DD1 has fallen in love with the brocade trouser trend. Actually, she fell in love with crazy printed trousers when they first appeared a few years ago. And because she’s so much fun to sew for (and easier to fit than my own self), when she said she liked these trousers from Burda’s September 2014 issue, I told her I had had the perfect brocade for them in stash.
I love picking up roll ends from EmmaOneSock.com, and helped myself earlier this year when I saw this beautiful French gold/silver/black brocade. I had vague notions of what it would become, but when DD1 saw the trousers in the magazine, I knew the fabric belonged to her. She agreed. I used bemberg to line them, and silk shantung from stash for the belt.
I made no alterations to this pattern, except to take in the waist significantly. I chose to leave the fullness of the trouser front, and take in the pleats. The pleats are sewn through all thicknesses once the trousers are finished.
I love the shape of the zipper flap. Details like this make a project special.
I attached the lining to the hem, bagging it slightly, in order to keep everything neat and tidy, and free from the possibility of getting snagged.
I added hanging loops at the waistline.
And a belt loop to keep the curved “belt” in place.
The belt extends from the CB, around the right side of the trousers and attaches at the left front pleat. There are inseam side pockets – which I personally loathe, but they’re necessary!
They’re a flashy pair of trousers. I must say, I quite like them, and I’m so glad this beautiful fabric has been put to good use.
Mezzo Couture 
Those are adorable pants!
Well done and great fabric choice. Never made pants and I find them quite intimidating.
Pants are intimidating, until you make that first pair, and then you realize it’s just a matter of practice! Remember that first skirt you made that seemed so scary and difficult? Trousers are the same. If you start with a pair of shorts, it’s less fabric to manipulate, and it will help you jump in to making trousers!
Thanks for your advice, you totally have a point here, I like the idea of making shorts as a start.
Omg, these trousers are delicious! I’ve loved these ever since the issue first came out and your version makes me reconsider whether to make them for myself (although Child 1 warned me of them saying they were “a bit young” for me… – kids, ey??!!)
“Young” is a state of mind, not years. If I could pull of this style, I’d be wearing it too!
Wow. These look great and so does your daughter.
Oops sorry about the double post. She does look great though!
Wow. They look fabulous, and so does she.
Nicely done! They look so perfectly fashionsble. Great fabric/pattern match!!
So cute! You’re lucky to have some youthful models in the house. No fun sewing here with a 13-year-old boy.
So romantic and flattering on a thin body and I love that wrap belt feature! Nice job on the inside and pockets too…your daughter is so lucky to have such a dedicated sewing mom! Thumbs up on the belt loop too…eye-catching pair of holiday pants!
Very very nice!
Very unique. I’ve never seen anything like that before. Beautiful. They look a little complicated to sew though with the pleats and the half way around belt?