Stitching a Papel Picado Inspired Crewneck 🌼

As we venture deeper into cold weather, my craving for self-expression into cozy garb has escalated. Over the past year, I’ve embellished a few crewnecks for loved ones, turning simple garments into cherished gifts.

Last year, I made a flame sleeve crewneck for my brother. This summer, I made an Olympic National Park crew for my partner. This fall, I’m finally making one for myself.

Paper Craft Muse ✦

Top of mind for inspiration lately has been my interest in papel picado. [See: Cutwork Lace Adventure Part 1: Learning Richelieu Embroidery 🌱, October Favorites 🫘 ] I think it’s because I thrifted this vintage book & have read it front to back like three times now. The images are charming to study, and it’s been making me want to create my own designs to punch/cut out. Reviewing it over and over feels like a thing I do in the incubating phase of my process. [See: Wedding Embroidery Commission Part 1: Prep 🌱]

In my search for a way to transform this craft from muse to something made, I landed on embroidery. Mostly because while revisiting my July Favorites 🫘, I remembered that the filet crochet inspiration I found echoed the geometric grid of papel picado banners.

Sketch to Stitch ✦

The sketch is a little more whimsical than the execution I think, but I still love how it turned out. I used a bright red-orange thread— my favorite pop of color right now.

My desire to quickly stitch this together and wear it was strong so I feel like I made it relatively quickly. I think in between work and life, it took about a week.

Representation & Expression ✦

Having more pieces of clothing in my wardrobe that are hand-touched by me, and that represent more of me in visual ways is liberating, self-permission granting, and celebratory.

I’m developing a more confident direction with my personal style by taking into account all the roles in my identity. Taking even small steps to hand-embroider a piece I will wear on comfy days, knowing I made this and that I’m representing my love of craft & heritage all in one place is validating.

It’s a one-of-a-kind, but I’m also happy to share the process of how I did it! I’ll post a DIY for this soon.

Follow along for more Studio to Closet— Behind the Make of My Wardrobe 

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