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Jan
14
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…
*******************************************************************
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}
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.
*******************************************************************
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!
52 Comments
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I love it! I especially like the subtle patterns and the French knots.
Thoroughly enjoyed this post. Sweet little coat and the fabrics you chose are beautiful.
Nicely done, ladies!
I enjoyed reading this story. Your niece looks beautiful in yellow. Your attention to every detail shows. Bravo!
That dress is just DARLING!!! I love it!
shut up – you guys are the best….ALWAYS! I love everything you create!!! It’s fun to see your niece grow up in the pictures you post on your blog! She seems so much taller!
Sniff, sniff…… We were just talking about her growing up the other day!!! Thanks for always being so complimentary….
Adorable! Love the subtle colors.
Wow! I love this outfit and the color selection and the story to go with it all. Each time I think that you really have outdone yourselves once again!
Adorable!! I love it!
Perfect! The tabs and French knot accents are awesome. And the varying direction of the stripes — yummy. I’ve had my eye on this pattern for a while, and seeing it in your rendition just convinced me to buy it. Brava, ladies!
Well, we look forward to seeing what you create with the Sunday Brunch Jacket!! It’s a keeper for us :)!
Incredible attention to detail! The both of you are SO talented and should totally win this week:)
Oh girl….. Thanks, but it is early yet…. The creativity of the sewalong group never ceases to amaze us!! Some great ones have already been posted :).
Clever! I really like the pleats vs. the gathers. And the little bit of blue against the yellow…perfect!
Well, after pleating this number…..Ashley stated we may never gather again!!!
This is again incredible! You’re definetely up for winning this week’s sew along! And I sure hope you will be a designer team during the next PR&P season! Your attention to detail is really amazing.
Such great details in this dress! Awesome job ladies
Perfect and subtle with great details! Super job ladies!
The dress you created is just beautiful. I love the soft combination of patterns that you used. I also like the tab in the back (with piping of course!).
Deborah
http://sewmuchtogive.blogspot.com
Cute outfit but I love the photo’s!
Oh, what a great dress! And I never would have thought to modify the Sunday Brunch Jacket to make it . . . you guys have great vision! And that photo shoot . . . what fun! Your niece is the cutest thing ever, but I’m sure you already knew that:)
Thanks!!! Yes, we think she’s pretty cute/fun all the way around!! We can say that because we’re just the aunts, right!?!?!
Love the fabric and fit and pictures.
Great job lining up those stripes!!!!
Ummmm…..WHERE? ARE? YOU??? We’ve been missing you in the sewalong!!!
lovely, as always!!! Love the closure on the front… great job and one of my favorites. I have this great idea this week, but with a one week old baby, the stomach bug and a root canal this week, I may have to bow out
While we’d love to see your creation, it sounds like your plate is pretty full!!! That little baby of yours is precious…..and the older siblings: smitten!!!
That is so cute! I love the sunshiny colors, and those French knots are the perfect touch. =) That fabric certainly does remind me of fish bubbles!
WOW, WOW, WOW!!!! Thanks everyone for all the ‘blogging love’ you sent our way today……. The sewing community never ceases to amaze us at their graciousness and encouragement of others!!!!
This dress is beautiful… I love the yellow on her – and I need to learn a french knot because I have swooned over the effect in both this dress and Delia’s peach outfit from last season ;o)
That is one BEAUTIFUL COAT my friend!
That is very cute…well done with all of the details! Of course, your subject matter is so cute and the color looks great on her.
Aaaw, so cute! It’s a lovely dress and such an adorable little girl!
That french knot detail is just fabulous! Love your jacket/dress!
love this.
she is such a doll!
Perfection! Love the color, the design…….everything! Great job
absolutely adorable!!
I’m your newest follower, would love if you would check out my blog too! sewloveit.blogspot.com
We’re so glad that you have joined our ‘sewing adventures’ !!!! We have a lot of fun planning and creating items for our nieces :).
Oh, how much do I love this???? The colors, the style the fabric—all beautiful! You ladies are AWESOME.
liZ
This is absolutely beautiful! I really love the dimension of the french knots in the dots! And a gorgeous model!
Donna
These are absolutely stunning photos – someone definitely is extremely photogenic…J
Precious, precious, precious. Love the contrast of the bubbles with the stripes. Plus she is a charmer in yellow. Next question, where did you get her shoes? LOVE them!!!!!! LOVE.
Would you believe it if we said they were a pair of ours from back in the day?!?! She has a new pair just like them though, so we’ll send you an email with specifics……
Thanks so much. My two grandchildren have worn several of their mother’s, aunts and uncle’s leather shoes from back in the same day. It can be tough to find new shoelaces. THe shoelaces don’t seem to travel well through time.
Thanks again, I got your email.
This is adorable. Thank you for sharing at Shwin&Shwin Link Party #46.
my goodness this jacket is absolutely gorgeous! I hope you’ll share this any any other posts you’re proud of at my link party.
Marissa @ Rae Gun Ramblings
Ooooh, we’re always on the lookout for great linky parties!!! Thanks for passing along the information about yours, and inviting us to join the fun….
So cute! I love it!
This is just too cute!!
We featured you on our blog. Thanks for sewing along! http://shaffer-sisters.blogspot.com/2013/02/prp-sew-along-winter-2013.html
With Love,
Shaffer Sisters
Awesome…………….!!!!!!!!
http://www.blissfulsewing.blogspot.com
Wow…..!!!!!!! Thanks for sharing such a beautiful idea.
http://www.crochetdreamz.blogspot.com
Adorable dress and adorable little girl! I love it! I’m pinning it!
Navy Wifey Peters @ Submarine Sunday Link Party