What is my problem with the Donny Shirt pattern?  

Your Donny shirt are really cute - I love the fabrics!! The Friday Pattern Company designs for B cup so I would say definitely try a FBA. If I were to make this (with my DD cup!), I would pick the size based on my upper bust (which would be XL), do a 3” FBA (1.5” on each side) AND add a little bit of length. I think the shirt is too big for you at the shoulders and the length at the front is taken up by your boobs. If you did a FBA, it would add the fullness where you need it AND add length so you wouldn’t need to add so much at the bottom hem. I hope this makes sense LOL I love Friday Pattern Company patterns, but I hesitate to make them because they design for a bust much smaller than mine, even in their larger sizes. And if I pick my size based on my full bust, I have the same problem with my tops riding up in the front, drag lines from my bust to the side seams and way too much room at the shoulders. 💞

I think they look adorable! I think they look gorgeous on you. I think sometimes we are too critical of our bodies! Doubtful anyone one else on earth will notice this belly situation you mentioned!! That body of yours is awesome!! Xoxo

These are two of the most flattering shirts you’ve made! The piece you added in the ice dye top is now a brilliant style element defining a waistline! As for the the “puffy belly”I’d ignore it. The pluses definitely outweigh the one minus. Also if you wore a bottom with heftier fabric and less body com, it wouldn’t even show (I know this from experience 😂) A long straight skirt with long slits, jeans, linen or any woven pants (I know - you haven’t perfected that fit yet) all would camouflage that on better. But really, you look terrific in both - taller, slimmer, and stylish! The ice dye is particularly stunning. You used the fabric perfectly. A real custom original.

Love your video and thanks so much for being vulnerable :)

My first thought is the animated prints on the tops bring the viewer’s eye up. Also nobody is going to walk around us middle-agers (or any age) and scope us out while standing beside us. I hope you create a way to help you wear them often. Edited to add that I sometimes have to try on shirts with different styles of bras. This changes how the shirt drapes.

The tops look great! For camouflaging the tummy, what about making a lightweight, floaty skirt (challis?) and wear the top over it? Make the skirt gathered enough that it skims over your tummy. That might do the trick! Love your channel and I'm glad your back! ~ Peggy

How about adding an underskirt with lace or coordinating color. You make an elastic waist, skirt that looks like you're wearing another shirt.

You’re right. That top needs some more length in the front… and more dart fullness to take up the front to back difference. Some people do that by doing a full bust adjustment, but you don’t need more width, just the length… like 8”? With that much length, you might want to do double bust darts. Maybe a shaped band to insert, to give more length in the front. Other than what you said about the length, the pattern is nice. And you’re right, that ice dye on the first one is beautiful. Also, you have gorgeous wallpaper on that back wall.

I'm with you sista! TOTALLY First I'll say YES I think the front looks fabulous, the perfect length from the front and second I completely understand you don't like the side view. I have an apron belly and I will not show this part of me off either. My suggestion, and this is what I do, is to wear the tops with a long slip dress underneath, that way you'll get all the benefits of the cropped, shaped hemline without having to show the bit you are not keen on. I just purchased the Donny top along with the Cambria duster on FPC 30% off sale.... so me seeing this video is perfect timing! When I make it I will definitely take care with the length and with the collar/facing, thank you. Great video Michelle.

Michelle my second Donny I lengthened the front and straightened with the back. I then made side slits. This really suited me well. I also didn't add any pockets as my boobs are too big. Usually need to do FBA but didn't on this. Love this top now. Love both of yours. Fabrics are fantastic.

You worked the dragon's egg fabric beautifully on the top.

I agree completely with Izzy! I'm needing one too and I'm going to head over to Karina's channel (Lifting Pins and Needles) to watch her video on FBA's and jump on the Donny shirt band wagon. Both of your versions are so stinkin' cute!! Thank you Michelle, I really enjoy your channel 🥰

Great save on the ice dyed top. And you know how much I looooovvvvve that Kaffe print. Thinking about how to solve the problem with the second one, I can't come up with anything other than to re-cut the front bodice entirely and redo it. Not sure even I would want to do that. I vote you get another fabulous Kaffe print and do it again. Take the flowered one and use it for something else - re-use the sleeves, color block something else, etc. I wish I had a better idea of how to fix it but I got nothin beyond that - Glad you're not melting. I'm wearing a sweater today inside. Welcome to "winter" in Florida where we go inside and hunker down until the temperature comes down! LOL xoxoxoxoxox

Love both those shirts . They look great on you. The ice dyed fabric is especially gorgeous. Again they are beautiful on you!

