My slim brocade pants made from fabric I coveted in the Mood NYC store. There are a few yards left of this same fabric in a lighter colorway, $40/yd. Call or email the silk department (silk@moodfabrics.com) and ask them to recommend similar brocades if this is gone.
Oh how I love these pants! Can’t you see them paired with a boxy cashmere sweater or a crisp white shirt? These pants are proof that the right fabric is everything when it comes to making your own clothes.
The details:
- Inspiration: a pair of Stella McCartney silk brocade pants I saw at Saks ($965)
- Pattern: a vintage pattern from my stash, but you can find this design from just about any big pattern company. I made a muslin first and found I needed to lengthen them by about two inches so they’d hit my ankle (I’m 5’7″). No waistband, slim-leg pants, very basic design that works well on just about every body
- Construction: Incredibly easy. Invisible zip in the side seam; faced waistband. Pants are so easy to make I’m not sure why I don’t make more of them. Must ponder this.
I love everything about this fabric. It was wonderful to sew with, and look at how sharp that pressed crease is.
I used petersham ribbon from my stash to edge the waistband facing for a neat finish.
Can’t make it to our NYC or LA stores to look for fabric like the one I used here? These are some brocades from MoodFabrics.com that I think would make an equally cool pair of pants: 300714, 300687, 300738, 300747, and FP19599C.
What I am sewing now: I love the Prada fall 2012 collection, with its bold brocade fabrics and boxy jackets with matching pants. (Have you noticed I have a thing for brocade?) I found a stunning Carolina Herrera brocade here in the store and I’m making a long jacket out of it. More to come…
11 comments
These are so chic! I love them!
Wonderful! I’ve been looking for a better skinny pant pattern.
They’re perfect! Great Job. You’ve inspired me to look at the brocades you listed. I guess I’m going to Mood LA on Sat.
I love these pants!
Beautiful project. Very inspiring. However, does the thickness of the fabric . . . make your butt look bigger? LOL! I know, but it is a question I have. I would love a pair like this but can’t wear skinny pants out of ANY fabric. Do you think the brocade would be suitable for a slim dress slack pattern or does it need to be “skinny”?
Jackie, this particular fabric is very lightweight, so no, it doesn’t make my butt look any bigger than it already is. As far as your pattern question goes, I think there is a difference between “slim” and “skinny” when it comes to pants. Slim pants look good on all body types, especially when the hem goes to the ankle and no further. Slim pants are not meant to cling to your legs like skinny pants are. I have wide calves and can’t wear skinny pants, but slim pants I can handle.
Beautiful pants Meg. I have 3 meters of silk brocade that I bought in India sitting in my stash; you’ve inspired me to use it for pants.
Love these pants, Meg. I have some beautiful Italian silk brocade from Mood up next to sew! Thanks for the inspiration.
these are gorgeous, Meg. Congratulations! I want brocade pants as well!!!
What vintage pattern did you use?(will have to check my own stash)
Actually, New Look 6081 is pretty close. Try those…