After having it on my sewing table for months, I finally finished the Donny Shirt! It’s on my list of short sleeve collared shirt patterns that I’m testing out in search of the perfect one. I’m pleased with how it turned out and it’ll definitely get use in my closet, but so far the Gilbert Top is still slightly in the lead for me.
Fabric + Sizing
For my first version of the Donny shirt (there will likely be more), I used the Warp + Weft 100% cotton by Ruby Star Society. I’m obsessed with the clip dot and it’s so soft! I thought it could add a touch of femininity to the pattern since I find the shape to be a little more masculine. I think for my next versions I’ll try a lightweight linen because I could see that being a great combination as well.
Choosing a size was slightly tricky because my measurements fit the size S almost exactly, but I really didn’t want an oversized boxy look. The pattern has a ton of ease at the waist, so I ended up doing an XS. However, if the shoulders were any smaller, it probably wouldn’t have fit me. Grading in the waist may have been a better option than sizing down. It’s also important to note that there are not bust darts, which may impact sizing decisions. I have a small chest so this isn’t a major issue for me, but I could see this causing fit issues for some body types.
Sewing the Friday Pattern Company Donny Shirt
Overall, I found the pattern to be pretty straightforward to sew, but did run into a few issues. I like that the pattern has a lapel collar because I love the look and find them much easier to sew than a traditional collar. However, it can be difficult to get the collar to look super clean. If I could go back I would be more diligent about pressing during the process and making sure that my seams are exact.
The only other small complaint I have about the pattern is that the pattern instructions themselves can be very difficult to read. There are some accessibility issues in the printed pattern that made it hard for me to ensure that I was following the instructions correctly.
Final thoughts
Even though I had some slight issues making the pattern, I’m calling this Donny Shirt a success. It will definitely get regular wear in my closet. I loved that there were no buttons or plackets to sew, making this a 1-day project for me. Anytime I can get a unique looking top with this little effort, I call it a win!