Maybe add a contrasting band to the bottom and a cuff to the sleeve to tie it together? Thank you for being brave! You are amazing!!

Thank you for being brave, I have same shape and I and so pleased to find you and see what you make. I like the shirts on you, and I would not probably notice that side view on you, cos the shirts are so nice that’s where you eye is drawn. However, I know that I would feel the same self consciousness. I shall be looking at more of your videos, ❤

I have the same figure and I have add length to almost all tops. Thank you for being brave and showing us the issues. I'm a fairly new sewist (made several overalls and dresses so far). I haven't made a camp shirt yet. I picked up Butterick 6924 for my first one (can't argue with those Joann $1.99 sales) because I am interested to try the Palmer/Pletsch tissue fit. It's in the queue.

Thank you for being vulnerable to show us what you are explaining. We have the same measurements. I am very self-conscious about showing my stomach. Both shirts are pretty. I can't wait to see what you come up with for a fix.

Thank you so much. I have the pattern and you have saved me from the same exact problem I would have run into. Thanks again.

Both tubs are beautiful

I like the top! You could have extended the length & then fit. That way, you could have lowered the front as well. Luv luv it! I think it looks great!

I applaud you Michelle 🥰 I have a tum and I’m so over all these new patterns being so short. I’m so in agreance with you. None of us want to be showing that. Your sewing is beautiful just like you. I love following your makes.

Great save idea.❤

I’m totally going to do what you did and add a couple of inches.

Hi Michelle, I love your ice dyed fabric, you are such a clever lady, keep it up. Your shirt fits beautifully. Could you lengthen the front a little more and reshape it. The back length is great with your two inches extra. If you lengthened the front more than the back you would need to juggle the side seams but I’m sure you would be able to do that. I hope your successful in whatever method you use because the shirt looks so go on you. Happy sewing 🧵🪡🇦🇺

The tops look great. I love both fabrics. I particularly like the band in the middle of the ice dyed shirt, it gives a nice detail. Personally, I think that you look great, but if you are uncomfortable maybe try some of the other commenters suggestions of of a cami. Thank you for being vulnerable-you go girl.

Both shirts are adorable. You might consider making the front as long as the back.

Thank you so much for this detailed review! I just printed and cut my pattern out and am trying to determine length, so this was so incredibly helpful. ❤

I didn’t even notice the additional strip you added until you mentioned it! It looks very good! I also have the Pooch that I have to consider when I choose my clothing! Now that you’ve brought it to our attention I will definitely make mine longer. Thank you!

I love the fit of this top on you! I totally understand your feelings about the side view and feeling self conscious but I like how you added the extra fabric. Keeping it in the same print was ideal,too! Looking forward to seeing your next shirt !

thanks, michelle, for being so generous in sharing your experience w/this shirt. you've done beautiful sewing, and your dye work is gorgeous! instead of wearing close-fitting slacks, what do you think of palazzo pants with a lot of ease? i don't think a skirt would be the answer. i've tried skirts w/an overblouse, and that makes me look heavier. flowing, wide-legged pants seem to work better for me. best of luck to you & hubby with all of your endeavors. congrats on your new home:-)

I did an fba using the method on the Helen’s closet blog for dartless tops. It worked out really well and added just enough fabric to help balance out the front and back hem lengths- so the shirt wasn’t quite so high- low.

I love your natural way of presenting. It is like listening to a friend. Like you I would have to add inches to the length of the Donny. My concern is that every Donny I have seen seems to have big folds coming down from the shoulders . Is this because the shoulder sizing is too big?

Your tops look great. I made this top and added 4”. You could make a short skirt-like thing, in a color that complements your fabric to wear underneath. I know these were popular a few years ago.

Agree trying it over a gathered skirt!

