33. embroider something

Here is the something:

There are two stories behind this embroidery project.

The first is from junior high. The only art project I remember being satisfied with was the one where we embroidered chambray shirts (was that a fad for both boys and girls for a short while in the mid-70s?). I wasn't very confident of my art abilities, but I could be patient and precise with needlework. Given enough time, I could produce quite beautiful things. My art teacher helped a bit with the design (drawn on with pencil) and I did the embroidery over several weeks both at home and at school. The result was something that truly expressed my young teen self--one of the more delightful things that art and craft can do.

The second story has to do with this shirt:

Obviously, I have worn it nearly to rags. It is physically comfortable and, emotionally, a comfort. My brother, who works for Edward Jones, gave my dad this shirt. My mother gave me the shirt shortly after my dad died. Wearing it is like getting a hug from my whole family.

I've been wondering how I can replace the shirt and how I can do it in a way that corresponds with the recent professionalization of my wardrobe. I decided that it would work if I embroidered a chambray shirt with a book or library theme. It won't be my most professional look, but I will be able to hang the shirt on the back of my office chair for days when the library is chilly or for times when I need to cover up nicer clothes while doing a dusty job in the stacks.

Now, I just need a design and to re-learn a few stitches.