Yasssssss!!!!! Give honor where honor is due. What a great day to brag on my Sew Style Hero, or shall I say…”Shero.” Mimi G. is her name, and her hip, Make It, Mix It, Rock It D.I.Y. sewing tutorials are her claim to fame. Mimi G. became my sew style shero when giving me a solution to an age-old issue, many curvy women and I deal with every date night, girl’s night, and special occasion. We need something to wear and we want to look cute while wearing it.
Two years ago, on my 312th disappointing shopping trip (I multiplied 6 years by 52 Saturdays), Retail shopping and I had a falling out. I found the prettiest 1950’s style blouse. It was chiffon with pink and green paisley, that kind of reminded me of a Lily Pulitzer print with a green ribbon tie on the waist. I grabbed an XL and hurried excitedly to the dressing room. Trying to button that blouse was like trying to make New York and California meet. It wasn’t happening. I was so disgusted. After 312 shopping Saturdays, it appears designers think plus sized women only want to wear pillowcase silhouettes with elastic waists. I stomped out of the dressing room and decided that day I was going to learn to sew and make my own @$&^ clothes!
Soon after, I began to surf YouTube “Sewing for Beginners” and came across a youthful little seamstress that was going to show ME how to make a pencil skirt in 30 short minutes. I did it!!! My entire vacation wardrobe was fitted stretch-knit pencil skirts in every color. Enthralled by Mimi’s personable, cousin-like-personality, I continued following her using the DIY tutorials as my “go-to” when I needed something to wear. I joined Sew-It-Academy, as I continue to learn the art of sewing. Additionally, I attended the 2017 Mimi G Fashion and Sewing Style Conference in L.A. Now, I can literally sew my entire wardrobe. I’m talking from my own bras to a winter coat. If I learn how to make shoes, it’s game on!
Recently, I needed a dress for a bridal shower this past June and I consulted my Shero via her blog mimigstyle.com. I fell in love with a yellow strapless knotted summer dress. This dress is the epitome of Mimi’s Make It, Mix it, and Rock It, because she converted a McCall’s shirt Pattern M7752 into an occasion appropriate frock. I took it a step further and made it plus sized accommodating my curvy bust, waist, and hips.
Today, it is two years and a couple of weeks later. I peaceably write: Dear Retail, I am no longer mad at you. In the words of Marilyn Monroe, “Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.” Ciao!
Melinda shares her makes at @ladyhoye on Instagram.
I enjoyed reading about your sewing journey Melinda. Although I haven’t had as many disappointing shopping trips as you (I’ve sewn “forever”), as a tall gal with hips, I understood your frustration. Your garments are beautiful and you look like a goddess in that green dress!
Thank you!
That was a fun read, I can see why you love her. Thanks for the links too, I’ve subscribed to her blog. And yes you do look fab in your green dress!
Thank You!!
What a thoroughly enthusiastic upbeat post this is! I really enjoyed reading it and found I was smiling at your obvious positive cheerful state of mind! And your dress looks gorgeous!
Thank You!
I third Yvette & Su that your post was great fun to read and your green dress is gorgeous on you! I like Mimi G. as well – her down-to-earth personality and straightforward teaching style have enticed many to venture into the sewing world and make their own clothes. I wonder if she has any idea how much good she’s done for women all over the world? Self-confidence, joy in making and wearing, self employment – all this will have rippling affects right through the generations that come afterwards as well. Hats off to Mimi G. and you for shining a light on her!
Thank you! Amazing woman she is!
So fun to read! 🙂 Congrats on two years of sewing!!
Thank you!
Wow! Nice read! I’m so glad you found your passion for sewing fashionable clothes for plus sized women!!! There are some bad choices out there! 🙏🏾👋🏾
Lol Thank You!
Wow! You that green dress is stunning! You are making clothes that flatter and fit. I love that! I agree Mimi G is amazing! Great post! Thank You!!
I wrote a post on my blog called “You can’t make me wear that!” It was to retailers. I wish when I was younger that I had sewed for me. (I sewed for everyone but me) Instead I kept trying to change my body so it could conform and wear RTW. Bleh- no more!!
Right! I agree!
Same. Same. Same, Preach! Mimi G is my cousin-in-my-head as well. It’s amazing to read your journey and relate so much. I started with the 30 minute pencil skirt and am now part of the Sewing Academy as well. I also went to the 2017 Sewing and Style Conference (hey, girl, hey!) I remember seeing your pretty self! You look beautiful and your makes are gorgeous!
Thank you!!
Love, love, love your green dress. And I agree, Mimi G is amazing!
Thank you
That green really pops on you. Fabulous dress❤. I enjoyed reading about your journey, being able to make your own clothes is so freeing. I still wear more RTW than not, but its great to see my makes becoming part of my regular wardrobe. 😊 Now off to check out Mimi G, thank you!
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[…] death? See? Fascinating…). Continuing in our theme months, I really enjoyed Melinda’s Sew Style Hero post (Mimi-G). I loved her description of how frustrated she was in trying to find nice clothes that fit, […]