Tropicana Shirt sewing pattern

I had previously made the men's tropical shirt and found the video tutorial extremely helpful - but this one did not have a step-by-step tutorial youtube tutorial. It was my first time doing raglan sleeves, I found some instructions slightly lacking for someone novice in skill level. I am a self-taught beginner so I liked that the Tropical Shirt pattern had more hand-holding. I really liked the result but definitely had some frustrations. I would love to see some future women's patterns with full bust adjustment options.

Love this classic pattern! Sews together like a charm and so easy to “hack” for new looks!

I think it will be really cute when I get it traced off from my projector and stitched up.

I am writing the review after the 3rd make. The first was an antique embroidered shirting that is older than I am!. I made it as a wearable muslin. And I wear it a lot. I did find that I don't like the length of the short sleeve as drafted so in the next ones I shortened it. The second was in a silk cotton voile and the modified sleeve length works. Finally on the 3rd try I did what I bought the pattern for originally. I had a 60 year old embroidered linen table cloth that had never been used. I place the pattern pieces to take advantage of the embroidery and the pulled thread work. The fact that the sleeve was a 2 piece raglan really helped. I was also able to take advantage of the hemstitching on the cloth to be the hem of the shirt.

I love this pattern. It is simple, but looks complicated. Depending on fabric choice, it can be made like a structured shirt, or like a light blouse. It works perfectly both ways. I like that there are 2 variations on the collar. I made the size I would buy in ready to wear, and the fit is very good. The fact that both the back and the sleeves are in two pieces makes it look and feel very proffesional and tailored.

Like all Wbm-patterns it is very well drafted, the fit is spot on and the instructions are quite clear.