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Foray into Shirtmaking

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I love playing with volume and texture!

I've always loved well-made shirts: the soft yet crisp fabric, the structure and tailored fit. I love the deceptive simplicity that tries to conceal the precision and details that go into their construction…everything about well-made shirts is fascinating. And despite my interest, I somehow never really owned one. Let’s change that!

I took my time with the finishing touches.

I decided to bury my nose in a couple of David Page Coffin books on shirtmaking and became even more determined to try my hand at sewing one for myself. Everything I read about shirtmaking emphasized the need for really good fabric, so this 100% cotton shirting was a no-brainer (SKU: DMC 5116). I mean, look at those stripes!

It's incredibly soft and light, with lots of body and a voluminous drape. It holds its shape remarkably well, and it was a delight to press.

For my first go, I wanted a forgiving pattern that could hide any potential mistakes behind gathers and volume without sacrificing that signature shirt fit across the shoulders and high bust. The Rimini Blouse by Domum really fit the bill and I am already on the hunt for more stripy fabric to play with. I love that I can layer it over my dresses or wear it with pants. 

One thing I couldn't fully commit to, though, were buttons. I don't exaggerate when I say that I scour Etsy for weeks to find the right buttons. I went through my stash but wasn’t happy with the size or color of any of them. So the button plackets are currently tacked shut while I find buttons I am happy with. Until then, I don't mind pulling the shirt over my head! I am really pleased with this make, and I am excited to wear it often as we slowly transition into Fall.

JOANNA | @hotpurlsummer

Comments

  1. AnonymousSeptember 5, 2026 at 10:59 AM

    Your lovely blouse has a historical feel about it which makes it even more interesting. You will find the perfect buttons eventually . Try some thrift stores to harvest the buttons from a used shirt. It is not so easy any more to find good buttons now that so many brick and mortar fabric stores have closed. Thank goodness for Fabric Mart. !!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousSeptember 5, 2026 at 11:02 AM

    I will add. There are always the do it your self , self cover buttons as an option.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousSeptember 5, 2026 at 11:17 AM

    This is gorgeous! Shirtmaking magnificence unlocked!

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousSeptember 5, 2026 at 6:52 PM

    It looks so good on you! The pattern is interesting. I love how you finished the seams. Try Mood fabrics for buttons. I got some beautiful Czech glass buttons from them.

    ReplyDelete
  5. RSeptember 8, 2026 at 1:49 PM

    Beautiful stripe matching!!! Your shirt looks lovely, and lovely on you. It’s so much more than an average shirt too, with so much character.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Tea WSeptember 8, 2026 at 1:54 PM

    Interesting design. I was wandering how do you create the designs cut lists

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousSeptember 8, 2026 at 3:01 PM

    That is GORGEOUS1

    ReplyDelete
  8. Kathleen BanfieldSeptember 12, 2026 at 8:34 PM

    How about using the leftover fabric for covered buttons? I think it would add a classy touch to a very classy shirt. Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  9. AnonymousSeptember 24, 2026 at 7:45 PM

    Love your blouse. Has been a while since I made a shirt. You've inspired me to make a few this winter.

    ReplyDelete

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