Dearest Mimi has been misbehaving… Or maybe I have? In any case, I feel I ended up with a below par creation and in this post, I’m naming and shaming (mostly myself). Any advice to help Mimi get back into my good graces is very welcome. We are of course talking about the Mimi blouse from Love at First Stitch by Tilly Walness.
Let me start by saying I absolutely love this book, and I’ve already recommended it to so many people, as well as buying it as a gift for some of my newbie sewing friends. The copy I got for myself was specially purchased for this pattern, I really really loved the collar. Plus, I was a match made in heaven with this fabric, a green with navy polka dot chiffon.
So what’s wrong with my Mimi? My main problem came from the front yoke gathers, which twisted and flounced in the most awkward way, so much so that I ended up unpicking them (about 4 times) and removing about 4 cm from the armhole side of the front of the blouse, as well as scooping the armhole a bit. This solved the problem of sorts, but not completely. It might also be because the fabric is quite floppy. I’ve seen Mimi made out of crispier fabric and it looks better. So, is this how it’s meant to be and am I just being silly?
My second problem is the unequal collar, somehow when I put in the buttonholes, sewed the buttons in, and buttoned it up, the edge of the front came up closer to the collar on the left side than the right side. I was pretty sure I respected the notches on the pattern, but clearly not… Has anyone had this problem as well?
However, it’s not all bad. The collar shape, I do believe it’s called a Chelsea collar, I absolutely love! And I love the fabric, though it does crinkle quite a lot more than I thought. It does go rather well with both jeans and my work high-waist trousers, so dressing both up or down.
Anyways, I’m in two minds whether to try another Mimi. I still have some of this fabric left over, so might give it another shot once I figured out how to iron out these little niggles. Maybe even the pussy bow version Tilly just posted recently.
The technical details:
Pattern: Mimi blouse from Love at First Stitch book by Tilly Walnes.
Fabric: Polyester chiffon from Abakhan
Notions: 6 x 0,5 cm buttons from Abakhan; fusible interfacing
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ANY MIMI-LIKE STORIES OF YOUR OWN? TELL ME IN COMMENTS.
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Hello, I had real problems with my Mimi blouse too. I adore the pattern and there are so many gorgeous versions out there but somehow this blouse just isn’t me. I had such problems that I set it aside, although I did finish it. I wrote about it a while back on my blog thestylishstitcher.blogspot.co.uk. Sadly Mimi languishes in my wardrobe unworn. I like your version though x
Author
Thank you! I’ve already worn mine, in spite of the issues, and it sort of annoyed me, but as we sewers know, usually nobody notices the mistakes until we point them out… Luckily I love the colour, so might stick to it for a while. But it was so close to not being finished, my fiance pushed me to get it done in the end.
Btw, I couldn’t find Mimi on your blog, is it in My Makes or somewhere else?
Yes we are our own harshest critics! Glad you’ve worn yours, maybe I should give mine another go. You can find it here if you are interested:
http://thestylishstitcher.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/polka-dot-mimi-blouse.html
Author
Wow, your looks awesome! I really like it and it seems to have avoided all the construction issues on mine! Well done!!
I really like it on you!I didn’t notice the centre front until you pointed it out! The colour is fab and the collar shape really suits you. I know from experience that poly chiffon is a b#!?! to gather… It just bounces around and poofs out. Sometimes a light pressing can control the gathers, but your solution in taking out some extra fabric was the better way to go I think 🙂
Author
Thanks Chris! That’s why I love our sewing community so much! People are so helpful!!
I’ve made 1 mimi which is fine for work but has some issues. I’ve just cut out a second though to tackle these issues. For me it’s too short and stops too abruptly – I’ve lengthened the front and back and attempting a dipped hem at back. We’ll see how it goes!
Author
Ouuh, would love to see it soon! Btw, loved the grey blazer!!
It does look gorgeous in spite of all the little problems! I think sewing always involves some challenge to overcome and some unpicking… But so worth it!!
Author
Thank you! But I have to say, there was a lot of unpicking :). But you’re right, a challenge is never amiss when sewing 🙂
Alex…..YOU NEED A BOW STYLE TOO!!! Definitely!!!!
Author
Ha ha, you would say that, wouldn’t you, oh Queen of Bows :)!
Yep! 💝💝💝
I should do that bow tutorial I never get round to! 🎀🎀🎀