looks at a finger that points to the sky."

"Is this you?" -Nino

(Yes, that really is Kristin's little Amélie!)

When I took inspiration from Nino for this look, it was definitely not literal. Nino dresses in dull black slacks and a boring jacket for most of the movie. (Also, he works in a porn shop, not included in this photoshoot for obvious reasons.) I really dig the plaid cardigan he wears in the end, when he and Amélie are finally together and life is much brighter. But since it is still August, I went with a vest instead. I think it still has a French grandpa kind of feel. The vest pattern is this free download made with Essex yarn-dyed linen in black. I never ever get tired of that stuff. 

I brought some print in with the pants, which are an extremely soft woven cotton blend made by Moda that I bought at Sewn. These pants are so soft and the stripe is just perfect. They will get a lot of wear. 

Both the pants and the green v-neck tee I made from the new Blank Slate Patterns by MellySews. Friends, I cannot gush enough about these patterns! If you have a boy to sew for, you really can't be without them. On these pants, I learned how to put in an actual working zip fly for the first time, (how much do you love my French girl button?) and adorable welt pockets on the back. They turned out so preppy and functional I still can't believe I made them. Those details took extra time of course, but they were not difficult with Melissa's instructions. There is a clear and well-explained picture for every step, which really made the pattern a joy to follow. And the fit is honestly the best of any pants pattern I've used for Hendrix so far. This is my new go-to. It's also nice to know that if I need to make some quick pairs, the fly and welts and front pockets are all optional features, and there is a shorts option as well. 

The v-neck pattern was great to follow too and has an adorable fit. The making of the v-neck collar was actually a little harder than installing the zipper on the pants for me. But that was not for any lack of clarity in the pattern. Just one of those things that takes some practice. After a little seam-ripping, it's still not perfect but I got it to lay flat, which I'm very happy about. With all these new skills, I feel like I've taken an advanced class just by using these patterns! Melissa really knows how to sew and I so appreciate how she has shared that wisdom in these patterns. I can't wait to try the Prepster Pullover and the Basic Blazer this fall. 

Right now you can buy the 5-pattern ebook for just $19.95, which is a crazy good deal. DO IT. 

(I realize this whole thing just turned in to a commercial for these patterns, but I promise that was all just my opinion, no funny business.) 

Now make sure to visit Gail to see the genius way she was inspired by Amélie's shenanigans with her father's garden gnome. So incredibly cute.

And visit Kristin to meet the girl of Nino's dreams. Her Amélie-inspired polka dot dress is just perfect. 

Remember, we love to see your movie inspired kids clothes in the Flickr group. And we'll be back next month with Cherie of You and Mie. We've got big plans!

P.S. I have the best husband ever for taking these awesome pictures for me. Thanks Nick!