Sgt. Pepper's Yellow Submarine {PR&P season 6, week 2}

Well, if you follow us on facebook, you got a little sneak peek of what was to come for the Stripes and Polka Dots challenge. And, if you read our 1st PR&P entry woes for season 6, you now get a glimpse of what kept us busy while waiting for zippers {of which we are still waiting for - but who's asking?}. Our self-imposed challenge within the stripes and polka dots challenge was to create an outfit solely based on those two components....nothing more, nothing less (i.e. no solids other fabric or materials other than stripes and polka dots).

THINK: Beatles Flashback.....all by modifying the Oliver and S Sunday Brunch Jacket. And yes, if you've been following along, we have obviously hit a rut groove lengthening oliver + s shirts to dress length {picnic 'blouse' and after school 'shirt'}. 

Introducing our little Sgt. Pepper, who happens to have a "Yellow Submarine" dress. Why Sgt. Pepper? Maybe it's the color scheme, vintage/retro feel, collar style, or the buttoned front yoke that creates the feel for us....

And, the yellow submarine aspect of the dress?? Well, most would agree the color scheme DID lend itself to it....but we went a bit further in the "development stages" of this outfit.  While we used a small yellow striped fabric for the majority of the outfit, we subtly accented the dress with 'fish bubbles' inside and out (aka: yellow polka dot fabric), as well as hints of the ocean blue in a pop of color on the buttoned front, back tab, and cuff details.

It's true! The "Beatles reference" completely made us makes us laugh out loud!!

So, let's get down the specifics shall we??

First up: STRIPES. The "Big Question": Where should they be used placed, and how should they be positioned??

Horizontal stripes were used on the front and back yokes and sleeves, while vertical ones ran down the main 'skirt portion' of the dress {modified to a dress from the jacket pattern}. Piping was cut on the bias - hence, running diagonally - and added to divide the two sections.

We kept the 'clean' striped lines of the garment by creating two front pleats and a single back pleat, instead of gathers as stated in the original pattern.

Below is a shot of the shoulder seam. Talk about a shock! NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS could we replicate the match of the stripes....seriously.

The angle of this picture hopefully captures the horizontal placement of the sleeve stripes.

Second up: POLKA DOTS. This step was really two-fold for us...as will be evidenced momentarily. Our accent fabric was a yellow polka dot print. We used this on the collar, cuffs, back tab {an addition made to the original pattern}, facing, and bias seam covering. Just humor us and agree that it reminds you of 'fish bubbles', okay??

Here are a few shots of the 'interior work' of the garment - showing how the fabrics complimented one another.



Now, about that two-fold polka dot effect...This, friends, is what really tied it all together for us!!

It technically created a two-fold polka dot AND stripe effect. We added coordinating blue French knots {to compliment the front and back tab buttons} in vertical lines along each cuff. This gave our polka dots an added dimension, as well as accented the buttons.

Photos like this make our hearts smile.....a girl who loves her books! And while this book was intended for 'props' only, "Sgt. Pepper's" rendition of Peter Rabbit {???} was quite moving...

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Outfit / Fabric Specifications:

Pattern: Oliver + S, Sunday Brunch Jacket {size: 18-24 month, modified}

Fabrics: Simpatico Organic Golden Straws for Cloud 9 {The Fat Quarter Shop};
Art Gallery's Oval Elements Golden {TJ's Fabrics}

Buttons: Joann's Button Box find {purchased with 50% off coupon - SCORE!}

*Notes: Use lighter weight interfacing for collar and facing, allowing dress to 'give' more freely with movement. 

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What's a two year old photoshoot without a few outtakes along the way??? Ummmm, 420 photos later, here's a few that still make us laugh!!

First up: Let's count the ducks {note three ducks in the background}.....she was soooo proud of herself! Makes the right-brained aunt proud....already having 'imaginary friends' - albeit ducks....While the left-brained aunt cringes...

Then, she huffed and she puffed and decided it was time to be held. All it took was this photo op and a belly laugh at her antics, and she was grinning from ear to ear within seconds....

Negotiations soon ensued: "Hold camera, Emmy. Libby take pictures."

We compromised. THREE PICTURES - no more, no less. Here is 'the best of the best'...as seen through EA's camera lens. My, she does have an eye for her subject matter - flip a coin on what she was aiming for....her aunts or the garbage can!

As the photos came to an end, "Sgt. Pepper" suddenly changed to...none other than Clint Eastwood giving her best rendition of, "Go ahead. MAKE. MY. DAY."

And, finally, a little Napoleon Bonaparte action before loading up. Never a dull moment with this one....NEVER!