Wardrobe Architect Challenge 2015 : January Week 3

Worksheet 3

The entire series covers Designing and Building Thoughtful Attire. The third weekly challenge discusses Exploring Shapes. The challenge is to determine what shapes make you feel comfortable and happy, and which feel foreign and wrong for you.

This worksheet isn't a series of questions as the first two were. This on is a matrix of various elements that might effect various garments. The challenge asked us to rate them 0-10. 0 being you hate wearing that type of shape. 10 means you feel happiest in this shape. 5 means neutral.

Since I can't copy and paste the matrix here. I'll give a brief summary of my selections.

For Ease

I prefer pants, dresses, and jackets/blazers to be somewhat fitted.

I like my tops/blouses and cardigans to be very fitted.

I prefer my outwear to be somewhat loose.

I do not prefer for any of my clothing to be very loose.

For Length

I prefer my skirts to be knee length, with midi length coming in second.

I prefer my dresses the same way, knee length with midi length coming in next.

For both dresses and skirts, I am neutral regarding maxi length.

I like my pants maxi length obviously, but don't mind midi length for capri pants.

I prefer knee length or mid-thigh length for shorts.

I do not like mini length in anything.

Tops & blouses, jackets & blazers, cardigans and outerwear I prefer above the hip length.

I do not like cropped or midriff length for any garment worn on the top half of my body.

For Fullness

I like my skirts and dresses either very full (circle) or somewhat full (gored).

The next choice for fullness would be very fitted (pencil) skirts and dresses and then A-Line.

I am neutral to straight skirts and dresses. I feel they lack definition.

For Waistline

I prefer a mid. natural waistline for skirts, dresses, and pants.

I also like a high waistline for skirts, dresses and pants.

A low or dropped waistline is nice on some dresses, but I am neutral to it on skirts or pants.

I do not like dresses with no waistline.

For my outerwear, I prefer and mid. natural waistline and then a low or dropped waistline.

I am neutral about a high waistline on outerwear.

I do not like outerwear with no waistline at all.

For Necklines

(I'm just going to list them with the number I chose. Remember the scale is 0-10)

Sweetheart - 10     Halter - 10

U-Neck - 9     Square - 9

V-Neck - 8     Boat-neck - 8     Cowl - 8

Scoop - 7     Off Shoulder - 7

Jewel - 5     Spaghetti Strap - 5

Turtleneck - 3     Strapless - 3

For Sleeves

Cap Sleeve - 10     Short Sleeve - 10     Above-Elbow Sleeve - 10    Three-quarter Length Sleeve - 10

Full Length Sleeve - 8

Sleeveless - 5     Spaghetti Strap - 5

So in summary, my favorite shapes are; 

somewhat or very fitted, knee or midi length, very full, somewhat full, or very fitted skirts and dresses with a mid. natural or high waistline

somewhat or very fitted, maxi or midi length pants/capri pants, knee to mid-thigh length shorts with a mid. natural or high waistline.

very fitted or somewhat fitted tops & blouses, jackets & blazers and cardigans, with an above the hip length.

somewhat loose or somewhat fitted outerwear, with an above the hip length, and a mid. natural waistline.

Sweetheart and Halter, U-Neck and Square necklines.

Cap, Short, Above Elbow and Three-Quarter Length sleeves.

So... that sums it up. My favorite shapes ladies and gentlemen.

Thanks for following along so far.

Wardrobe Architect Challenge 2015 : January Week 2

Worksheet 2

The entire series covers Designing and Building Thoughtful Attire. The second weekly challenge discusses Defining a Core Style. The challenge is to uncover the styles that make you feel like yourself.

When you are wearing your favorite clothing, how do you feel (e.g. confident, sexy, poised, powerful, etc)?

I feel confident and strong when I wear my favorite clothes. I feel empowered and sexy, special, polished and refined.

When you're wearing something that is not quite right, how do you feel? What are the feelings you want to avoid about the clothes you wear?

