HelenHelen's Makes17 Comments

In The Folds Collins Top

Ahhh, Spring!  How wonderful it is to be surrounded by pretty flowers and the sunshine once again! You would think we would get used to the feeling of changing seasons, yet somehow it feels new and exciting every time.  Vancouver has loads of cherry trees that always mark the start of the season and cover the whole city in fluffy pink clouds. This week’s project was inspired by these lovely flowers and is just the thing to celebrate the warmer weather.

collins_top_1_7 collins_top_2_3

This is the Collins Top, the latest pattern from In The Folds. I love Emily’s design aesthetic, she always puts really great details into her patterns. I have also made her Acton dress pattern and it is one of my favourites. I knew as soon as I saw the Collins that it was for me. I love a loose fitting sleeveless top, and this one has such gorgeous style lines. There are diagonal lines throughout and a unique back panel to really show off a striped or colour blocked version. I opted for this floral to start, but I would really love to make another version in a fabric that shows off the pieces better.

collins_top_1_1collins_top_1_10collins_top_1_5collins_top_1_3

This fabric is a floaty rayon. It was unlabeled in the store, and I am not entirely sure what kind of rayon it is.  It is very lightweight but does not feel like any challis I have used previously. It almost feels like silk. I think it works perfectly for this pattern, as it is floaty while still holding volume quite well.

collins_top_1_8collins_top_2_9collins_top_1_2

Since I am moving to a new office soon for my day job, I have been thinking a lot about workplace attire.  I am working on expanding my blouse wardrobe since I have loads of me-made knit tops already. I can really see myself wearing this style in the office and I think it fits the smart casual workplace vibe perfectly. It is quite feminine in this floral print, but paired with black pants and shoes it is the perfect balance for my style.

collins_top_1_11 collins_top_1_6

This blouse is finished with a facing and has a pretty button closure at the back. I can pull it on without the closure, so I may skip this next time if I want to save time. I found a nice vintage glass button to use here, though, so it was worth it.

collins_top_2_6collins_top_2_10collins_top_2_8

When I was sewing this top I somehow managed to cut a hole right in the center front panel (arrrgg!!), so I had to do a quick mend.  Nothing quite like mending something before you even finish making it, is there?  I would have cut a new piece but this was all the fabric left on the bolt. I mended it best I could and thank God for a busy print!  The hem of the Collins is designed to be finished with a bias facing, but I just serged the edge and turned it up, I’m lazy like that.

collins_top_2_5collins_top_2_4collins_top_2_9collins_top_1_4

Since the light was so pretty the day we took these pics, I insisted on getting a shot of my dedicated photographer and financé, Sam. He doesn’t much like being photographed, but I have to give credit and show his cute face from time to time on the blog, else people might think I do this all myself! On the contrary, this blog would certainly not be what it is without his support and enthusiasm. Thanks, Sam! <3

collins_top_2_1collins_top_2_2

Have you considered the Collins Top? I hope to see more versions out there soon!

 

About the author

Helen

Helen Wilkinson is the designer and founder of Helen's Closet Patterns. She also co-hosts the Love to Sew Podcast! Helen is obsessed with all things sewing and strives to share her passion and knowledge with the sewing community.

17 Comments on “In The Folds Collins Top”

  1. Super cute top! I love rayon and finishing edges with bias tape. I might have to consider this top for my summer wardrobe, since it is work appropriate and would layer well. I’m not sure how cold my corner of the chemistry research office will be.

  2. Your top is so pretty! And hello, Mr. Helen’s Closet! Tell him he does a great job! (I never could train my very tall husband not to put my head in the exact centre of the frame – I guess that’s how he sees me, as very short? 😛 I gave up and went for a tripod!

    1. Haha, I know what you mean! I get my feet cut off quit often, but we take lik 200 shots each time so I have loads to pick from. He is very patient with me! I just (finally) got a good tripod, so I may try some of my own shoots soon!

  3. Your top is so pretty! I really love the design lines of the Collins top but I thought it might stick out from my bust too much and be unflattering. Your version has inspired me! I may give it a go when summer rolls around again 🙂 Did you make your pants? if so what pattern are they? They are lovely!

    1. Thanks! It does stick out, but in a flattering way (I think). The pants are from the gap, so not me made. I did get them recently though so you can probably still get them!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *