New Designer: Atelier Mimito

Last week we launched a new range of patterns for growing children by Atelier Mimito. Archive's founder Amy asked Laurie Stefanizzi a few questions about her and her functional designs.

Where are you from and where are you now? 

I grew up in France and moved to Australia 13 years ago.

What inspired you to start sewing?

My mum and all the women in my family were into cross-stitching when I was a kid so this was my first introduction to textile craft. My parents got me my first sewing machine at 10 years old. I even had a sewing room just for that. Then as a teenager I really liked up-cycling my own clothes and I used to deconstruct them and construct them again with a twist. I couldn’t buy fabrics so I would use what I had on hand around the house.

[Response from Amy: wow!! I would kill for my own sewing room now. That must have encouraged you to create.]

What is your biggest sewing fail? 

I can’t think of just one, I had so many but the good thing is that you learn from them. I guess the most annoying fail for me is when I waste fabric such as the time I cut a pair of trousers with 2 fronts and 2 backs cut side by side instead of mirrored on a printed fabric and I didn’t have enough fabric to cut it again. From then on I make sure to carefully plan before I cut.

[Response from Amy: I think every sewer has been in that position at some point!! You're right, we do learn from them. That's why I like to ask this question. I really struggled with mistake making when I first started but it's all part of the process.]

What was the first garment you made that you felt really proud of? 

I am such a perfectionist that I always find something I could have done better and I also found that when I sew for others I usually am very happy with it such as the 3 piece suits I made for my boys to wear at my brother’s wedding earlier this year. It’s such a shame that it was too hot they only got to wear the shirt!

[Response from Amy: We sound so much a like. I too am a perfectionist but I think it helps us accelerate our learning as we just keep improving. The 3 piece set must be soooo cute!]

What sort of garments does Atelier Mimito feature? And why these items? 

I started Atelier MIMITO for myself before turning it into a business. I used to buy all sorts of sewing patterns to sew clothes for my kids and every time I looked in my patterns stash I found nothing inspiring  so I always ended up buying more patterns.

As a Minimalist I dreamed of a small capsule collection of sewing patterns that were both essential and timeless that I could easily adapt to the child I’m sewing for. So that is what I did with Atelier MIMITO. I design each pattern making sure it is needed and that the style will last in time.

You will not see 10 different tops or dresses on Atelier MIMITO but only a cohesive collection of pieces that complement each other to create a complete wardrobe.

[Response from Amy: You've done such a great job at this; with your patterns being unisex and having lots of different options. I feel purchasing 1 of you patterns; it would really get used over and over again.]

What’s your all-time favorite fabric? 

1000% linen. It’s such a precious fabric I just love it and collect all the colours I can find !

What are you sewing right now?

I’m actually sewing a wall hanging using all my linen scraps to make room for new linen!

[Response from Amy: I can't wait to see this, please post it on instagram when it's done.]

What’s next for Atelier Mimito? 

A kid's jumpsuit is coming next along with a couple more designs and I also plan on offering my patterns on paper in the future which I am really excited about but it is a long process and I want to get it right so I am taking my time on this one.

[Response from Amy: Exiting! I'm so stoked to have you a part of the Archive catalogue.]