After trimming off the middle, I take up the extra width before attaching to the bodice. 

For the front, I put in two box pleats, located to line up with the bodice pleats.

Shift dress upcycle by Dani, on Flickr

On the back, I ran a simple gathering stitch, gathering only the section that would fall between the two darts.

Shift dress upcycle by Dani, on Flickr

Yes you can see the split, and yes it will be quite high.  But, since I am planning to only wear this tunic over pants, its not a bother.

You won't regret a cutting table (and your back with thank you).  This is a picture of my cutting table.  I have the luxury of being able to have it open to full width, and certainly when I was making the medieval costumes, it was brilliant. 

Lawn pajamas by Dani, on Flickr

The table is a brand called Tailormade, and is part of an integrated sewing room system, although I haven't got any of the other tables yet.  As strong and as stable as it is, I wouldn't put a sewing machine on it to sew.  Those are on smaller custom tables, to avoid vibration being an issue (my overlocker vibrated another machine off the table once). 

Room 2018 by Dani, on Flickr

Enjoy your table, it will be an asset for sure. 

True to her autistic soul, since I suggested Mary Poppins as a costume (3 days ago), my daughter has researched both the movies and the books, done a comparison of the costumes, including the descriptions in the books, and purchased a set of books for her classroom. After all that research, she has decided that the skirt should be a deep blue, although not with piping, as one of the movie costumes is. if we can find a suitable jacket when thrift shopping (in which case black will be fine) great, otherwise, I should plan to do a blue jacket as well.

I put on a pair of my linen pants this morning, and it occurred to me that a nice heavy linen could do well for the skirt.  Although, she doesn't iron, so that aspect may be a problem.  Still thinking about that one. 

I have a major project for the year.  DD is a primary school teacher, and book week is in August.  Usually making anything for her is a last minute rush, so I am pushing her to decide ahead of time, so it can be planned for.  Given the theme "old worlds, new worlds, other worlds", I have suggested, and she agree's with, Mary Poppins.

Now, the components are walking skirt, frilly white blouse, red necktie, longline jacket, white gloves, umbrella, hat with flowers, and carpet bag,.  (not my photo - source  https://www.surfandsunshine.com/diy-mary-poppins-costume/) 



Given its a costume and doesn't need to be strictly period accurate, I am working on the premise of using existing patterns to get the "feel".  She would love an 1890's walking skirt, so I am wondering if I should splash out for the pattern  (if I do, where do I get it?).  Otherwise I have a 6 gore pattern (style D), I could add an extra pleated panel to the back .... WDYT?  The jacket is a complete mystery, and I will tackle that after the skirt. 

I would love to hear any suggestions, and recommendations of patterns.  Given she doesn't like wool (and its too hot here, even in winter), suggestions of fabric would be great too.

Possible skirt pattern - Simplicity 5914 - view D adding extra width to the centre back gore to be taken up in pleats.  Possible issues, it doesn't have a waistband.  If I interline the fabric, and give it a faced hem for the swish factor, then it might need more support than a faced waistband could give. 



This project may require me to break my fabric diet, but oh well, it probably wouldn't have lasted anyway. 

Consider the shape of the wearer too ......

If all of her bust shape is at the front, then a regular dart will do fine.  If however, she has a proper set of melons, meaning they are rounded out the sides, then you may need a curved dart to help the top turn around them. 

thank you @StitchinTime  ..... I couldn't look at the article, because its a subscription only page, but it helped me narrow the search. 



I have a set of embroidery files that would be perfect for this style of coat. 

I have a desk mat under my sewing desk (means that I am not damaging the carpet with my chair), and under the foot pedal, I have one of these. 

Its a wrist support mouse pad.  The underside is sticky, so it doesn't slide forward.  And my heel rests on the gell wrist support, giving my foot better support.  Without it, I tend to hold my foot up to press on the pedal, which did my instep and heel no end of damage.