The Ashton Top from Helen’s Closet

Just in time to catch the last rays of Summer, I have sewn myself a cute little sleeveless top.

The Ashton Top from Helen’s Closet is a simple sleeveless pattern (although there is an sleeve expansion pack available), and a wonderful wardrobe staple due to it’s clean classic style. The size range is a very impressive 0-30, with B cup and D cup options.

I chose to make view A (the regular length) and shortened the length by 4cm. I have made this top before, but decided that this time I needed to size down one size as my previous top felt a little roomy. This was probably a bad decision as I feel that it is now a smidge too tight above the bust.

This version is cut as a straight size 8 and my measurements are 34-29-38. I’m 5’2″ btw. I’ll go back to the size 10 I think for further versions ..you live and learn ..

Let’s talk about the fabric. This is the Essential Daisy printed cotton from The Craft Cotton Co. It’s a sweet ivory cotton with a beautiful printed floral design over the top. I was very kindly gifted this fabric by Craft Cotton Co, and I am sad that the printed detail on the fabric does not show very well in the pictures that I’ve taken, so I am adding this close up below which was photographed over the top of a grey coloured backdrop so that you can see the detail of the pattern. The fabric is ever so slightly sheer as you might be able to see in some of the outdoor pics, but not so much that it would bother me. If you are in the UK, then you should be able to find this fabric in most Hobbycraft stores.

The Ashton Top is an enjoyable sewing project. You have the choice to finish the neck and arms with either bias binding or an all-in-one facing. I chose to use the facing because, well, any excuse to use the burrito method!

I feel that a simple white or cream top like this is defintely lacking in my wardrobe, and it pairs perfectly with my cropped wide leg trousers (of which I have quite a few). Not only is it a sunny weather top but feel it would work layered with a cardigan for those cooler days too. A perfect all rounder.

Just in case you are wondering, the cropped wide leg trousers that I am wearing are the Clare Pants from Stylearc which I have previously blogged about here.

Sometimes I can’t just stop myself, and when I had finished sewing this pattern I couldn’t help but add a little flourish around the neckline (again). A couple of weeks ago I did this by simply using a decorative stitch around the neckline and this time I have added this needle lace edging by following a tutorial by Maariyah Creative Arts on YouTube. The actual video that I used was this one here. Whilst I don’t speak the language of the lady making the tutorial, it is an easy to follow video (visually), and has certainly added a little bit of interest to the neckline. I might make a video of my own (linking Maariyah of course) on my IGTV if anybody might like to see it?

Those of you that follow me on Instagram might remember another project that I made using this same thick cotton thread….. pattern weights!

I also used the thread recently to make this rope crochet coil wrapped tin for my crochet hooks (formerly a tin of sweetcorn)!

I hope that you have enjoyed reading about this sweet Ashton Top. Let me know if you are going to give the needle embroidery/needle lace decorative edging a try – or I would love to know if you have any more suggestions on more projects that I can use the thick cotton thread with as I still have loads left!

Take care, I’ll be back soon,

Kathy x @sew_dainty