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Tuesday, January 22, 2013

OOTD: Leather + Denim + Yellow Pop & DANG IT!!!

Hi Darlings, I woke up this morning ready to wear my new #DIY Teal Turtleneck Dress but I realized that I had not shaved my damn legs in about 4 days and I was running late so no leg showing for you today, LOL

On a sad note, I spent about 8hrs this weekend filming the tutorial for Friday and somehow when I went to upload my SD card it was blank and said that the card was damaged!!! WHAT THE WHAT!!! omg I can't tell you how much strength I am going to have to muster to re-film the entire tutorial again before Friday ;-/ so guess what I will be doing when I get home from work tonight... ugh! My IT guy has the card and is trying to recover the files so fingers crossed.

Wish me luck and endurance my darlings and I will see you with freshly shaved legs tomorrow!





Zara Leather Peplum (on clearance) similar HERE and HERE / Free People Flared Jeans HERE / Zara Yellow Blazer (old) similar HERE or HERE / Necklace (gifted) similar HERE








Saturday, January 19, 2013

Vogue 7975 Couture Progress

Hi Dolls!

Geez sometimes when I take on projects that I know are time consuming I get started and half way through I question why I took it on, LOL but it is always worth it.

I am in love with my fabric, it is so gorgeous and this pic does it no justice. I went out looking for a matching trim for this "Chanel" style jacket but I just couldn't find one so now I have added more work for myself because I have to make the trim by taking apart the fibers and creating some braiding.

Here are some pics of what I have done so far, I cut the fabric and lining pieces together so I laid my fabric down and then laid my lining over it and cut out the pieces one at a time. I also interfaced them because the weave in my fabric was REALLY loose and even with the lining quilted and working as the interfacing it still wasn't enough. The good thing to interfacing my pieces it that it helps with fraying.

Once I interfaced every piece and quilted the lining on to the jacket pieces I started to machine sew the fashion fabric seams and hand sewing my lining pieces together at the seams (that is why you see all those pins)

I have one sleeve fully done and just need to do the other one, hand sew the pockets on to the jacket (they are just pinned right now) and then I will hand sew the front, hem and neck edges; then I can start making my trim, wish me luck.

Fabric purchased HERE









I need a few more days to get back to this one, lol sometimes you gotta let simmer for a day or two.

xoxo
Mimi G

Sewing, Fashion + Style Conference 2012 "Payment Plan"

Payment Plan Announcement!

Hi Darlings!!


I have received several emails from some lovely people who want to attend but are unable to pay the lump sum of the registration fee and since I don't want to leave anyone out I am allowing a payment plan of sorts. I have also moved the event to a larger room so we can allow for more attendees.

If you would like to attend the conference and set up an payment plan then follow the steps below. I will hold your seat for the conference and will send you tickets to the event when the last payment is made ;-)

READ CAREFULLY!

**Installment plan will be as follows: $47.00 x 4 payments ($188 total includes a $3 service fee)**


#1. Email ME with YOUR NAME + EMAIL ADDRESS to sign up for the installment plan, you will get an email outlining the details.

#2. After I receive your email you will receive an invoice with the first payment due of $47.00 After you pay your first installment your seat will be saved.

#3. After the first payment you will receive an invoice ONCE a month for 3 months to pay the remaining 3 installments. If at anytime the payments are not made and delinquent for more then 15 days your seat will be released. Registration fees are non-refundable.


Note

I am trying my best to make this accessible to all who really want to attend because my goal is to share my love of sewing and fashion and I think everyone should have the ability to participate. This installment plan option will be available until March 1st.


xoxo
Mimi G.









Friday, January 18, 2013

Registration Is Open!!! Sewing, Fashion + Style Conference 2013


It is time to register for the 2nd Annual Sewing, Fashion + Styling Conference 2013 Los Angeles!!

SPACE IS LIMITED! Register Here



****Last year was great but this year is going to be better!!****
Guest Instructors, Sewing Machine Giveaway! Gift Bags + More


2013 Meet & Greet has become the Sewing, Fashion + Style Conference you MUST attend!
If you have ever wanted to sew, learn the basics, expand on what you know, get knowledge from industry experts in Hollywood and have a blast at the same time then it is time to sign up and get ready because these two days will be filled with excitement, shopping, learning and more for 
all skill levels!! I am so excited to announce my special guest instructors! Tailor and Seamstress to the stars, Daniela Kurrle + Film and TV Costume Designer, Julia Schklair and Me!


