They set the tone for a scene, accentuate a character's personality and give audience members a visual feast to wow their senses.

In the lead-up to Taree Arts Council's production of Mary Poppins, which opens next month, a team of seamstresses has been producing and compiling hundreds of costume pieces.

It is a mammoth task, and one that couldn't happen without the contribution of many hands.

Costume co-ordinator Lea Young has been glowing in her praise of the women.

"I don't know what I'd do without these ladies. They are fantastic," she said.

Bron Squire has created (adult-size) toy costumes, including teddy bears, Mr Toad and Raggedy Anne, for one of the show's stand-out scenes.

"It's the first time I've done anything for any live performance ever and I've totally loved it," said Bron.

She was approached by Mary Poppins director Gayle Cameron, who came into her shop, Figtree Fabrics in Wingham.

"She saw the bright fabrics and quilts and asked if I would be interested to make bright costumes - so I did."

Before she sewed a stitch, she sat and watched the toy scene with Gayle three times in one night before drawing up some sketches and a decision was made between Gayle, Lea and Bron on the colours they would use.

Bron has repurposed garments already in the Taree Arts Council's wardrobe.

"I cut them up and made them into what I needed."

Sewing has been a lifelong passion of Bron's, who made her first wearable dress when she was nine years old.

Another of the costume makers is Sammy Clarke, who has created orange, purple, yellow and red costumes and hats for the Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious scene.

It is also her first time working with Taree Arts Council.

"Gayle Cameron rang one day and asked if I would be interested in helping out. I'm not sure how she got my number but I'm very glad she rang me."

Sewing has been a long-time personal hobby for Sammy, who three years ago left her role as a licenced conveyancer to pursue her passion for art. She began Sammy Duck Creative, which is all about textiles, art and wearable art.

She's currently studying an art history degree at university and while it has been a juggle to balance her study and costume making, she wouldn't have it any other way.

Sammy and Gayle initially came together to brainstorm costumes for the scene.

"I researched other Mary Poppins productions to get some ideas. We had been thinking the same colours and then I showed her some of my ideas and she told me to go for it.

"It has been so much fun."

Also hard at work creating costumes are Maureen Mears for the Mary Poppins character, Marilyn Crozier for Bert (and other chorus numbers), Jan Wood for Mrs Banks and Tess Chown has worked on the childrens' costumes.

Other seamstresses include Mary Pertzel, Diane Gilbert and Severina Walker, while Jill Illidge and cast members have contributed to the millinery (hat decoration).

Narelle Drake has created all the statues for the production.

Mary Poppins opens at the Manning Entertainment Centre on November 6 and runs to November 22. Tickets are available from the Manning Entertainment Centre website.

lauren.green@fairfaxmedia.com.au