My creativity has been hibernating over the last couple of months and when that happens my desire to sew drops drastically. Sometimes I get in my own head with perfectionist silliness that prevents me from starting a project without committing to oodles of toiles and fit diagnosis work and I end up not starting to avoid the self-inflicted stress. Gah! Amanda’s brain can be such a jerk some times! So when I saw this fabric pop up on my instagram feed and felt the teeniest bit inspired I went with it, made the purchase and chose a pattern that looked like it could work with minimal fitting required. And it worked! This was such a fun project to sew and now my new top is the happiest thing in my wardrobe!
![](http://www.bimbleandpimble.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Ashton-Top-683x1024.jpg)
This is the Ashton Top by Helen’s Closet. The Ashton is a simple tank with bust darts and an A-line shape. View A is a hip-length top and view B is a crop top with options to finish the neck with binding or a facing. And my fave part? The hems have a lovely deep facing which gives it great structure and a cute top stitching line. I went with the cropped version because why not give it a bash and chose to make my own bias binding as I really don’t love a facing. The pattern comes with options for a B cup and D cup. I was just shy of the D cup so went that option because I was feeling lazy about an FBA and in the end there is a little too much extra room so I will go a B cup next time. Lesson learned!
![](http://www.bimbleandpimble.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Ashton-Top-Flat.jpg)
The fabric is what came first with this project because it was heart eyes at first sight! This is Big Spot Linen in Teal from Tessuti Fabrics. It has a super lovely feel and the weave is not too loose meaning it stays opaque. It is a lovely medium weight and presses like a dream. As I haven’t really dipped my toe in the teal pool before I also used Tessuti’s thread matching service which was super helpful! And if you aren’t a huge fan of teal there is also a gorgeous blush, terracotta and navy to chose from. Must. Resist. Urge. To. Buy. More. Pink. Fabric.
![](http://www.bimbleandpimble.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Ashton-Top-Detail.jpg)
Construction wise, this was just what the doctor ordered. Clear, well illustrated and easy. As it was such a simple pattern and I got myself into the groove I decided to do French seams for a lovely finish (and also I didn’t want to pull out my overlocker!) and added a Kylie and the Machine label for a touch of fun. If you need a cute and easy project to gently nature your sewing mojo back I can strongly recommend this!
![](http://www.bimbleandpimble.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Ashton-Top-Back.jpg)
What I loved about this pattern:
- The deep hem. I am such a sucker.
- The fact it was such a simple and easy pattern that was easy to follow, required little fabric and results in such a cute a-line tank.
What I would change for next time:
- Go with the B cup option. It is just a bit too roomy in there.
- Add 2cm to the hem. The top ends just a smidge above my jeans and I am one of those people who use their hands waaaaaay too much in convos and this has resulted in a chilly tum a few times when I have gotten into the story about taking on vegetable stealing possums.
![](http://www.bimbleandpimble.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Ashton-Top-Side-683x1024.jpg)
The Deets
Pattern: Ashton Top by Helen’s Closet
Fabric: 1.5m of Big Spot Linen in Teal from Tessuti Fabrics
Notions: thread, Beanie hugs
Size: 16 in D cup
Alterations: none
See also: Broad in the Seams, Handmade Frenzy, Megan Makes
![](http://www.bimbleandpimble.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Helens-Closet-Ashton.jpg)
Overall, I love my happy, spotty top so much! It is a fun layering piece for the Canberra winter (brrr!) and I can’t wait to take it for a spin come summer. And between this and my Undercover Hood my wardrobe is slowly starting to include some green. Hurrah! (but pink is still the best!)
Tessuti also have a teal self checked washed linen. On a seersucker base so no ironing. Just sayin’.
Ohhh. This is the news a sewist loves to hear!!!
Hi Amanda – like you I made 16 D and, yes, it was roomy. I’ve just made 14 B and it’s still a bit roomy. Did you ever make another Ashton? It’s incredibly comfortable albeit there’s a bubble of fabric near the lower armscye when I sit down. Could be choice of fabric – Balinese batik. Regards, Sandra
Hi Sandra! I am currently working on another and have also sized down to a 14B. I will report back when it is done! 🙂