I am in the cover-the-lower-gut club with you. Thanks for the insight. I just bought the pattern and was wondering if I should add length to cover my lower stomach area. You answered that question. Whenever my tops end in that dreaded area, I usually wear them with skirts that skim my belly without really emphasizing it. Cute tops

I love your shirt 😊❤❤❤

Thank you so much for the commentary about how you lengthened the shirt - I have some shirts I made that I thought would look cute short and I dislike their length a lot. I may have to do a contrast band but they have contrast cuff and collar already so I can try to match that fabric if I can't match the main fabric.

Hi Michelle, your tops look great. I have made two, but luckily had heard how short they were and added 8 inches to the length as I have the same tummy problem. I also raised the front neck by 1 inch as I felt it was too low for me. I I would add a solid colour band to the bottom of your 2nd shirt shaping it to the hemline.

Hi Michelle! I know a lot of people rave about the Donny shirt, but I have the same issues with it as you did. I don't like cropped tops at all because I don't like my stomach to show nor my hips. I love the colors of the fabrics you chose for the shirt.

Haven't made this topthey look great but I can understand about the length love the colours on both of them

I love your honesty! I do not want a cropped top! I am very glad for the heads up. Happy 4th!

I like both tops on you.😊

Maybe someone else has said this (I apologize, if so). I have found that layering really works for me. I was thinking a looser fitting tank top that was just a bit longer than your shirt. I'm not living in FL, though, so I don't know if that would be too hot. You are beautiful & I love watching your videos! Thanks for sharing.

You do you girl🤗

I love both tops on you, your iced dyed colours are beautiful. Could you add enough fabric on the front to match the back length and leave the sides open, side slits. By the way, I love your hair that colour it really suits you.

These shirts are beautiful. Thank you for sharing and your honesty. This helps us seamstresses!

Thank you for the review Michelle! I love your two versions.

I think they look great the fabric you chose is fabulous I understand that you are not comfortable Have you thought of adding a dark cotton band around the bottoms of each This will give the coverage and disguise your uncomfortableness Good luck ❤

That strip is so cute it looks like a feature of the top. Thank you for your share.

Michelle, both tops look great. You look good I love the Kaffe flowers. Those colors are great on you 👏

Love, love love your tops Michelle❤. They look great on you. I understand your concern about the front and you were very brave to point it out, but don’t let it stop you from wearing it. I think they are beautiful!!. 😊x

Great review. Thank you for being brave to show us the reality, I cannot imagine showing my tum off so would definitely need extra length at the front. Back is the perfect length, could you insert a macrame or lace band to lengthen the front?

Michelle, appreciate your honesty - important for us lusher gals! Really, really cute toppers. How about opening up the front and making it a cute jacket? Wear it over a tank top. The strip of fabric looks intentional. Don’t give up. You have been presented an opportunity to create something unique. Love both tops and great fabric choices.

Hi Michelle. Love the Donny pattern. Both fabrics are really great and both look wonderful on you. Sorry I'm not experienced enough to offer advice. I'll leave that to the more experienced followers. They are beautiful on you.💞

Crop tops seem to be coming back in style again, which mean loads of people are going to run into the same things you did, so thank you for this video! I absolutely love both of the fabrics you chose. Taking a step back, who actually suits crop tops? People who like to show off their midriffs (not a majority), and people who live and work in situations where they can show off their midriffs (also not a majority). Yet they keep on coming back in style. Thank goodness that with home sewing we can make adjustments and get things to suit us!

Love the tops and love your bravery, great to have such an honest review

I think that shirt looks absolutely gorgeous on you and I really love the fabric

I also made a Donny Shirt and I had to add three inches to the length. I duplicated the bottom three inches and attached it to the bottom. But I really like the pattern.

The tops look great, I would totally wear it out. You look great!

really cute tops! i think the second one especially is an absolutely perfect match with the pattern selection. i get feeling self conscious about the fit though i honestly don't see it in as negative a light as you do. but you should do whatever makes you feel comfortable. i know bust adjustments can seem intimidating at first but once you do them a few times you get used to it and it does improve the fit so much that i think it's worth doing. just my 2 cents.

