From the moment I laid eyes on the first sew sister on Friday afternoon, until I walked out to my car to return home on Sunday afternoon, it was shear bliss. When we saw each other we screamed, ran, laughed, hugged, held hands and all those things that happen when you finally get to meet someone you care about, for the first time.
On Friday night there was a fashion show, where some of the sisters modeled outfits they made using Mimi G Simplicity patterns and her DIY tutorials. Four winners were chosen and the grand prize was a Babylock Serger. The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place winners received cash prizes. Congratulations to all the winners and participants for a job well done. The fashion show was a BLAST! The ladies did a wonderful job with their outfits, and we all cheered them on as they walked the runway.
On Saturday, we attended three different class sessions. We learned about pattern alterations, different finishes used to create garments that look good on the inside, and Mimi taught us how to make a skirt sloper. Then on Sunday we were blessed with even more information in the morning session, where we learned about branding, budgeting, and legal protection for business owners.
After the Sunday morning session, we were all transported by bus to Michael Levine’s Fabric Store in Downtown Los Angeles for a shopping trip. We shopped and shopped, and shopped some more. Michael Levine’s provided lunch for us, which I never made it to because I was too busy shopping. Who needs to eat when you’re surrounded by fabric heaven, right? Since I live in the area I didn’t have to do much shopping because I can visit anytime, but you would have thought this was my first time there. I just wanted to shop with the sisters, that’s all.
When we returned to the hotel after shopping, Mimi held a drawing to give away some awesome gifts that her sponsors donated. The grand prize was another serger from Babylock! Then we all said our goodbyes, and it was over. None of us wanted it to end, but we parted saying, “Until next year!”
What I Wore
I wanted to dress up for the fashion show, so I purchased my fabric to make a gorgeous dress, but waited until the last minute to start. In the meantime I was working on this cute 2-piece for about a week and finished it about 3 days before the conference. I have this thing about starting new projects before finishing what I’m working on. I don’t like doing that, even in this case, so I HAD to finish this outfit before starting what was to be my fashion show attire. After trying it on, I decided to wear it instead, because I just didn’t have time to make another outfit. I absolutely love this one, and the best part is I already had the pattern and fabric in my stash. I’m a really big fan of Cynthia Rowley’s designs, and this is my first time sewing a peplum top. I was not too fond of peplums before because I didn’t think they would look flattering on my body. I was wrong! I think it looks great, and I can actually see something like this on the racks at Nordstrom, Dilliard’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, or similar department stores. My favorite part of this top is the squared off front v-neckline. I also love the contrasting bias binding at the hem of both pieces. I think it gives a high-end, designer look. The top is partially lined, which adds to the quality of the garment. I accessorized with my pearls to glam it up. I wasn’t sure which pair of shoes to wear with it at first, off-white or mustard, so I tried it on with both. I ended up wearing the off-white shoes to the fashion show. My son liked the mustard shoes better, so I posted a picture of those with the dress at the end of the post. In the end, this outfit made me feel glamorous and it was a comfortable wear.
Create the Look
- Pattern = Simplicity 1104 by Cynthia Rowley (Views B & C)
- Main Fabric = Printed Medium Weight Knit (from my stash) = I don’t remember where I purchased it from.
- Bias Binding = Solid Medium Weight Knit (from my stash)
Thanks for stopping by!
Remember: When you live in your DESIGN, it is from there that God SHINES!
Anita
All Photos Courtesy of CEMO!
The outfit is sharp. I love your style in patterns. The clothes you make from the patterns you choose is awesome. I have been searching for a Peplum top for the longest. I could never find one I like. Now, you just posted not only a pattern with the top but the skirt to. I am going to get this pattern, and make the outfit. Thank you Anita. I am enjoying my new Serger.
Hi Sheila! Don’ you just love this peplum! The cut on the neckline is just too cute. Thanks so much for your compliments and enjoy sewing your peplum. Yes, I love my serger too.
