This sounds very Hawaiian, but it is actually a little activity started by Amanda of the intriguingly titled blog “thankyouforthesuitcase“. We are sewing a blouse from a 1954 Lutterloh book (the blouse at the very bottom left). 

Amanda did hers properly with a muslin, I just tucked into a piece of fabric that I could wear if the urge took me. And the urge took me!

First I wore it on an excursion with Maria from Velosewer to Pitt Trading in Rocky Point Road, Ramsgate. I tried to be good, I really did!

This shop was a revelation and it will definitely be added to my list of must visit shops for every trip to Sydney.You all have to promise not to tell my Stashbusting Sewalong group about the little pile in front of me! I had a blast with Maria and it was lovely to meet her having been a follower of hers for some time.

After I wrangled all that fabric back to the hotel, Mark and I set off for a stroll while I showcased my, er, muslin. First up is Customs House. This is definitely worth a visit and I can’t believe I’ve never been inside before. There is a library, a reading room full of newspapers and magazines, coffee shops, and, best of all, a 3D model of Sydney covered in glass flooring so you can walk around on the top of it.

It is a stunningly beautiful building. Then we walked to Cadmans House, built in 1816 which was actually fronting on to a sandy beach when it was built. It is now many metres back from the water and massive cruise liners moor in front of it.

This photo gives a slightly better view of the blouse. It has a lovely rounded closure and the neckline is actually quite sweetly shaped, but I don’t think I captured that very well – next time!

Although I measured myself properly, I think this top is a little big. I did try to make it so that I could pull it over my head, and this was a mistake – next time I shall put a zip in the side seam and make it a little tighter. For those of you not familiar with Lutterloh, they have been around since 1935 and it is a “system” whereby you are provided with tiny little patterns which you trace off with a special tape measure.

Sounds easy? Well it is, sort of. Dart placement can be tricky and there are no specific sewing instructions, so not good for a novice, but there are a lot of these vintage patterns around and they don’t take up much room on the shelf 🙂

As you can see, I paired the top with my new Ginger jeans. Incidentally the waistband and pockets of the jeans are lined in the same fabric as the top. We trotted over the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Milson’s Point and had a lovely time exploring this lovely spot. Admiralty House is where the Governor General of Australia lives, and right next door is Kirribilli House, where the Prime Minister resides. Once again, I had to stand at the gate

Then a quick walk down to the park, where I think the photos speak for themselves.

In a nutshell: 1954 Lutterloh blouse pattern, which is surprisingly contemporary with the kimono sleeves, the shape of the bodice and the closure. I used a large wooden button to finish the front. I did wonder if this would be too heavy and it probably is a bit, but it looks so perfect with the rounded closure that I couldn’t resist it. I used a piece of cotton sheeting to make this because I wasn’t sure whether it would be wearable. It is, in fact, very comfortable. Teamed here with my yellow Ginger jeans.