I feel frumpy when something is not quite right. I don't want to feel dowdy or unflattering. I want to avoid feeling unfinished or half assed. :)

Who do you consider to be your style icons? What is it about them that appeals to you?

My style icons are Dita Von Teese, Jackie Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn, and Bettie Page. They appeal to me because they are the epitome of being sexy with class and charm. They are classy and refined, sophisticated beauty.

What are some words that describe styles that you like in theory, but are not quite you?

I adore the flowing blousy bohemian style. However, it just makes me look bigger and rounder than I actually am. I adore 1920's fashion also, but the rectangular clothes make me feel more rectangular than I am.

Look over your answers from last week on history, philosophy, culture, community, activities, location, and body. List at least 15 words that you associate with your answers. Think about descriptive words, moods, and feelings you associate with these things.

classy     vintage     stand-out

sophisticated     dressy     trendsetter

charming     business casual     comfortable

refined      oddball     polished

modest     demure     ladylike

alluring     classic     mom

different

What other words would you like to add to this list? What other words describe your core style?

sexy     fun     young

fresh     vibrant

Look over the answers to all of the questions above. If you had to narrow your list to only 3-5 words to describe you, which words would you choose?

classy     vibrant     demure

polished     different

Visual Exercise: Collect 15-20 images that represent these 3-5 words for you. 

Wardrobe Architect Challenge 2015 : January Week 1

So I had planned to get this post out before the end of January but that deadline blew right past me. So instead, you're getting my update now! 

I want to share January's #WAChallenge2015 assignments and my answers. I've also been working on putting a list together of Indie Patterns I'd love to try out, cost permitting of course, and also going through some of the patterns I have at home that will work for creating my capsule wardrobe. 

On to the assignments!

Worksheet 1

The entire series coveres Designing and Building Thoughtful Attire. The first weekly challenge discusses Making Style More Personal. The challenge is to look deeper into why we wear what we wear.

The first is History: How has your personal history informed the way you dress? When did you tastes crystallize? Have they changed over the years, and why?

My tastes have changed extensively over the years. I've tried just about every social "style" group. From Ropers and western wear, to punk, goth and athletic casual... if that is even a thing. I can't really pinpoint a time when my style or tastes formed into something concrete but it has certainly become more evident as I'm getting older and now have children of my own, that my style and taste have settled in the comfy classy section.

Philosophy: How does your philosophy, spirituality, or religion affect your aesthetics and buying habits? Or, what aspects of those things would you like to see reflected?

I don't believe that spirituality or religion affect my style at all as I am not particularly religious. I do feel however that my personal philosophy plays a huge role. Personally I feel that there is something to be said for modesty. I'm not saying that every inch of skin has to be covered at all times, but I certainly feel that some things are better kept to the imagination when in public. I feel there is more allure in the demure... if you know what I mean.

Culture: How has your cultural background shaped the way you look? How did the aesthetics and values you grew up with affect your tastes as you got older?

I grew up in the deep southern US and I think that has made a significant effect on how I dress and style myself. I lean more toward the classic lady (Miss Manners) stereotypes. I think that a woman should be classy when seen in public and I think that should be reflected in her wardrobe and the way she carries herself. You can dress up a pig in a fancy dress, but underneath it is still a pig. Manners and personal responsibility are very important. I was raised in a world of etiquette and decorum and my style reflects that.

Community: How are you influenced by the people around you, including friends, family, and other communities you're involved in?

I'm quite an oddball here in my community. I tend to dress in vintage styles and most people in this small town are more casual. I'm not from this area so my social circle is limited and I don't have any family here. I do however like to be different and stand out and my wardrobe style allows me to do that. I enjoy the attention I get when I'm dressed up.

Activities: How do your day to day activities influence your choices?

For the most part, I am in an office Monday through Friday. The dress code is business dress or business casual. This works very well for me as I like to wear dresses and skirts to work. I am also a mom to two and nursing a toddler so I have to take that into account as well for comfort and accessibility reasons.

