Mimi Goodwin

My Videos: Free Downloads!!!!!

2011-03-10T10:38:00.000-08:00

Go here for downloads and update my blog address if you haven't already, I moved :)

I Updated... Go Look

2011-03-08T20:22:00.001-08:00

Go Look Now :)

New Blog Address

2010-11-28T16:35:00.000-08:00

Hey Guys, Im posting here from now on....follow the link

Focus & Transit at the California Market Center - Simply Mimi

2010-11-19T12:10:00.000-08:00

Check it out :) here

Updates and What Not...

2010-11-18T11:17:00.000-08:00

This has been a really busy year and usually i get to go back in December and view all the wonderful things I made for myself but this year I gots nothin! lol, I mean a few pieces here and there but boy have I neglected my blog :(

I have decided that I am going to spend a bit more time on here, after all you guys have been my support system for so long and always so encouraging it's the least I can do. I am making the hubby take a few shots of the items I have made but have not posted and I am going to start including a few more do-it-yourself projects for those of you who like draping your own patterns etc..

On another note I have started looking for office space (outside of my home) and will be hiring an in house seamstress to handle small manufacturing jobs. I will start selling directly on my website mimi g. (I have changed names from Simply Mimi to Mimi G.) mostly because our dear friend Vera Wang has a new collection "Simply Vera" and well it's too close for my comfort..lol

I also have a new blog at wordpress because blogger is just not working for me anymore, I have moved all my posts over to that blog and this one will stay live so people can find me but the new blog will also include a new "area" where I will talk about my experience starting a clothing label, should be fun.

the new blog address is http://www.mimigoodwin.wordpress.com/ this will be the blog that going forward will be updated frequently ;)

Thanks for your ongoing support and I will post this weekend with pics...that's a promise and if we are not facebook friends what are you waiting for...lol facebook me

xoxo~mimi g.

Proud Mary...LOL Just Dance!

2010-11-07T21:01:00.000-08:00

My daughter thought she could take her old mom on a little Proud Mary Dance Off!! I Think NOT!!!

If you own a wii go buy this game!

Designer Launchpad Runway Show: Video

2010-10-19T14:53:00.000-07:00

So the show has come and gone and boy am I glad because this was exhausting, lol

I am a member of the FBI in Los Angeles (Fashion Business Inc.) they are an amazing organization to belong to. They along with the LA Focus Apparel and Accessories Show began the Designer Launchpad Fashion Show which allows "newbies" a chance to show their collections on the runway.

I was fortunate enough to be selected to participate and let me tell you it is a whirl wind, the show is pretty much put on by the FBI so we have little control over things like models (kinda sucks) Music, etc. but they do a good job considering. I had an amazing time and will write in detail (or maybe video myself talking about it) it's a lot to have to type...lol about everything leading to the moment.

I will say that the moment I guess I had always waited for was the "walk" down the runway and when it came that time I was so overwhelmed with emotion, it was so great! no matter how large or small your opportunity it's an amazing feeling to feel like you are on the right path.

Here is the video, be sure to go to my facebook page for Simply Mimi :)

Simply Mimi

2010-10-01T17:53:00.000-07:00

Hi Guys

Man has this whole thing been a trip, so many little things and then while you are at the peak of craziness you have to start Fall 2011, lol

I wanted to share the website with you, the whole collection is not viewable to the public but you can get a small taste. I'm so excite and will be prepping for the runway next month.

You guys have always been so supportive and I appreciate you all! I have not been in my sewing room in months :( but I plan on taking this Saturday to myself and sewing something..lol

Also, you guys are my biggest audience too so if you own a store, have a friend who owns a store send them to me...lol

www.simplymimi-la.com

update :)

2010-09-10T10:54:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

Im still alive, lol

I just wanted to take a minute to update you guys on the process :)

The look books, line sheets and press kit have all been shipped to the buyers and now we wait..

I have submitted my collection to the Focus Fashion Show here in LA that takes place during market week when all the buyers are in town, let's hope I get in...

I am now working on Fall 2011 and it's crazy busy but very exciting.

It KILLS me that I cant show you guys yet but we all know it has to stay under wraps until selling season is over to avoid any knock offs..lol you know that thing we home sewers do all time :) lol well labels do it too.

I have not had any time for sewing aside then working on possible designs/mock ups so I dont have anything to show you but I will be able to show you sneak peeks and that will happen soon.

Miss you all!!!!

So you wanna be a designer....

