I am very delighted to present to you this matching coordinate peplum and shorts with a sash. I used about 3.5 yards to make this beautiful outfit in celebration of me. Please do enjoy this pattern review.
Pattern name: Simplicity’s MiMi G Style Peplum Top with Cropped Pants or Shorts #8136
Size range: This pattern comes grouped in sizes 6-8-10-12-14 or 16-18-20-22-24. You also have the option to purchase the printable version of this pattern. Size 24 ranges up to a 46″ bust, 39″ waist and 48″ hip.
What size did you make?
I made a size 18 top, a size 24 shorts, and a sash. For my newbies, pattern sizes are based on your body measurements. These sizes are not my retail store size.
What are your measurements, height, and body type?
My measurements are 44” bust, 39” waist and 55” hips. I am 5’7” tall with an hour glass very curvy shape. My bra size is 38 H in Lane Bryant’s Cacique Balconette Bras, which I must say is my favorite bra to wear.
What adjustments did you make and how long did they take?
I did make some adjustments to the waist and hips of the shorts; my waist and hip ratio is quite curvy. I added 2”to the width of my hips and tightened the darts evenly around the shorts, removing 1” off the waist.
If I did not do this, then the shorts would not hug my hips or my waist correctly. They fit perfectly, except I wish I had added 2” to the top length of the waist to make the shorts high waist.
The top part of the back the shorts (the waist) is not as high as I would like, so I’ll make sure the top stays down. I may also wear a camisole underneath.
I also added 3″ to the length of the shorts to cover my knees. It did not take long to make these adjustments I added the extra inches while cutting the fabric.
What fabric did you use?
I used an African printed fabric known as records because of the shape of records on the fabric. I love this materials, it is fun, vibrant, and so me.
What was the construction process like? Did the instructions make sense to you?
The construction process of this pattern was easy. The instructions were simple to follow and made sense. I did not need to look up anything online or wander off from the instructions, which is a good thing because I am an advanced beginner.
How do you like the pattern’s fit? Do you think the design works well for your particular body shape?
I love the pattern fit. For my body type you will have to make adjustments to get it to be the exact fit. I am a peplum lover and anything peplum I love, even if I have to make adjustments.
Will you make the pattern again? If so, what fit or design changes will you make?
I will make this pattern again with a higher waist. I will also like to make the cropped pants as well.
Do you have any advice on this pattern for other curvy sewers?
The advice that I would give other sewers is this is a fun pattern to make and the end results are cute. If you have hips like me, then use a curved ruler to adjust the pattern. I learned the hard way. It took me about 7 hours to make this outfit from cutting the pattern pieces to my finishing touch.
Pattern Rating: (1 is the lowest score, 5 the highest)
Size Range: 4
Instructions: 5
Construction Process: 5
Final Fit: 4
Overall Rating: 4.5
This a great pattern to add to your collection as a curvy lady. It’s all about figuring out what works for your unique body, and what accentuates your every curve. Sew what makes you feel beautiful and accept nothing less. This pattern does just that for me. It shows off what needs to be seen.
Until next time,
Lyela Belle
You look beautiful in this! I love the look of the shorts with the peplum top – style inspiration!!!!!
Thanks so much for the awesome guidance!
This looks amazing, Ericka! You did such a perfect job fitting this pattern. I have a question, and I hope it doesn’t come off as ignorant, but can white people wear Ankara fabrics? I’ve always admired the dutch wax method and all the beautiful garments that can be made with them, but I’ve seen some hate floating around on the internet in regards to white people wearing these prints. How do you feel about it? There is a small fabric shop near me that specializes in Ankara fabrics and I would love to go, but I don’t want to offend anyone or cause any uncomfortable situations. Thanks for posting such a great review!
Ericka, your outfit is just perfect. The peplum looks great and I love the fabric. Your dialogue helped as well as I like to know how non professional sewist work out fitting issues. Thanks for a great layout.
The outfit is great! Thank you for sharing this. You should be a model on Mimi’s pattern covers! Love the fabric. I recognized the fabric from the emails I get from Vlisco. Did you send your photo to Vlisco? I’m sure they would love to see the fabric made up in a wearable style. Their advertising samples are too exotic for me. This style brings is something I would wear. Now, I am more tempted to put in a fabric order instead of just drooling over the fabric images!
Great outfit! Very nice!
I just bought some gorgeous African wax cotton, and this is a great pattern to showcase it without being too literal. You look fantastic!
Oooooh. Oh my! Just gorgeous on you.
Oh my goodness! I don’t know where to start….. I LOVE your statement you made the outfit to celebrate you. That’s something I need to learn to do in my own life. Thank you for the reminder. The fabric is simply gorgeous, both in color and design and looks fabulous with your coloring. Your execution is very professional, both in finishing and in fit. And last but not least, you look beautiful wearing your outfit, as if you are comfortable and happy. It’s a win all around!
This looks great on you. I like how you evened up your print where the main part of the pattern is under you bust and not right on top. I’m also very busty so I know how important the correct pattern placement is. Good work!
you did such an awesome job on your pattern matching that I thought you were wearing a dress at first! Wonderful job on the fit, it looks amazing!
Fabulous make. Super review. Thanks for sharing this inspiring outfit
Oh how I would love to have that fabric although you look so fabulous I’m not sure I could do it justice. Your workmanship is exquisite. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!
OOOH, that is gorgeous! Also you did an incredible job on making sure the records matched on your legs.
(I never understand the hate that peplums get on the internet. I love them!)
I agree that marriage of pattern and fabric is just perfect! It looks beautiful – like it was made for you 🙂
Lyela – I thought you look quite breathtaking in this outfit!
It’s gorgeous on you, and I would never have dreamt of trying a peplum.
The fabric is beautiful and I would love to try it.
There is an online African Fabric store in the London UK.
They are doing a craft tour in summer and will be visiting my Scots village.
I think I will buy something similar to yours.
Thank you for the review……and The lovely pictures.
gorgeous outfit Ericka
Very cute! And I think your fabric choice is perfection!
You look fantastic in this. My Mum who is tiny and not curvy made a similar dress and I’d have never dreamed something similar would look good on me. I may try this for the summer.