A lot of ya'll have been writing love letters to the Friday Pattern Company for years now, and it's no wonder since among their many pattern releases, they've created cult-like followings around the Wilder Gown, Sagebrush Top, Heather Blazer, and Saguaro Set, to name a few. The company also seems to be doing a solid job of taking inclusive steps in their sizing and model diversity, which I think we can all get behind.
I haven't had my finger on the pulse of the Instagram sewing community lately, so the Donny Shirt debut kind of came out of nowhere for me, and then suddenly it was *everywhere.* All of my favorite makers like @madeby_francesca, @ambrosiakramer, @heysewgeorgie and @her.two.hands were sharing their iterations of the pattern, and I do love a good camp collar. What finally sold me on it was noticing that sewers were coming back to this shirt again and again, either making seconds or thirds of the pattern, or wearing and re-wearing the one they made (look at all the cute ways @homemadehalbert has styled her blue and white striped one!).
I ended up making a size small based on recommended measurements, even though I usually size down based on finished garment measurements because I seem to like less ease than most garment makers allow. I wanted to stay true to the intended silhouette this time though.
The instructions were incredibly easy to follow, and the illustrations matched at every point in the construction process. I specifically appreciate the "Sewing Steps Overview" portion of the instructions, as it gives those of us with more sewing experience some quick instructions for construction (ngl, I usually don't even look at instructions anymore unless there's a particularly tricky bit). I did stray a little when sewing: instead of attaching the sleeves to the garment body and then sewing up the side seams, I opted to sew the side seams of the sleeves and body separately, and then set in my sleeves from there. I also handstitched the inside shoulder seam for a cleaner finish.
The shirt feels spot on sizing wise, and the only fit modification I'll make in the future is raising the neckline by 3/4"-1". I'm also going to invest time into French seaming my next one, since the only exposed seams on this shirt are the side and front center seams, and the fit is boxy enough that the little bit of lost ease won't be noticeable. I've already got another one lined up in a striped linen and viscose blend I found in the bargain bin at Bolt during my recent trip to Portland.
