Esther’s Donny Shirt
The sun is shining, the flowers are in full bloom, and that can only mean one thing — it’s time for warm weather sewing!
When I received this month’s viscose poplin, I immediately knew it was destined to become a blouse. The beautiful drape, floral print on a white background, and the colour palette just screamed summer, summer holiday actually, this fabric felt like sunshine. The colours of the fabric fit perfectly in my spring colour palette.
I have been fully inspired by the #SewAprilBlouse challenge and was feeling the need to fill a blouse-shaped gap in my wardrobe. My initial plan was to sew an oversized, longline shirt that I could throw over a pair of shorts as a topper when the weather warms up. But plans quickly changed after a lovely ThreadySetGo virtual social.
This virtual sewing community is filled with inspiration, connection, and fun events. During a recent social with Chelsea and Paige of Friday Pattern Company, Paige casually mentioned that the Donny Shirt is one of her favourite patterns. In that moment, something clicked. I’d made the Donny in the past but never really wore it, as my body changed shortly after. This fabric screamed Donny to me and I had no choice but to respond.
According to the size chart, I should be a size M, but I made a few tweaks for a slimmer fit. I used size S for the side and shoulder seams, but cut the sleeves in a size M for a bit more room. I also raised the front opening by 1” for modesty — a small adjustment that made a big difference in how comfortable I felt wearing it.
Sewing with this viscose poplin was a dream. It behaved beautifully during cutting, sewed up like a charm, and pressing it was oddly satisfying. The pattern instructions, as always with Friday Pattern Company, were clear and beginner-friendly. I love that they include new techniques in their patterns — I first encountered the burrito method thanks to them, and I’m always thrilled to use it again. There’s something so satisfying about the magical roll that is the burrito method.
This was a quick and joyful make — and as a bonus, no buttons required! What’s not to love? A shirt that looks polished but skips headache that can come from making buttonholes. I can see myself wearing this top out for brunch, lounging in the garden or working from home.
If you’re looking for motivation, community, or just an excuse to sew something pretty, I highly recommend joining ThreadySetGo. You never know when a casual chat will spark your next favourite make.