Hi, I just discovered you on YouTube! wow! Thank you for going slow and showing detail. I sure need it…do you have a tutorial that details how to put in a zipper on a dress…that is my challenge. Also the fabric you have with the white edge, I have the same in a shift dress. I love it!! I was supper excited to see someone else with it.
Hi Rae! I don’t have a separate video for installing zippers but I will soon. Stay tuned!
Glad that you had a wonderful time and thank you for sharing the event. You look very pretty and your outfit is awesome.
Thanks Ursula!
Sounds like a great time. Love the outfits.
Thanks Kathryn!
Absolutely stunning! Agree with your son about the shoes! Thanks so much for sharing your gift.
Thanks Jackie!
The pictures don’t do this outfit any justice. It was gorgeous in person. It was so nice meeting you. I was the one who told you I prayed for your son. God definitely shines through you. You have such a warm and inviting personality.
Ooooh Chaka! Yes, yes, I remember you!!! I wanted to just melt when you told me you prayed for my son. Thank you again, so much! That means more to me than anything! I really appreciate you, my sister. I hope I get to see you again next year.
Omg girl! I loooooove this outfit. I have this pattern as well and have been dying to try it. I’m still in the newbie category because I that haven’t sewn many items as of yet. It would be awesome if you could do a tutorial on that top. I am also going to make sure that me and my mini don’t miss next year. Thanks for sharing sew sister.
Hi Dorothy! Thank you! That’s so awesome that you’re taking your daughter to conference next year. There was a 10 year old there this year, and she was amazing. It was so nice to see her among the women, learning her craft.
Sista you are absolutely stunning!
Thanks Teresa!
Good Day Anita – awesome work on that outfit. I agree with the son – I to like the mustered shoes but they both look great either way 🙂 God willing, I hope to make to the conference to meet both of you talented women and by than I hope that my sewing skills are advance enough to rock my own outfit!! Peace!
Hi Mirline! Thank you so much! I sure hope you can make it next year, because it’s an experience you’ll really appreciate! Keep sewing and you will get better by the project. Peace!
Anita.
With your talents, many doors of opportunities are going to open for you my sister. It won’t be long before you will be sharing with us that one or two or all of the major pattern companies are going to want to work with you and you will be hosting your own sewing conferences and conventions.
I see you in the future and you look better. God is up to something, so get ready for the shift.
I hope to make it to the conference next year and to meet you.
Be blessed my sister.
Wow, Sherry! Thank you for the blessing, and I receive whatever God has for me.
I hope you make it to the conference next year also. I would love to meet you.
You be blessed too!
Stunning as always. I didn’t attend but watched the fashion show via Periscope. I saw you in the crowd when Mimi pointed to you and asked why weren’t you in the show. I wondered the same. I was hoping you would show this outfit on your blog. Thank you for sharing your gift with us via your tutorials. May God continue to bless you and all of your endeavors.
LOL! Mimi called me out! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the tutorials. I receive the blessing and send one right back to you, my sister.
I didn’t get to meet you at the conference but just wanted to let you know that I am a HUGE fan!! You are as eloquent and gorgeous in person as in every one of your fantastic posts. Looking forward to what’s to come from you and can’t wait to see you at next year’s conference!!
Shoot, Tiffany, I wish I could have met you. Thank you so much! We must make contact next year.
Absolutely beautiful – you do impeccable work. I love your print.
Thanks Pam!
Anita, WOW, I didn’t see this one at the conference!
Simply stunning and the binding trim was genius!
Really elevates the look into a “high end designer” look!
You look amazing in this outfit! I can’t wait until we meet again next year!
It was fun shopping with you at Michael Levine’s,
Holding each other’s place in the cutting table line so we could shop and wait in line at the same time!!!
How smart were we??!!