Friday 7/19/13

8:00pm Guest Arriving Friday are welcomed to join me for dinner (details to follow) 

Saturday 7/20/13

8:00am  Meet for Intros, Q&A and Itinerary of scheduled events, an intro into buying fabrics.

9:00am Walking Tour of the Fabric District: Lessons on How To Buy Fabric, What to Buy,  How Much To
Buy & What to Avoid (SO MUCH FABRIC!!) all while shopping and choosing fabrics.

12:30pm Wonderful Lunch (included in registration) + Surprises

2:00pm Workshop: Pattern Understanding, Most Common Fitting Issues, Sewing Basics and Tips + Pants Fitting Issues/ Class taught by Mimi G

3:30pm Workshop: Couture Tips + Tailoring Tricks w/ Daniela Kurrle Celebrity Seamstress + Tailor to the Stars. Learn Couture Finishes & Tips + Learn Tailoring Elements To Take Your Sewing To 
New Heights! Great class for newbies and intermediates to get a better understanding of home sewing 
vs' ready made techniques.

5:00pm End Day 1

Sunday 7/21/13

9:00am Workshop: Learn to Make a Skirt Sloper (Fitting Shell) based on your measurements (a sloper is a record of what fits you. A basic skirt pattern that can be made into different style designs and will always fit) Pattern Fitting, Adding Ease and Construction discussed.

1:00pm Workshop: How To Shop and Build Your Wardrobe: Creating More with Less and Finding Style, Shapes and Colors that Work for YOU! Class given by Mimi G + Hollywood Film & TV Costume Designer
Julia Schklair!

3:00pm End Day 2


Hotel Recommendations + Event Location
LAX is the closest airport to the event

LA Live is the BEST most exciting new area of Los Angeles/ Staples Center and the ESPN Zone are next door to hotel for the men joining their spouses**
JW Marriott @ LA Live (Event Hotel)
900 West Olympic Boulevard · Los Angeles, CA 90015 

**Book Room 
After 1/25 with code for a special rate of $219 per night (code available on blog 1/25)
Double Tree Hotel (more reasonable rate)
120 South Los Angeles Street, Los Angeles, California, 90012
 
Good Hotel, Close By & Reasonable (Advance Purchase) $135.00 per night
Radisson Hotel Los Angeles (most reasonable rate)
Near The Airport (15 min drive to Event) room rate is 
$97 per night
If you are interested in SHARING a room with another guest send me your name and Ill match you guys up!

 Registration (Includes lunch on 7/20)
1/18/13 - 1/23/13 Early Bird $170.00
1/24/13 - 5/15/2013 Regular Rate $185.00
5/16/13 - 6/20/13 Late Sign Up $190.00
REGISTER HERE
registration fees are non-refundable

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

please share and pin the flyer below! xoxo Sharing is caring!



xoxo
Mimi G.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

OOTD: DIY VaVaVoom Dress + Pattern Review Vogue 8787

Hi Darlings! I am keeping my post short today because I have so much I need to get done that I am about to lose my mind, lol. Now, about this dress, can I just say I love it so much. The dress is classic and fabulous and by the look of the pattern envelope picture you wouldn't guess it is the same dress but it is.

I leave you with the review and pics and Ill see you guys back here tomorrow for registration!





Pattern Description: Misses Dress Vogue 8787 Lined dress has fitted bodice variations, midriff, tapered or flared skirt and back zipper.

Pattern Sizing: I cut size 6

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done with it? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, they are pretty clear.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the neckline and although the image on the envelope is not that flattering I knew it just needed some tapering.

Fabric Used: Ponte Roma $9.00 a yard HERE this ponte is silky soft!

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I just tapered the dress a bit and pegged it at the hem. I also lined it using my bag method instead of the way they have you do it in the pattern instructions. I lined it like a bag meaning I constructed the bodice and bodice lining and attached them to one another, then I attached the midriff section and midriff lining to the bodice and then attached the skirt to the midriff; once I did that I attached the skirt lining to the skirt at the HEM....yep the hem... I pulled the skirt up and attached the skirt lining at the waist to the midriff lining and finally I hand stitched the lining to the zipper. I could technically wear this dress inside out if I wanted too, LOL

Would you sew it again? No, one of these is enough.

Would you recommend it to others? Yes



DIY Sheath Dress (similar) HERE or HERE / Nude + Black Cap Pumps HERE and on sale!













,

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

2013 Meet & Greet! The Sewing, Fashion + Style Conference You MUST Attend!

Here is a look at what we will be doing in July!! Registration opens Friday so read up and email me with "save the date"in the subject line to get updates as they become available.