Michelle, I have noticed your weight loss and I think you should feel amazing because you look amazing. Thank you for your content and willingness to come out of your comfort zone to hopefully help someone else.❤

The band looks like a design detail, very attractive. Both shirts are gorgeous and look great on you. The only thing I can think of would be evening out the back and front lengths and adding side vents. That unwinds the hi-low aspect but will give more front coverage. Both of these are so lovely the way they are though too. You have a great eye for incredible fabrics. I sew for a couple friends who would require FBAs based on their sizing but I've never used that method and instead just ensure I add enough width and length at the key points. I should probably try it, it's a popular method!

Great review, Michelle! I love your tops! I’m sorry they are too short for your liking! 💜

The length is good……. If you wear it with a skirt or trousers that skims the tummy. I like the look of the Donnay but I have the same issue with the tum!! I’m also 5’10” so I’d need to add an awful lot to the length for me to be feeling comfortable in it. Think it’s designed for “younger” sewing people who are more comfortable with the style of it. Thank you for sharing 🤓🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 p.s. like the look of the Wilder gown but same as above regarding styling 😊applies. Great online tutorial too which I’ve watched .

The ice dye is amazing. Both tops are beautiful..

Everybody has a little tummy please dont feel uncomfortable. You look great and deserve full credit for you hard work on your weight loss journey. You are a beautiful inside and out. If you want extra length how about some cream colored cotton lace for a bit of trim. They have it at Joanns. It is about 3 inches wide

Actually, your blog has made me want to try this pattern when I had dismissed it as not for me. I think having seen it on several different body types has helped. Your versions are lovely. As a new sewist I am nervous of making too many adjustments but I’m sure I’m capable of lengthening the pattern to suit me. Thank you for your comprehensive review 😊

The shirts are lovely. Gorgeous in fact. I get what you mean about shorter tops and tummy issues. I have tummy issues too- such a personal thing and we all have different feelings about it. I would truly love it not to matter to me but I cannot get to that place. I did work in fashion for a long time and so I always try and balance a short top with a fuller bottom piece. It works for me but perhaps not for everyone. Maybe Style Arc Bob pants or similar? Good Luck as it would be such a shame to waste those lovely tops.

Thank you very much!! Because of your review I added 4 inches and absolutely love how it turned out and where it hangs on me! I really appreciate your recommendations!!

beautiful

I think it looks great on you. You could add but you did a great job. It's very flattering on you.

So happy I found your channel🎉. Beautiful tops and excellent review

I love your Donny shirt! I know you don’t feel comfortable in it 100% yet but I am sure you will get the fit just right for you 🫶🏽

Both the fabrics are so beautiful and you have such a lovely smile that no one will be looking at the bottom of the shirt. However, I do understand that if you do not feel fabulous it is difficult to wear outside. I would wear with a skirt, tailored trousers, jeans or my True Bias Emmersons 😀

This is my favourite make on you. You look AMAZING. Those colours are great on you. Your sewing is so good. I made the Donny shirt and added 2 inches to the sleeve as well as the length. I am thinking I might add another inch on both for my next make as I like my sleeve to hit at my elbow. Great review also. Thank you for showing us your fitting issues.

Hi Michelle, I think the shirts are lovely but I understand about the apron belly. I have the same thing. I don't know but I'm thinking you might need a High Round Back adjustment. The best way to know if you need this is if you have to pull the shirt forward because it keeps creeping to the back. I have to do a 1/2 inch one on most things. I have a little bit of a hump on back from years of bending over a computer and sewing. You could add another inch to the front center and then taper out to side seams where you've already added the 2 inches. I hope this makes sense. Love the material. Please don't take offense to what I've suggested, it's not meant that way.

Michelle, I have the same body type and on first seeing this pattern I knew that I would have the same issues. Love the materials 💜🪻💜

I’m in the same boat. In my case it’s the large bust. I’m relatively happy with mine, although the length was still short, and I’m 5’1. Gonna reattempt with a good FBA.

I would add a wide band at the waist. I would do top stitching to make it stand out as a detail. You might want to top stitch around the collar, up the front, and around the sleeves. Use a double thread in the needle to make it more noticeable.

Thank you for your review of the Donny shirt which I've been looking at for a little while. It was good to see the Kaffe Fassett fabric you used as I've also been looking at his fabrics and wondering how a shirt would look - now I know - great!! I love both of your shirts on you, Michelle, and suggest you wear them with pride.