Location: Does the place you live inform the way you dress? How does climate factor in?

Climate plays a huge factor for me in what I choose to wear. I live in Ohio and it is very cold here for several months of the year. I have to change my style accordingly. I have to have two separate or interchangeable wardrobes due to this. This is unlike anything that I am used to as growing up in the south we do not experience the drastic climate change and most things can be worn all year.

Body: In what ways does body image affect your choices in clothing? What clothes make you feel good about the body your live in? What clothes make you feel uncomfortable or alienated from your body?

I'm learning to love my post baby body. I'm learning to embrace it and be proud of it and of everything it has done. I wish is were a bit less rectangular but it's mine and I stuck with it. I'm not comfortable showing off too much of my midriff but I do not mind other bits of skin showing. I like clothes that are fitted and hug my curves. I do try to stay away from loose and billowy clothes as I feel that makes me look bigger or frumpier... as the case may be.

I'm going to try to get the rest of January's assignments posted this week so that I can move on to the next portion for February by this weekend.

Simplicity 1590 is finished!

So Simplicity 1590 is finally finished! I chose View A and it's been on my sewing table for the past two weeks completely finished but without buttons. I'm in love with this adorable top and it's exactly what I need more of in my wardrobe. I was really unsure how I would feel about the peplum but I really like the way it looks now that everything is put together.

I was short on fabric so I had to do the front facing in solid white. *pouts* I hate doing that on a piece I plan to wear that isn't a muslin. But in the end it turned out alright!

I got my overlocker/serger back up and running, after much fussing and fighting, and was able to finish the inside seams of this blouse as well! I'm so pleased with how much more professional and finished it looks. In fact I'm kicking myself in the pants for not getting it back up and running sooner. Oh, how many garments could have been saved and worn longer!

I actually got over my fear of the buttonhole with this project. The pattern only calls for five, but I decided I didn't like the open flap at the bottom front of the peplum, so I added a sixth button. I honestly don't' know why they scare me so much, but I think I was just afraid to mess them up. My machine has an automatic buttonhole feature and I'm so in love with how easy it is to whip them up!

My new headless helper Millie gets her debut with this blouse also! So, everyone meet Millie, as in Thoroughly Modern! I love that song, it's one of my favorite dance tunes, so I thought it would be the perfect name for her! I honestly don't know how I've manged to sew anything worth a darn before having her assistance. It's amazing!

I noticed that the front hem is longer on one side than the other. But it's minor and totally fixable I believe. I also have a button that is slightly lower than it should be and it is puckering. Again, totally fixable.

Lastly, some up close and personal pictures.

I'm very pleased with how this blouse turned out and I'm really looking forward to wearing it once the subzero weather we are currently experiencing here in Central Ohio decides to go back to wherever it came from. 

This completes the first of my Vintage Sewing Pledge 2015 makes! It's also going toward my Wardrobe Architect Challenge for 2015 for making a capsule wardrobe (which, I'm admittedly quite behind on as things have been a bit hectic at home). I'll have to remedy that quickly and get caught up. Perhaps this weekend.

So, onto the next project! The 1930s Capelet Sewalong hosted by the lovely Beccie from SewRetroRose! If you follow me on Instagram (@misskacysews) you'll have already seen this picture, but here it is for everyone else! I'm really excited about this project! And can I just say the Decades of Style pattern is wonderfully well done! I highly suggest trying them out if you are looking for a new pattern to try.

Thanks for following along with that long post! I appreciate each and every one of you who takes the time to stop by and see what I'm up to, even when I can't be here as often as I'd like due to life stuff. I am contemplating some changes to this blog name and design since I've kind of fallen in love with the @MissKacySews handle I've been using on Instagram and am thinking of changing the blog title to the same. Let me know your thoughts on that, and anything else you'd like to share or to see!