2010-07-26T12:30:00.000-07:00

LOL! man this is much harder then people think. I see why people spend $350 on DVF dress cuz if you knew what it takes to make that one dress you would understand..lol

Okay so I know I have been MIA from my blog but this is taking up all my time. I am in the last stretch, final samples will be done this week, line sheets/look books ready in about 10 days, cost sheets (hate this part) is driving me nuts! i mean really how do estimate what your "cost" is if everything is based on quantity (for production) but you dont know that until people actually place orders but i have to give them the "cost" before they order...lol...nuts!

Sourcing fabrics was not as hard since I have so many fabric connections but finding fabrics all in the same color palette, now that was interesting. I am tired but I am so proud of myself for realizing a dream to have a line designed by me. Hell, even if no one buys it..lol I still started and finished :) I think it will do well because my line is fantastic!!!

Not only have I almost reached the finish line I did it under budget..lol well, kinda.

TTYS

I got the skinny on Fabric!!!! MUST READ!!!!

2010-07-16T15:39:00.000-07:00

Okay so I have been busy with the spring 2011 line that I dont blog as much as I should but when something is worth talking about I gotta share. So i am souring fabrics for my line and I have almost everything except for some knits so I have had to hit the ground running to find some really great knits and so recently I found myself a gold mine ;) BTW * the line is amazing, samples are done in two weeks and you guys will be the first to see it.

now on to the fabric god....

We all know that getting Modal Jersey or even 100% Tencel Knit (if you have not sewn with tencel yet you must, its amazing fabric) Knits..really great knits are hard to come by mostly because they are used by big designers and not easily accessible to the public BUT! i found myself a fabric angel..lol

He has incredible modal fabric, silk modals, lightweight, medium weight, bamboo Jerseys, 100% tencel (lyocell)!! (im telling you you need tencel in your life..lol and so much more, he has jersey prints, he showed me some silk linen that was so amazing I think my heart may have stopped beating for a minute.

Okay so I cant give you his name but I can give you an email address for him, he does not have minimums and he is so fair. I told him he needs to get pics of all his fabrics so I can show you guys but he is rather busy and is trying to get it done. He has a few fabrics on ebay(and i mean just few in comparison to what i saw at his place) but if you email him and ask about something he will respond.

Check out his ebay link: http://stores.ebay.com/highendfabrics-organics-more
and his email address is admin@highendfabrics.com

He is a very nice man and please tell him MIMI sent you ;)

PR: B5486 View C

2010-07-10T17:02:00.000-07:00

B5486 View C

Pattern Description: MISSES' DRESS: Fitted (through bust) dresses A, B, C have darts, shoulder straps, raised waistline, slightly flared gathered skirt, back zipper closing. B, C: wrapped front drape with tie ends over darted bodice. C: below ankle length.

Pattern Sizing: I cut size 8

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? They are really easy to follow and its actually rather easy to put together.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the pattern, the style, the length of View C

Fabric Used: Chiffon Print, lined with a very thin knit.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I prob wont make it again because I have so many other patterns but I do recommend it.

Conclusion: I love this dress!!

How to Draft and Sew The Harem Pants

2010-06-29T15:07:00.000-07:00

Okay I got several emails asking me how to make the harem pants so here are three diagrams with instructions etc.

Diagram #1 tells you how to draft the pattern according to your measurments

Diagram #2 shows you the first few sewing steps

Diagram #3 shows you to finish it all up

I am not great at this pattern explanation stuff but I think it's easy to follow. The diagram helps you to see what your pattern piece should look like as you are sewing it together.

*Click to enlarge*

PR: Burda 7524 & M6044

2010-06-29T11:30:00.000-07:00

Father's Day Gift ;)

The pants are Burda 7524

I did not make the babys outfit..lol

The pants are pretty easy to make actually and the pattern instructions are very good.
The shirt pattern is also pretty good but I used my own methods for the collar, I added the tabs and roll up sleeves cuz that is what he wanted.

The Collar

I forgot I was sewing for a man and put the snaps on the wrong side....LMBO!!

So fine!

Self Drafted Harem Pants: Pattern Diagram Below

2010-06-29T11:08:00.000-07:00

I made these in Linen and in a Double Knit, they are great because they hang slightly different depending on the fabric that you use. They are so EASY to make and you can alter them as much as you want. I love them both but I think my favorite is the double knit ones because it almost passes as a long skirt ;) lol

You wouldn't believe how many people stop me about where i got my pants..lol

In Linen

Pattern and Instructions:

PR: B4815 and Self Drafted Pants

2010-06-29T10:56:00.000-07:00

Pattern Description: Vest is B4815 and the pants are Self Drafted

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? well not really, i mean the vest does..lol

Were the instructions easy to follow? The vest was fine I made it before so i didnt read them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? well i love drafting my own pants because its easier to draft them then to make them from a pattern and then fit them to my shape. the vest pattern i remember being easy to follow.

