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Pattern Review: Decades of Style 1950’s PB&J Skirt

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Hello, readers!

I’m excited to share my favorite skirt pattern with you!  Yes, I said favorite!  This skirt felt like heaven when I first tried it on and is everything I like —  full, flouncy, and fun to wear.

b&b pb&j 3

Source: Decades of Style Patterns

Source: Decades of Style Patterns

Pattern Name: Decades of Style 1950’s PB&J Skirt

Size Range:  24″ to 40″ Waist size

What size did you make? Graded up a half size at the waist and one size at the hip.

What are your…..

Measurements: 48-41-52
Body Shape: Pear-ish/Spoon
Height: 5’8
Bra size: 44D

back

What adjustments did you make and how long did they take?  Other than slightly resizing the pattern, I didn’t make any alterations to it.  I did inadvertently put the zipper on one of the side seams instead of the center back seam.  I wasn’t fully following the instructions, and somehow thought that because there was only one pocket piece, that there must be a zip on the other side.  With the front pleats, it really needs to have a back zip.  I made it work with strategic tacking and a hook and eye closure.  The large buttons sewn on the front also help to hold it all together.  None of these adjustments took much time.

I usually add length to skirts, but this skirt did not need it.  I did, however, sew horsehair braid into the hem to give the skirt a fuller and stiffer shape.

What was the construction process like? Did the instructions make sense to you?  The PB&J skirt is an easy sew and would be a great pattern for beginners to try.  As always with Decades of Style patterns, it’s well drafted and all of the pieces go together like they’re supposed to.  Just make sure when you’re cutting the pattern pieces out, that you follow the direction of the grainline.

As I stated before, I didn’t follow the directions, but I did read through the instructions later on and they are straightforward and easy to follow.

How did you like the pattern’s fit?  Do you think that the design works well for your body shape?  I LOVE the fit of this skirt.  It isn’t loose and sits on my waist where it’s intended to.  It’s full in the right spots and doesn’t add bulk where I don’t need it.  I’d say that it looks good on me, but most importantly, it makes me feel good, which is what matters most to me.  It’s exactly what I want with a fit and flare silhouette.

Will you make this pattern again?  If so, what fit or design changes will you make?  YES, I’m definitely going to sew up another PB&J skirt!  I just need to decide which fabric I’d like to make it in.  It takes a bit more fabric than some of my other skirt patterns, but that’s not surprising with a 1950’s full skirt.  Next time I will put a pocket at each side and sew in a center back zip.  I would probably add horsehair braid again as I love the way it looks and I don’t often wear petticoats, so it helps achieve a fuller, but not quite a ‘cupcake” look.

Do you have any advice on this pattern for other curvy sewers?  Are there any resources or materials that helped you sew this piece up?  Read the instructions, place your pattern pieces in the direction that it instructs you on the pattern pieces, and make sure to choose the appropriate fabric for this.  If you want a fuller, structured skirt, I would choose a heavier fabric like the Japanese cotton linen that I used for my skirt.  If you want a full 1950’s look, you’ll need to add a petticoat.  I used this method to grade this skirt up.

skirt

Pattern Rating (1-5):

  • Size range: 4
  • Instructions:  5
  • Construction process:  5
  • Final fit:  5
  • Overall rating:  4.75

Overall, this is a great pattern.  I can’t commend the folks at Decades of Style more than to say that after all of the skirt patterns I’ve tried throughout the years, that this is hands down my favorite.  I think it flatters my figure and it makes me want to dance and twirl.  I look forward to sewing up another PB&J skirt.

Comments

  1. This is TOO cute! I am so tempted to buy this pattern after seeing yours! Love the fabric you used and the pairing with the big green buttons. ?

  4. I have this pattern and I kept hesitating so sew it, unsure it would really look ok. But looking at yours, it’s exactly how I hoped it would be! Thanks so much for this review. I’m encouraged!

  9. Great choice of fabric for the skirt. Beautiful color combination with the blouse.All-around great job!

  11. I bought this pattern after seeing this somewhere else. Maybe on the Harts fabric blog? Love, love, love this outfit! The skirt is fabulous – you did an amazing job! g

    • Thanks, G! It’s possible that you saw it on Stonemountain as that is where the fabric came from. They have made a few other PB&J’s that they have had in the store.

  12. Tanya I agree wholeheartedly with you and others who have already posted – this skirt is a TOTAL beauty on you! It suits you perfect (love the green buttons with the green top!) gorgeous.

  13. I love the skirt on you…so feminine and flattering…I can see why it makes you feel like dancing! Perfect to wear out for a night of dancing to live music in a pub, lol. If I could get my hubby to learn the two step, I’d make one too.

  14. Absolutely beautiful! I would never have considered this pattern from the picture of it but it is fabulous on you! Thank you for the review – I love the polka dots too!

  19. i want one great job. i like the cut/style and it looks great on you. thanks for the hint on horse hair in the hem

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