Say hello to my fourth embroidery project! Isn’t she a fun one?! I have Covid-19 to thank for getting me into this craft. Each project took a little longer than the one before, with this one taking approximately three months to complete. I have decided though, she was completely worth the wait!
I worked on this embroidery while recovering in my bed post shoulder surgery, during movie nights with my family, sitting at the pool and watching my kids swim, and while talking with others. I found elements of pictures I liked and put them together to create this design. I didn’t exactly know what I was doing, but I did some research and just went for it anyway. I put the face on there to represent the strength I see in the amazing women around me, and I felt it myself as I finally finished and put on this top. It helps remind me that I am so much more capable than I often give myself credit for.
I love this top so much! It is the Athena Top by Helen from Gray All Day, in a thrifted fabric gifted to me from a friend. When I started sewing, I would sew anything really according to a new skill I wanted to learn. I made a lot of clothes that weren’t my style in fabrics I didn’t love. I have since learned to be more picky, and also continuously work to to refine (and accept) my style. I am truly a t-shirt and jeans kind of girl… but please make them interesting! Ha! That is why I love this top so much.
It has beautiful drape, a loose fit that stays far away from my armpits (a must for hot/humid weather), a high low hem line and interesting sleeves. Plus add the embroidery and this top has a lot of personality!
I decided it is feminine enough that I could style it with a pair of my husband’s hand-me-down jeans (no, you are reading that right… I can wear my husband’s jeans! We have similar waist sizes! I’ve decided I love him anyway. Ha! But really, so much…). They are a little big, especially in the back and around to the front, but I just decided that was the look I was going for. Ha! They are true boyfriend jeans!
The older I get, and with the ability to make my own clothes, I have decided I cannot sacrifice a “little pain for a little beauty,” as the saying goes. Ha! I am realizing my wardrobe has to be conducive to my life style, which with four little kids is a very active one. I want clothes I can move in, that make me feel put together and stylish, that are comfortable and can be worn at the baseball fields (post Corona), to the grocery store, and to going out to grab a bite to eat with my favorite man all in the same day. I want clothes that make me look like I am trying harder than I am. Ha!
This top will be worn repeatedly, happily, and proudly. It will remind me I can be stylish and wear things that feel “me”! It will remind me of the strength I see in the women around me and within myself. If you are learning to sew, or looking to pick up a few sewing tips yourself, I’ve started a YouTube channel to help with that! Check it out here.
Remember, its okay to make make mistakes. That is how we learn! And we are worth feeling good in what we wear. Happy sewing friends!