… and the sea cucumber turns to the mollusk and says, “With fronds like these, who needs anemones?”
Aaaah another weekend over!
It’s been a good one in my books. I saw Wolf of Wall Street, had a long lie-in, did some sewing machine window-shopping, had a delicious paneer curry and went car booting with my parents!
The other nice thing is that I can share this ace dress I made for the Sew Dolly Clackett competition!
Errr I didn’t stand on that daffodil, promise.
Yes yes this dress is exactly the same at my last, but I was maximising my throughput. I cut both out in one go, my machine could stay threaded up with white cotton throughout and I was really efficient with sewing these up in parallel!
Another non-Hazel dress. Imagine how good those synchronised swimmers would have looked on the hazel bodice!
So this is the infamous swimming ladies fabric. Roisin used this for her first Anna dress. It’s also cropped up on House of Pinheiro, The Amazing Adventures of Taracat, and The Cinnamon Slipper to name just a few. 
The only things I did differently with this version of the dress related to print placement. I made sure my swimmers were nicely framed below the neckline and on either side of the zipper. Plus I lined up the lady in blue with the orange cap so she peeks at you on the start of the straps heehee!
Obligatory Roisin door shot coming up!
Hope you like this dress. It makes me really happy to wear.
Have you seen the retro swimming ladies crop up anywhere else? Leave me a comment if so, or if YOU’VE made something from it. I’d love to see.
38 Comments
Zoë B
Ah I love this! I’ve got a stash of the swimming ladies, I’m just waiting for it to get a bit warmer so I can make a proper summer sunshine dress. Mind you it looks pretty warm where you are!
almondrock
Thank you! There was a random hot spell during my photo shoot. Can’t wait to see yours.
Hélène
Great summer dress. As cool as as an afternoon by the pool! Love your cardigan too. Did you knit it?
almondrock
Thank you! Afraid I don’t knit but I wish I could 🙂 an afternoon by the pool sounds great
katie
So pretty! I can’t resist those ladies any longer, I feel left out! I’ll have to pick some up on my next Goldhawk trip. Great pattern placement and matching at work there.
almondrock
Thanks! I definitely recommend the ladies. Especially as they’re available for £1.50 a metre at goldhawk road
gingermakes
This is so cute! I love it! I’m so lucky- Clare brought me a good chunk of the lady swimmers when she came to NYC last month! So there’s a swimmy dress in my future, too! 🙂
almondrock
Thank you! Woooo another lady in the swimming club.
seamsoddlouise
Lovely, those swimming ladies make me wish it was summer.
almondrock
Thanks! Arrrgh I wish it was summer so bad
Vicki Kate
Love it! And what are you watching in that top photo? You look like you’re up to something lol!
almondrock
That’s my cheeky monkey face hehehe. I was actually looking at a drunk trampy man winking at me and I’m trying not to laugh.
Vicki Kate
Lol!
Lynne
Love your dress, and I’m very impressed at the parallel dress sewing! I spotted the swimming ladies on another SDC dress here –
http://su-sews-so-so.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/a-girl-for-all-seasons-sew-dolly.html
almondrock
Thank you! Oooh good spot. Another nice sewist to follow
Dreaming of Avonlea
That pattern placement is fab! Your dress looks lovely and I’m so jealous that you can wear white and not look all washed out!
almondrock
Haha thanks though I’m not sure I’m even close to being tanned enough for my liking!
unlabelled clothes
It’s so pretty & summery. Those swimming ladies are lovely.
almondrock
Aww thanks! Fingers crossed for more summery weather!
Debbie Iles
I love the swimming ladies! Such a cute frock!
almondrock
Well thank you very much!
Amy Beeton (@barmy_beetroot)
Lovely Amy! What car boot did you go to? I usually go to the Yeadon one, love it!
almondrock
Thank you! I usually go to wetherby or Spofforth as I’ve found sewing bargains before. You should try them! I like Yeadon too though.
ShanniLoves
So thoughtful with your placement! Great job!
almondrock
Wahoo thanks!
BusyLizzie
Love it! Plus I think your pattern would work better than the Hazel – I think with the Hazel their head would have been cut off and that just seems evil!
I have the fabric too (from our trip) but haven’t made it up yet, I was going to do Butterick 5748 but the circle skirt meant the ladies would be swimming upside down and I knew that would annoy me. I think perhaps a shirt dress might work, although the weather is cooling down now so now all I am thinking about is dresses that will go with tights!!
almondrock
Oooh I like the idea of a shirt dress. I know what you mean about chopping their heads off. I lost one in a dart and felt rather guilty!
nishi
So pretty! I’ve yet to try Hazel and maybe now I won’t…! That fabric goes so well with the shape and I love the way you placed it. Beautiful!
almondrock
Aww thanks so much!
The Amazing Taracat
Love it! It makes me happy just looking at it. Reminds me that it is time to get my swimmers dress out now that the weather is warming up.
almondrock
Yaay for swimmers. Fingers crossed for more summery weather!
misscrayolacreepy
Everytime I see that fabric it makes me smile…. and wish I had some too! haha! Lovely dress. xo
almondrock
Ahhh if I ever see more I’ll snap some up for you!! 🙂
poppykettle
Gorgeous 🙂 Love the positions of the swimming ladies on your front bodice!
almondrock
Aww thanks I felt I had to do them justice
Katie (@teaandcaketime)
Thank you very much for following me- I’ve really enjoyed reading through your blog, and it’s always good to find another fan of paneer curries and car boot sales to swap tips with 🙂 Off to admire more of your lovely dresses! xxx
almondrock
Well thank you very much for following me too!
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