2017 marked the beginning of my second year of REAL sewing, lol. My mom taught me to sew as a kid, but I didn’t REALLY begin to sew until 2016. Someone that I grew to admire and follow was Mimi G. I loved her style and was subscribed to her YouTube channel. So of course, I would love her patterns, right? So beginning of January I decided to go to her annual Conference in LA. I wanted to challenge myself and create something that I could make and wear in her annual fashion show. So I did! I got started on it a little late and had to rush a bit because it took me longer to sew than I had planned (work, kids…LIFE).
Mimi G Style – Jacket and Shorts
Pattern Name: Simplicity MimiG Style pattern 1167
Pattern Description
I chose Simplicity MimiG Style pattern 1167. It is an elbow length jacket with either pants or shorts. It also comes with a pattern for a knit top. I decided to make shorts since I would be wearing it in LA.
Simplicity 1167 – Mimi G Style Jacket and Shorts
Pattern Sizing
The pattern is available in Simplicity sizes 6-24 (up to a 46″ / 117 cm bust and 48″ / 123 cm hip). Based on my measurements, which were 38″ (96.5 cm) Bust, 33″ (84 cm) Waist, and 42″ (107 cm) Hips, I went with the size 14. I did not make any adjustments and just winged it. Plus, I was in a rush!
Fabric Used
I had my eyeballs on this lovely floral denim I had spotted at Joann Fabrics on my past couple of shopping trips there. So, I decided to make the suit in denim and bought the fabric.
Stretch denim fabric from JoAnn’s
Pattern Instructions and Construction
The pattern instructions were pretty clear. Although, she does have a tutorial for this pattern on her YouTube channel. If you don’t understand something, then you can go to the tutorial and see her doing it, so that is a big help. Construction went smoothly. I just had to take in the shorts because they were too big in the waist. I took them in to the best of my ability, lol. They were still a little too big in the waist but I was down to the last minute before I left for LA, so I had to leave them as is! I do wish they were a little higher in the waist, so that will be an adjustment to make the next time I do the pants/shorts. My thighs are juicy, so they fit really well in that area. Also, my jacket was too big! So I really could have cut the size 12 for the jacket. I was going to attempt to take it in but I wasn’t sure how and I didn’t want to mess it up so I left it as is. THEN I made my button hole too far over. So I just left the jacket open during the show, lol.
The jacket did not have a lining but it does have some facings. One is in the upper back portion of the jacket. It says to interface it but since I had denim I decided not to. Which, I probably should have bought a lighter weight fabric for the facings because the denim made the back facing a little stiff. There is a lining that goes into the sleeves but I chose to leave that out. I also cuffed my sleeves a little shorter than what the pattern design is and I did the cuff on the shorts the same to match. I have made pants before so they were the easiest part for me, with exception to the fit. I have made a few Mimi G patterns and I’ve noticed that she does design with curves in mind. Her sizes go from small to plus size. She has every woman in mind. That’s probably why I prefer her patterns. One thing though, there are usually a lot of pattern pieces. Lol.
Mimi G Jacket and Shorts
Overall, I was pretty happy with it. I thought it turned out really pretty. My look didn’t win but I got many complements. That was more than enough because it really boosted my confidence and I had a great time at the conference. I actually have this pattern out to make again! It was a great learning experience.
Size Range- 5
Instructions – 5
Construction Process – 5
Final Fit – 3
Overall Rating (4) – I gave it this rating because I really love the design, and it wasn’t difficult to make. It also comes with a tutorial. The jacket design and shorts/pants are really cute and comfortable. The shorts fit my thighs! I often have difficulty find pants/shorts that fit my thighs. I wish the patterns could explain the garment measurements more clearly; this is what I’m not understanding. I chose what I thought was the right size and the jacket and shorts still needed a lot of adjustments.
I had the exact same issue! I ended up taking 1/2″ out of both outer and inner pant seams and down sizing the entire waist. I noticed that the finished dimensions make clothes that are much bigger than your measurements. I suggest using a size smaller than the pattern says. And I have all dat a$$…
It fit great everywhere but the waist,lol.
I had the exact same issue! I ended up taking 1/2″ out of both outer and inner pant seams and down sizing the entire waist. I noticed that the finished dimensions make clothes thar are much bigger than your measurements. I suggest using a size smaller than the pattern says. And I have all dat a$$…
Dear Mr. Schneider, Thank you for another wonderful and highly informative article. The quality of the information and the quality of the presentation of the information leave me with a hunger for more. Could you please help me with a few questions I have on the topic that was covered? 1. What is/are the acceptable colour/colours for formal ascots? I am under the impression that the only acceptable colours are solid silver or silver as the dominant colour, but I may be wrong. 2. Is it acceptable to wear a formal ascot with a Stresemann or a stroller suit, or is it only acceptable for morning suits? 3. The shirt to be worn with formal ascots has to have a wing collar, but should it have a pleated or a plain front? Because of the formality of the attire, it would make sense that french cuffs are essential, but are button cuffs and convertible cuffs permissible? Thank you for your time. I am looking forward to more of your excellent articles and videos. Yours sincerely, William
Great fabric choice–it totally makes the outfit! Sometimes Jo-Ann has real gems hiding out on the shelves; I may need to go see if there’s any of this left. 😉 I am not at all surprised that you got tons of compliments on your suit at the conference: it’s a great take on that pattern for sure!
