I’m Guest Blogging at Helen’s Closet : : Ashton Dress Hack

Hallo. Hallo. Many of you know that it’s Ashton August both in the blogosphere and on Instagram. For those that may be unfamiliar, it’s a month long Ashton Top Pattern inspiration party. Hacks, tweaks, tips…it’s almost daily that Helen’s Closet has something to share. 

Throughout this week the Helen’s Closet Blog is featuring guest bloggers sharing their Ashton Top hacks. And…you guessed it…I’m a party participant, sharing the details on how I execute my Ashton Dress Hacks

 

The basic dress hack, exaggerated silhouette, full lining…it’s all there accompanied by Helen’s clear illustrations.

My post went live yesterday…the link is here.

7 Comments

  • Reply No Fear of Fashion August 14, 2019 at 7:58 am

    I love the top one even more than the bottom one. Lovely dresses. I am off to see you featured.
    Greetje

    • Reply Sue August 15, 2019 at 10:31 pm

      Thanks so much Greetje and thanks for commenting my on guest post over at Helen’s!

  • Reply Melanie August 15, 2019 at 9:00 am

    Great guest post, Sue! And your photos are beautiful, no surprise there. These are perfect light, summery dresses, bursting with personality, and also because you’re wearing them. The bold check pattern is BAM! Love it. I wouldn’t have thought of that print. Lining always makes me feel just a touch more polished, but no lining would be even cooler in hot weather. Excellent hacks!!

    • Reply Sue August 15, 2019 at 10:30 pm

      Thanks Mel! I’ve had the bold blue check fabric for at least a couple of years. It’s a thrift store find and as much as I loved it, I really struggled with what to make….until I hit on this dress pattern. It’s simple enough to allow the check to have big impact.

  • Reply Sandra Garnett April 7, 2021 at 8:59 pm

    Hi there – all the way from the wet tropics in Australia. I’ve just sewn my first Ashton and I’m very impressed with fit – no rafting around with FBAs. It’s hot and very humid in these parts and loose(ish) clothing in natural fibres are top of my beginner’s sewing list. I’ve just seen a few reviews for the Merchant & Mills trapeze dress and instantly remembered your Ashton dress hack. Do you think we could get a bit more swing into your design if we pivoted from the bottom? Looking forward to your advice. Regards, Sandra

    • Reply Sue April 8, 2021 at 10:41 am

      Hi Sandra. I just had a look at the MM trapeze dress and…Ooooo…very similar to the Ashton Dress but with more lovely swish.

      I think to achieve that silhouette, I would try slash and spreading both the front and back pattern pieces. Are you familiar with this technique? I’d show you in a blog post, but it’ll be much quicker if you google it…I just did and Seamwork has a video tutorial on it.

      Hope this helps and please let me know how it goes!

      Sue

  • Reply Sandra Garnett April 10, 2021 at 7:49 pm

    Found it! Fabulous! Something to practice on a quiet Sunday afternoon. Will try a peplum top first. I use a lot off Hoffman batik fabric – beautifully fine with gorgeous colors. Thank you. Regards, S

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