Stash Chats – Episode 19: Jaire and Mia @mimiquins

What a pleasure to chat with Jaire and Mia, founders of Mimiquins, the company which gives sewists the opportunity to work with a custom dressform which is a perfect replica of their body. It was so interesting to hear about how they’ve been able to help people on their body positivity journey with their kind and inclusive approach to business.

Here are some highlights from my conversation with Jaire and Mia:

Mia has sewn her whole life, and remembers there always being sewing happening throughout her childhood. Her family were always supportive of her creativty – even when her mum found holes in the shape of Barbie clothes cut out of her best sheets! Jaire’s sewing journey started more recently, when she met Mia after moving to the UK from Spain. Mia’s love of sewing is infectious, so she showed Jaire how to sew. It was wonderful to hear how Mia and Jaire’s friendship has not only brought a love of sewing to Jaire, but also to Jaire’s kids, bringing them creativity and confidence.

The idea for Mimiquins was born from frustration – Mia has owned many generic dressforms over the years but found that although the measurements were correct, the shape was still not accurate to her own. This meant that they weren’t helpful for the fitting process. So Mia and Jaire teamed up to create custom dress forms directly based on the sewist’s individual figure.

So, how does the Mimiquins process work? Step one is a 3D scan of your body, which takes less than a minute. It’s important to stand with a good posture – the girls recommend you imagine you’re holding yourself for a photo where you want to look your best self. Next, adjustments can be made to the digital 3D model – for example millimetres of bra padding can be removed for sewists that want a precise fit for their lingerie projects. The dressform can then be produced. It is made up of three layers – cardboard, interfacing and a bamboo jersey cover. The dressform is then sent in the post and you have your body double sewing assistant at the ready!

Inclusivity is at the core of Mimiquins. Mia and Jaire are currently in the process of developing their first seated dress form for @thewheeliestitcher

Previous Stash Chats guest Lauren was very enthusiastic about her own Mimiquin. The dress form is so accurate it even incorporates Lauren’s prominent collarbones! Lauren said the Mimiquin has ‘transformed the fitting process’ for her sway back.

Next episode I’ll be speaking to sewing YouTuber Rachel @StitchedUp. Rachel has spent the last 10 years curating an incredible sewing stash. She has recently embarked on a massive destashing journey, so I’ll be asking her about how she found the process.

Season 2 of Stash Chats is being streamed live on our YouTube channel, every Wednesday at 8pm. Follow us on Instagram for updates about future guests.