Did I do it? Of course I did it. I mean, I set myself an extraordinarily generous timescale. Seventeen sleeps, hah! It was finished with, well, about a day to spare.
McCall’s 5881 in ‘Lilo Swimmers’ from Stone Fabrics, currently in their summer sale.
McCall’s 5881, which I am astonished to find having just this very moment checked the envelope, is dated 1992. From the pattern illustrations I would have put this firmly into an exuberant section of the 80s rather than what I remember as the rather austere early 90s. Although, my summer of ’92 included a fantastically sunny Glastonbury, the end of Polytechnic education and jobs in the apple picking and tree counting industries.
This would be a great dress in which to pick apples. Plenty of reach room and that collar would provide much needed back of the neck sun protection. Plus, I popped in some in-seam pockets. Perfect for scrumping which I never ever did.
If you have this pattern in your stash somewhere and feel the need to channel the spirit of the exuberant/austere late 80s/early 90s, beware! Not for nothing are these called tent dresses. Give me a pole and some pegs and we could have slept under this in ’92. That’s with some slimming from me through the shoulders and armholes. Plus a teensy raising of the neckline. Don’t want flash your tan line and your tide marks at your fellow festival goers!
1992. You know I’m sure that was the year that Newman and Baddiel appeared on the Comedy Stage.
“Do you see that brightly coloured confection in the next field?”
“The Circus Tent?”
“Yes, the Circus Tent. You do see it? It’s large enough to accommodate six stilt walkers and the entire Bristol School of Samba.”
“Oh, really?”
“Yes. Its aroma is somewhat unpleasant due to its proximity to the compost toilets and its fabric is gaudy and ill-fitting.”
“Hmm…”
“That’s you that is. That’s you in your best dress that is.”
Apologies to both Newman and Baddiel. And, anyone under 30.
Happy Sundress Sewing!
pennylibrarian 
I love a nice tent dress. And this is a very nice tent dress. The colour is lovely on you and the mixed buttons make it special. Well done Penny.
Ah, thanks!
Love the swimmer fabric and that red button topping off the blue ones! And yur sundress looks oh so comfy! Enjoy wearing it!
Thank you! I’m always improvising with buttons as I never seem to have enough of the correct thing…
Button and thread mixing a great final touch!
Heh heh, it had to be done. You’re the first to have noticed.
The swimwear/beach print on that fabric is simply beautiful! I love how you coordinated the buttons and thread. Its gorgeous 🙂 I hope you thoroughly enjoy your new creation!
Thank you, the fabric makes me smile. Top marks for spotting the thread and button thing too!
you are a RIOT. and i love your incredibly happy tent dress!
Why thank you very much. Spreading happiness through outrageous fabric choice?!
I love how swingy it is! Great dress for summer?
Thanks! It *is* a great summer dress, plenty of room for the air to circulate!
Oh so summery.
Oh sew many thankyous. See what I did there?
Well done on finishing this dress, Penny! It looks lovely and I hope you enjoy wearing it-have a good summer! Best wishes, Samina
Thanks, you too!
This dress looks amazing! I love the fabric and the shape, such a pretty design 🙂
Oh, thank you, it’s great fun to wear.
A sundress to do twirls in with pockets and cool collar…doesn’t get any better than that…oh wait…colorful buttons and fun fabric motifs…you got it all rolled into one!!!! Great job, Penny!
Ah, thanks! It’s great fun to wear.