Last year was great but this year is going to be better!!  

Guest Instructors, Sewing Machine Giveaway, Gift Bags 

& Much More!


July 19- July 21 2013!! Los Angeles, CA

New + Exciting Classes!
I am so excited to announce my special guest instructors! Tailor and Seamstress to the stars, Daniela Kurrle + Film and TV Costume Designer, Julia Schklair and Me!
2013 Meet & Greet has become the Sewing, Fashion + Style Conference you MUST attend!
If you have ever wanted to sew, learn the basics, expand on what you know, get knowledge from industry experts in Hollywood and have a blast at the same time then it is time to sign up and get ready because these two days will be filled with excitement, shopping, learning and more for 
ALL SKILL LEVELS.
Friday 7/19
8:00pm Guest Arriving Friday are welcomed to join me for dinner (details to follow) 
Saturday 7/20
8:00am  Meet for Intros, Q&A and Itinerary of scheduled events, an intro into buying fabrics.
9:00am Walking Tour of the Fabric District: Lessons on How To Buy Fabric, What to Buy,  How Much To Buy & What to Avoid (SO MUCH FABRIC!!) all while shopping and choosing fabrics.
12:30pm Wonderful Lunch (included in registration) Served on the Patio overlooking the pool!
2:00pm Workshop: Pattern Understanding, Most Common Fitting Issues, Sewing Basics and Tips / Class taught by Mimi G
3:30pm Workshop: Couture Tips + Tailoring Tricks w/ Daniela Kurrle Celebrity Seamstress + Tailor to the Stars. Learn Couture Finishes & Tips + Learn Tailoring Elements To Take Your Sewing To 
New Heights! Great class for newbies and intermediates to get a better understanding of home sewing 
vs' ready made techniques.
5:00pm End Day 1
Sunday 7/21
9:00am Workshop: Learn to Make a Skirt Sloper (Fitting Shell) based on your measurements (a sloper is a record of what fits you. A basic skirt pattern that can be made into different style designs and will always fit) Pattern Fitting, Adding Ease and Construction discussed in detail
1:00pm Workshop: How To Shop and Build Your Wardrobe: Creating More with Less and Finding Style, Shapes and Colors that Work for YOU! Class given by Mimi G + Hollywood Film & TV Costume Designer Julia Schklair!
2:30pm End Day 2

I cant wait to meet you all!!! Check back Friday for the registration links.

Registration Fee:

Early Bird         1/18 -1/20   $170.00
After Tuesday   1/21            $185.00

Hotel and airport recommendations on Friday




DIY Pocket Pencil Skirt & DIY Blouse + Pattern Review M6650

Hi Darlings! I hope you guys are having a great week. I am have been trying to deal with the braces thing so I have been hungry and achy for two days, LOL but I am hoping to get use to it pretty quickly.

Later today I will be posting the scheduled itinerary for the 2nd Annual Mimi G Event "Sewing, Fashion + Style Workshops 2013" and you wont want to miss it, Registration opens on Friday. We will be giving one lucky attendee a Brand New Sewing Machine! along with s a few other giveaways!! so make sure to check back this afternoon to see what i have planned.

I made this skirt last week using an OOP pattern that I had been meaning to try for some time and a new pattern by McCall 6650 (review below) which is now one of my top 5 blouse patterns. I love this blouse, the details are nice like the 3 button closer in the back and the functioning cuffs with button holes and the gathered CF make this blouse super cute and I can see making it over and over because it works with skirts, pants, under blazers etc. and the fabric possibilities are grand.

I am already looking to make it in this Linen/Knit Blend (have you worked with it before? it is yummy) the linen/knit blends holds it structure really well so although the patter calls for a woven you can easily use a stable knit. It also would be amazing in this PRINT and this ONE I have ready to cut.




Pattern Description: Misses Top M6550 View C / Skirt is M5590 is Out of Print

Pattern Sizing: I cut the Small

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done with it? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, they are very clear and this came together very quickly.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I loved the cuffs with functioning buttons and the back closure/placket and the gathering at the CF and Wrists.

Fabric Used: Rayon Challis (similar HERE and HERE) / Lightweight Interfacing used for cuffs HERE / Skirt Fabric HERE

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None on the shirt but I did add 1.5" to the skirt length and I pegged it at the knee too.

Would you sew it again? I plan on it

Would you recommend it to others? Yes





DIY Black Pencil Skirt (similar) HERE / Print Blouse similar HERE / Steve Madden T-Strap Heels (old) similar HERE