Thanks so much for such a thoughtful review. I have a similar body figure and will need to do a FBA and, thankfully because of your review, will lengthen the top. I also can have the “side view” challenge and haven’t yet figured out how to address it; I’m a beginner sewer. I love both versions on you. The garments and fabrics are lovely on you!

The tops look great on you. I usually have problems with the collar but this one looks pretty straight forward. I don’t like cropped so thanks for the heads up on it being short. I think I will give it a try. ❤

Thank you, thank you thank you! I’ve wanted to make the Donny top and your heads up about length and bust will save me a bunch of grief. I will likely make a round back adjustment, too as I often tug on my collared shirts to reset them on my neck and shoulders. As for the tops you’ve already made. If they were mine I’d find some nice crinkle gauze or rayon challis in a solid that matches the top and I’d made a nice peasant skirt at whatever length you wish to wear with the shirts. Still nice and comfy and breezy for the hot weather and if they are long enough you don’t have to be fussy about bare legs or ladylike sitting poses (telling my age). Thanks for sharing your vulnerability. We all have them and makes you feel like a friend. 🥰

Beautiful shirts. I totally understand your concern about the front. I have that issue if my shirts are too short as well. Apparently we can never stand sideways. :). Thanks for sharing your process and your pretty shirts.

First - Michelle- you are rocking your new figure girl! Now, about the Donnie Shirt - I really think an FBA would benefit you as there were puckers under the are in the front… and as far as the length…. Since it’s a high-low hem, just add the extra length to the front! Otherwise, you’re rocking it, girl!!!!

I'm wondering if you could just make a hem band, even though the hem is curved. I think it would keep the integrity of the print as well as the lines of the pattern. What a beautiful fabric!!!

THANK YOU MICHELLE

liftingpinsandneedles shows close ups of collar/yoke construction in a recent video. She always does an FBA.

The shirts look fab on you. Maybe wear the shorter Donnys with a different bottom, like a palazzo and make longer ones to go with leggings?

I to added 2inches to the pattern and I made the same size as you wished I could add a photo I made the retro short to match for my holidays

JuST a suggestion. Maybe follow the bottom of the shirt and add additional color ie. the flowered top, in a pink or green. kind of like the sweaters that have the blouse bottom sticking out at bottom. Hope you understand what I'm trying to say@ Haha. Very nice shirt!

I just made it yesterday. I lengthened it by 7” but it’s very large and boxy, no shape at all to it. I also lengthened the sleeves.to full length.

Your fabric choare excellent especially the ice dye. I prefer my tops longer too. I would go ahead and wear it out and see how you feel in it.

Love your tops especially your ice dye! The colors and placement of the design are perfect! I've been thinking about the Donny top too but I'm just unsure about it for me as a curvy sewist. I love yours on you. I agree with everyone that recommends an fba. I think if I make it I'll have to do one too.

There appears to be a seam down the front. You could open that and finish it appropriately and wear it open over a longer tank (in some matching color) that would hide the tummy. You could have different color tank tops and have several looks. I, just last week, cut out a beautiful torquoise tropical print to make a maxi sundress. When I went to sew the skirt part I realized I was supposed to cut 4 pieces. Like you, I loved the fabric and didn't have enough left to re-cut. If I folded it up and cut it in half it was too short. I ended up doing that, anyway. I had enough fabric left to add 7 inches to each piece and ended up with a midi length. You are not alone on this journey. Love the shirts!

If you make it again.. maybe make the front and back the same length.. instead of adding a band although I love the band on the ice dye..

The top looks snug and maybe uncomfortable at the bust. You may need a full bust adjustment. A great hack can be to add a gathered skirt and make a dress out of it, I bought the pattern especially for the hack option.

The dye is beautiful and the shirts are beautiful. I think a flowy bottom garment might give you the silhouette your looking for with these shirts. That’s what I do.

Michelle love the fabrics you have used for the blouses Could you make the front as long as the back Also my sister is shaped exactly like you She wears jeans and has a tummy bump but her jeans are a slimming stretch denim which holds her tummy a little they're a soft material or What about "spanx leggings" they are designed for any size but are like a shape wear but very comfortable made to hold humps and bumps and they do I love the shirts they are flattering because they are a slimmer line Just a couple ideas Happy sewing