Fabric Used: I used a linen blend

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None to the vest.

Conclusion: I love this outfit, the pants fit like a glove :)

PR: M6112 View A

2010-06-29T10:48:00.000-07:00

Pattern Description: Dresses A, B, C have bodice variations and straight skirt with elastic casing; dress A has front cowl;

Pattern Sizing: I cut a size 4

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? they were pretty simple

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love this pattern, it's easy, fast a really cute.

Fabric Used: I got this border print jersey in paris earlier this month

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I just added the ties in the front that i cut from the border so i could have the color :)

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? dont know but i do recommend it.

Conclusion: I love it and i got a lot of compliments on it.

PR: M6036 View B

2010-06-29T10:33:00.000-07:00

Pattern Description: Misses Tops

Pattern Sizing: I cut the x-small

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? well not exactly..lol

Were the instructions easy to follow? I did not use them

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked the fit of the shirt so I decided to make it longer.

Fabric Used: I found this lace striped jersey which i loved and decided to line it so I didnt look crazy walking down the street wearing see thru lace stripes..lol

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I just added length and made it into a t-shirt dress.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I might make it again and I do recommend it as a t-shirt and dress :)

Conclusion: Love it!

PR: B5489

2010-06-29T10:10:00.001-07:00

Pattern Description: Semi-fitted, sleeveless dresses A, B, C, D have front shoulder gathers, raised front waistline, skirt with front pleats and openings for ties, back casing and ties. A, C: above mid-knee length.

Pattern Sizing: I cut a size 6

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? This pattern is pretty self explanatory, I glanced at them and they seem to be okay.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked the ties and the skirt portion because it skims over your body and then flares a bit, its super comfy to wear.

Fabric Used: Yellow Jersey

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I didn't change anything

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? No not again but I do recommend it.

Conclusion: I like it, it's super cute

I Suck!

2010-06-23T14:53:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys

I'm sorry for being a terrible blogger. I have not updated in a long time and I have tons of pics from Paris! it was a great trip and I had so much fun. I have at least a good 10-12 new garments that I have made and have yet to blog about but now I feel so behind that it seems impossible to catch up...lol

I'll do better but I am overwhelmed.

Ill' talk to you guys soon, btw I update a lot more frequently on my facebook so if you want to see my latest sewn items go there...lol

BTW.....

2010-05-19T11:53:00.000-07:00

Remember when I said I was going on a trip....well.....yay!!!!!!!!!! I cant wait to leave.

PR: S2369 View C and M6109 View C

2010-05-19T10:54:00.000-07:00

Pattern Description: S2369 View C Misses' knit dress in two lengths or tunic and pants sewing pattern.

Pattern Sizing: I cut the smallest size which is an 8 and it feels good but next time I will take in a lil bit.

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? really easy

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the pattern it's a great top.

Fabric Used: Greyish stretch knit

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I used the sleeves from view A

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I am gonna make it one more time and I do recommend it

By the way, the skirt I have on is just a pencil skirt pattern i have used before but I wanted a gold visible zipper all the way down the back so that's what I did :)

Conclusion: Love this pattern, not sure about the dress version but the top I love.

McCall 6109 View C without the pockets

Pattern Sizing: I cut size 4

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? very

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the pattern it's such a cute dress and talk about an instant gratification pattern, sews up fast!

Fabric Used: Jersey

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: none but I should have added length to the bodice but I forgot..lol

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I am gonna make it one more time and I do recommend it

Alright...

2010-05-18T11:41:00.000-07:00

Okay here are four reviews for today, I have three more but I will post them tomorrow if time permits :)

PR: V2091

2010-05-18T11:34:00.000-07:00

V2091 Donna Karen

Pattern Description: Misses dresses

Pattern Sizing: I cut the 6 and it fit like a glove (it has negative ease so that helps)

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? really easy!! it took me an hour...no joke from cut to sew, terribly easy dress.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Love the fit, love the style, love the length

Fabric Used: Jersey

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: none

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? yes and yes

Conclusion: I really love this dress

PR: S2580

2010-05-18T11:09:00.000-07:00

S2580 View D

Pattern Description: Misses dress and gowns

Pattern Sizing: I cut a size 6 and took in about an 1" on each side.

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? so easy, took me just a few hours

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Well the pattern is supposed to be "evening" or "special occasion" but I didnt see that..lol I saw a great maxi dress in the making.

Fabric Used: an amazing Pucci Print (inspired) lol knit I got downtown

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? nah too may other patterns to make.

Conclusion: I really love this dress.