These trousers were made up late in June as part of DD1’s summer wardrobe.

Pattern Description:  Trousers from the Flirt with the Sun collection from the March 2011 issue of Burda Magazine.

Pattern Sizing:  38 – 46

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes.  There are three versions modeled in the magazine.  The first is in a similar pose to DD’s, the second (in a white broderie anglaise) is under a long chiffon tunic, and the third is in black gabardine with the model in the middle of a leap.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Surprisingly, yes.  I followed the instructions for the front pockets, insertion of the inside leg “patches” only.  Burda had the pants entirely constructed prior to inserting the zipper, which I thought was stupid.  I did not stitch the fronts & backs together until after the zipper was complete.  The instructions up to this point were straight forward and clear.  I then used David Coffin’s instructions from Making Trousers for the fly zipper (and didn’t bother following them properly, so had to rip out the fly).  I didn’t bother following any directions for the waistband or the elasticized hems, either.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I didn’t particularly like anything about this pattern.  Low slung slouchy pants are not on my “like” list, but DD1 wanted a pair.  She liked the “sloppy” look and the elasticized hems.  (Did I mention that I do not like the look of these pants?)  You can see from the design drawing that there is an inside leg “patch”.   This makes the crotch very very very very low (refer to pictures above). I had fun sewing up the design elements that are a little out of the ordinary, though.  That’s what kept me going.  Oh, and binding the waistband facings and zipper with a fun cotton voile kept me interested artistically in the project.  Here’s an interior shot of the front of the pants.

Fabric Used:  Stretch cotton poplin and cotton voile from my stash for the pockets and binding .

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  None on purpose.  I didn’t follow the directions for the zipper or the waistband facings.  DD1 measures a size 34, and the smallest size is a 38.  I had originally intended to trace the 38 and cut it without any seam allowances, but being an (occasional) idiot, I forgot about that plan and cut a 38 with seam allowances.  This made my life very complicated for a while.  I had the pockets and the zipper in when I looked at the front and thought, “These stupid pants would fit me!”    I ended up taking in the CB seam  2 inches and tapering it to the patch, removing 2 inches from the back side seams and making the one lonely pleat into a box pleat to take in an additional 4 inches across the front of the waist.   And all this was done after realizing I’d put the fly on the wrong size of the zipper, having to rip it all out and re-do it.  I don’t think there’s another pair of utility pants on the planet that cost more in labour than this ridiculous pair.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I’ve already been commissioned to make a second pair in broderie anglaise, so yes, I’ll be making them up again… and cutting them without those seam allowances.

Conclusion: An unusual pair of pants (that are not necessarily to my liking) highly appreciated by DD1.  And she’ll probably be able to wear them for a couple of years due to the sizing issues.