Sewing

Ashton Tops

I’ve been making a few summer wardrobe staples these last few weeks. I did finish my pair of chambray Spring Shorts after writing this post. Although I actually haven’t worn them yet. Go figure. I’ll save those for another post.

I was very excited to see Helen’s Closet’s newest pattern, the Ashton Top pop up in June. It seemed like such a versatile tank! I really like that it has both bias tape finishing and a facing option. I really wanted to give the facing a try to see if I could get over my hang up with facings. I just have memories of them popping out of the neckline as a child.

So for my first go I grabbed this triangle pink chambray that I had bought from Drygoods Design a few years ago. It was too pretty to sit around any longer so I washed it and cut out the Ashton! I think I got ahead of myself in the instructions, so I ended up doing a bias tape finish even though I had intended to do facings. Ah well. Ended up that after finishing I decided that I needed a few fit adjustments. I knew from past experiences that I’ve always wanted to try a broad back adjustment. So I gave that a try after following along with this video (and obsessively checking a few others). I did a quick muslin after making the broad back adjustment to the pattern pieces. I also moved the lower part of the armhole slightly lower and dropped the neckline a small amount (maybe 3/8″).

The second tank turned out really well. I remembered to do the facings (ha!) and I really love how it came together. It seems like the fit adjustments were pretty good I think. This tank is comfy and I feel comfortable in it. The triangle version is a bit snug across my shoulder blades, but I think I’ll still wear it, that print is too good! I’m really glad I gave the Ashton a try and super excited about the broad back adjustment working! yay!

Pattern: Ashton Top by Helen’s Closet (she’s doing a whole month of hacks this month, Ashton August!)
Fabric: Chambray with Triangles from Drygoods Design (this print is long gone, but she has an amazing selection of garment fabrics) and Liberty of London I’m pretty sure I bought years ago from Jones & Vandermeer.

 

5 thoughts on “Ashton Tops

  1. I love the fabrics you chose! Such fun patterns!

    Paige
    http://thehappyflammily.com

  2. Jeni says:

    These turned out so cute, I love the wide hem at the bottom!

  3. Elizabeth Louors says:

    The tops are so cute ! They can transition into fall with a cardigan over the top.

    How do you know when to do a broad back adjustment ? I made a Lucerne top over the weekend and it feels a little snug between the shoulder blades when I lift my arms. I am a bit of a gym rat so have some nice back muscles.

    1. Anna Graham says:

      Thanks Elizabeth! I think for me, I did the adjustment for the same reason. Too snug across my back and hard to reach forward when I lift my arms. Hope that makes sense! 🙂

  4. Colleen says:

    That triangle print. ? so good.

    Colleen
    http://www.sincerelycolleen.com

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