Also, hello from another Columbus-ite! <3
I think they still have it.
Hello and thank you!😊
Your outfit looks fabulous – well done!
I follow Mimi G on Instagram. She is an inspiration and I always wanted to try one of her creations but then I thought “way too tight for me”.
You look absolutely stunning in your outfit, it looks comfy yet very classy, it fits you very well and is not too tight. I LOVE the fabric. Very well done, and after reading your review I just might sew something based on a Mimi G pattern for myself. Thank you very much!
She does design a lot of fitted pieces but she’s got some that are quite opposite to that. You should try one. Yes, I like to keep it classy too. I think they are still selling this fabric at Joann’s. They also have the same print but in a knit.
Thank you!
Great fabric choice and great pattern for you! I love that you jumped in and did it – lots of folks (me, included) would be too scared to try to make a jacket and shorts because of the adjustments needed. You are a brave soul and look where it got you – a cute outfit and major learning experience.
I wanted to challenge myself. Plus I just love jackets and pants. Lol
Thanks!
Can you say what additional adjustments you needed to make in both items? Do you normally wear the size you chose to sew? I do like your fabric, and denim was the perfect weight fabric for both items. It looks really nice, so keep going! I’ll be interested in seeing more!
I had to make an adjustment to the waist. The shorts turned out too big so I pinched the excess fabric in the back and marked it. Then (since I’m VERY inexperienced with alterations,lol) I literally just took a marking pen and drew a new line to sew down the back and sewed it. Through the waist band and everything,lol. It fit much better but the back waist band now dips down into a small “V”. LOL. At the conference I took an alterations class and learned what I did wrong. So this next pair is about to be amazing! 😉
The jacket was big in the waist and back mainly. I didn’t alter it at all. So I just plan to cut the size 12 and create a muslin first so I can get the right fit. I normally wear a size 8-10 but in the pattern world that’s been working out to be a 14 for pants. I’m still playing around with tops. However, I made a maxi last year and used a 12 for the top and a 14 for the bottom.
Really lovely outfit and great fabric choice!
Thank you!
You did such a great job. The issue with measurements not giving the right fit, is probably NOT you. Stretch fabric will make a big difference though. I wish we could get lovely denims like this in Western Australia. I agree with others that your choice of fabric has taken your outfit to the next level.
I’m still learning about fabric and what type is good for each project, how it moves, etc. I just have not gotten the fit perfect on anything just yet. Lol. I really want to practice drafting my own. So that will come soon. I wonder if Joann has this to order from their website? You should check. Thank You for your comment!😉
Very cute! You did a great job!
Thanks!😉
I just love your fabric choice and the whole thing is adorable!
I REALLY love this fabric too.😍
Thank you!
I love that this is fabric I can find locally and use 40% coupon. It’s difficult for me to buy fabric online when the prices are higher than I’m used to and I can’t touch and see it! I also like that made a Big 4 pattern. When I can buy them for $2 and they are ready to go – no printing/taping, it makes life easier as well.
Overall, the jacket and shorts look really nice! Great job!
Thanks!
That is something great about Joann’s. Local and they always have it on sale or a coupon you can use! I only buy patterns when they’re on sale,lol. I don’t have a lot to spend and I’m still learning. I actually just found some good deals online at Fabric Mart. I bought some sale fabrics at $3.99 per yard. My first order was good except for 1 thing. It’s kind of ugly but it was cheap,lol. I figure I can make a muslin with it. I just ordered again so hopefully I’ll like those fabrics as well.
Really like the fabric you chose, suits the pattern. If you have a problem sizing trouser/shorts patterns in the thigh area there are a number of YouTube videos showing you how to work out the right measurements. Very simply, the thigh measurement (both back and front pieces together) should equal 1/2 hip round plus ease – anything from 2″ for fitted to 5″ for palazzo – plus seaming allowance. In my case for example I use 14″ for the front pattern piece and 16″ for the back pattern piece (for 55″ hips and chunky thighs) plus 1″ seam allowance for a good fit that isn’t tight. Knowing the rough measurements you need means you can measure the ready made pattern pieces to work out the best fit for your hips/thighs/knees region.
I never thought to do that, but I’m going to try it! Also, maybe a muslin first? Lol. I keep learning the hard way about not making a muslin. Thanks!
That fabric is a great choice for this outfit and you look great in it. Thanks for the comprehensive write up.. Regarding alterations, there may be some you always have to do.. For me, it’s narrow the shoulders, change the shoulder slope and increase the back crotch curve. After that, it varies by designer. You are smart to rely on a designer who gets your curves.
Yes, I just love Mimi for that reason. She completely gets it,lol. I still have so much to learn about alterations.
Thanks!
That looks great! And I think we are pretty much the same size, so I wanna follow everything you make! Lol.
Yay!!!!! Thanks for your support! You can check out my YouTube channel and/or my IG @ag915. I haven’t been sewing much lately but I have a lot planned to start making soon.
Thanks again😉
Beautiful job!. Your choice of fabric really lifts this make from ordinary to extraordinary!
Thank you!
I think no matter what pattern you choose – pants and jackets in a stretch denim will always need lots of adjustments 🙂 Love your outfit! That fabric is gorgeous and just the right look for the outfit.
I Iove this!!!!!
Thank you!