The Vintage Sewing Pattern Pledge 2015 #VintagePledge

Just wanted to quickly pop in and share that I'm participating in the Vintage Sewing Pattern Pledge this year!

I, Kacy Burchfield, pledge to sew up 5 of my patterns in 2015 for the Vintage Sewing Pattern Pledge. 

Although, I don't have many actual vintage patterns, I do have tons of reproduction patterns and I'm looking forward to seeing what I can accomplish this year. I'm sure I'll get more than 5 in, but being that this is my first year participating and considering the fact that I have two children under 5, I wanted to be realistic and not overbook myself so to speak. I'll be working on some concrete plans this week and will be posting the projects I'm planning soon. I'm excited to be taking part and I'm excited to see what I can do! For me, this is going to run side by side with the Wardrobe Architect Challenge I talked about last week. I'm looking forward to posting my finished pledge projects as I go! Wish me luck!!

 

Are you participating in the #vintagepledge this year?

I'm Building My Own Wardrobe in 2015!!

Good afternoon blogfriends!

 

 

 

This year I'm challenging myself in many ways. One of the big ones is rebuilding my wardrobe and creating a great capsule wardrobe that I can use all year round. I've decided to join in with Kristen from Coletterie and complete this great challenge. I've already completed January's tasks and am eagerly awaiting the tasks for February.

 



 



You'll be able to follow my progress through this challenge here and on my instagram by following me @kc_leigh1014.

 

 

This also leads into and lends itself to another challenge I'm joining up with this year. Stay tuned for more details in my next post!

New Year, New Plans

 

I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday season! I can't believe that it is 2015 already. Where has the time gone? I just realized this past week that my baby girl will be one in 5 weeks. Time flies, that is for sure. So now that we are into this new year, I have spent the past week thinking about what I want out of this year and what I want to do with it. I don't do resolutions, but I'm a firm believer in making goals and the start of a new year is always a great time to make new goals for ourselves. So my goals for this year are;

 

1. Eat healthier - this is a must. I am almost a year post partum and I weigh more now than I did when she was 6 weeks old. This is unnacceptable. I need to maintain my calorie intake because baby girl is still nursing but I need to make sure that I am eating foods that are better for me, thus reducing my fat intake and hopefully reducing my waistline!

 

2. Find more time for myself - this is also a must. As a mom to two children ages 4 years and 11 months, I don't get much time for me. I need to start asking for time for myself. I need to be confident that my children will be alright if I leave them with their dad for an hour or two. I need to not be afraid to take time for me. For my sanity this needs to happen.

 

3. Sew more - I need to focus more on sewing and less on planning to sew. I get wrapped up in the logistics of a project and more times than not I end up putting the project aside and never getting started. It's time to use up that fabric hoard that I have and make. all. the. things!!

 

4. Hoop more - I need to find time everyday to get lost in my hoop and relearn the moves and skills that I have lost. I need to do this, to help get myself back in shape and healthier. I need to move. I've become too sedentary this past year due to previously mentioned nursing infant and my love of terrible for me food.

 

5. Stop yelling - I find myself frustrated, as so often happens when you are a parent to two children, and I tend to yell. I yell to get their attention, I yell when they aren't listening, I yell when my son is doing something he isn't supposed to be. I yell way to much and that has to stop. My son deserves better from me and my daughter doesn't need to learn this terrible habit. I'll admit I'm not off to a great start on this this year, but I'm taking every day one at a time and hopefully I'll settle into a rhythm. I need to find some alternative measures to try and find something that works for us.

 

6. Be the best me I can be - Wow that sounds so cliche reading that here, but it's true. The biggest thing I want out of this year, is to do the best I can, as often as I can. I want to be the best me I've ever been and I want to share that with the world. I started #takingbackkacy last year and this year I want to continue that journey to finding myself.

 

So I think that I'm off to a healthy start this year and these goals are all reachable and easy for me to be held accountable for them.

 

 What great goals are you making this year? How are you planning to keep up with your goals and ambitions?