Karrrreeeeennnnn!!!! Hi, my beautiful new sew sister! It was so nice to meet you! You are such a classy lady. I washed all my fabric and was telling my husband how I asked you to pass that gorgeous bamboo knit to me after you got your cut from the bolt. OMGosh, I can’t wait to make something gorgeous with it. Yes, we were pretty smart ladies in ML. Have a great evening!
This is absolutely beautiful!
Thanks LeJanaro!
Lady Anita,
You look absolutely stunning and most awesomely gorgeous! I too love your style. The minute I saw you on patternreview, I said..now she has presence! Keep your Godly presence!
Cleopatra, thank you so much! Yes, ma’am, keeping Him lifted up.
Lovely lady and lovely outfit. It was a pleasure meeting you in person. Blessings to you.
Thank you Bethel! It was nice meeting you too. It was the best weekend!
Love the outfit! It is very chic but looks comfortable. I hope to one day make it to the Mimi G conference, one of these days. 🙂
Thank you Roxanne! I’m hoping you’ll be able to attend in the future. You’ll love it!
Love this outfit!!! Both shoes are cutr but I believe you chose the right color…awesome job!! My plans are to be at the conference next year, I love Mimi G!!
Thanks Arlita! I will look forward to meeting you at the conference next year. I love her too!
OMG! This is what happens when you are in the fashion show… You miss seeing your favorite inspiration’s outfit! I LOVE IT!!… Gorgeous!!!!…. I have this pattern as well, and can’t wait to make it now!….. And yes, we had the time of our lives at the conference! It far exceeded ALL my expectations!… Such great fellowship with my fellow sew sisters. One of the highlights, was finally meeting you!! It was surreal….. Can’t wait to do it again next year..
Paulette, my beautiful sister! Ooooh, I had the time of my life hanging out with you! I want to relive the entire weekend because it was so wonderful. I can’t WAIT to see you again next year. You looked great in the fashion show and did a wonderful job on the runway. I’m glad you did it!
Beautiful! Did you raise the neckline or is that it’s normal depth?
Thanks Tasha! I didn’t make any alterations to the pattern. This is how it turned out. I was a bit concerned that it would be too low but I’m pleased with the outcome. It looks lower on the model on the envelope.
Ms. Anita it was so amazing meeting you!! You have such beautiful spirit! And I can’t wait to meet you again next year!!! Your outfit was gorgeous too!!!
Hey Brittany! It was my pleasure to meet you too. Thank you so much!
Thanks for sharing. Prayerfully I can make it one year. I’m apart of the group as well. You outfit was superb!!!!
Thank you Shawn! Yes, I pray that you will be able to make it also.
Love the trim beautiful outfit
Thanks Elizabeth!
Anita, you did it again! That is so beautiful and very flattering on you! I love the mustard shoes as well but the ones you wore really completes the outfit. It gives the outfit a more continuous flow. Keep up the fabulous work!
Thank you Yvette!
Beautiful!!!!! I saw your beautiful face at the fashion show on Periscope.
Thanks Monica!
Beyond stunning! You are the total package…talent, beauty, and class. With the help of your superb tutorials, I hope to one day become a fraction of the seamstress you are. Thank you for sharing.
Oh Marilyn! You’re making me blush now! Thank you so much!
great outfit I like the mustard shoes
Thanks Ann!
You are so beautiful and yes, that style is awesome on you!
Thanks Laurie!
Hi Anita.
As always, you look beautiful, chic and very classy. I love, love, love your style. Hope you are enjoying your down time and I can’t wait for your next tutorials and sewing lessons.
Be blessed my sister.
P.S. – your make-up and hair are always on point. : )
Hey Sherry! Thank you so much sister!
Lovely outfit!
Thanks Lillian!
Gorgeous outfit!! It sounds like you had a great time at the conference. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Thanks Darlene!
Love, Love the outfit it really looks good, one day I hope to go to the Mimi G conference.
Thanks Angela! I hope you will be able to go also. You will LOVE it!