This last week I have been seeing the world in red and purple.
Two weeks ago, my mom called and asked if I would be willing to embroider some handkerchiefs for the ladies in her Red Hat Society chapter. They were getting ready to celebrate their chapter birthday at a luncheon this week. This was a gift that she, the queen, wanted to give to each of them. The queen? More on that later. I obliged.
As I stitched out each one, a few thoughts came to my mind. “What exactly makes this Red Hat Society so successful? What’s the secret to their fun and jovial spirits?” Decked out in elaborate red hats, purple boas, and some even adorned from head to toe in red and purple, there is definitely something in the sauce here. And I like it. They’ve got “hat-itude” as they lovingly refer it to.
There is something to be said about this. Remember, they celebrated their 10th anniversary just last year and now have nearly 2 MILLION women world-wide in this organization. And from my own experience, Mom just seems to be happier when she’s with her sophisticated sisters. Why is that?
- One of their missions is to celebrate life at any age. Women start adorning the red hat at the age of 50.
- These ladies know how to have fun. When they’re together, laughter fills the sea of red and purple.
- Strong friendships have formed as they bond together through this season of their lives.
- Mom is the “queen” of her chapter, meaning she is the leader of her local group. The other fabulous women are referred to as princesses. Hmmm… I guess this is something every woman should feel in every way.
- And finally, they’re comfortable with who they are. They stand out from the rest, and they embrace it.
So…how does this all relate to machine embroidery you may be asking? Not quite sure in all aspects. But as I sat at my embroidery machine this week, I kept thinking about each individual woman this gift was going to be presented to in a few days. Don’t we all do the same thing as we embroider items for those we love? Here were my insights:
Now where’s my feather boa?
I’d love to hear why YOU love embroidery!
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
I love to embroidery- I love my embroidery machines!!!!! Talk about theapy!!!
Every year we host a family re-union and I try to make something for everyone.
Don’t always accomplish “for everyone” but do concentrate on the Little Kids-ages babies to teens and make something special for them. I love the way they stand in front of me when they arrive with the question in the eyes - “What did you make for us this year Auntie, or Grandma or Great Grandma? Its definetely worth every second, minute, hour that I spend making these “something specials”.
Hey girl…
Wow–what a great article! I never knew the history behind those red hat girls and now I do. The kerchiefs are darling–I’m sure the ladies will love them. Nice work!
Lorie
Wow wow wow! Those are amazing!!! I’m sure the ladies are going to LOVE them. You are such a sweet daughter to have done all of that work!
My mom is a Red Hatter, and they have such a wonderful sisterhood. They go on some fun adventures decked out in their garb!
I love the Red Hat designs at SWAK. I’m going to have to make my mom a shirt or something (though after 5 years as a Red Hatter, she has a closet full of stuff)!
You did an awesome job and I am sure the ladies will cherish them.
I love embroidery because it is relaxing and love to see the finished projects. Sometimes there is not enough hours in a day to sew, sew, sew.
Kris, I want to thank you again, for making the handkerchiefs for my Red
Hat ladies! They all loved them and they really appreciated you taking the time
to make them. I especially like mine, the “queen!” They all turned
out darling!
I have another 10 years before I can call myself a “red hatter” ……
Til then … I will have fun being me!
I just got an embroidery machine and can’t believe how much fun it is! It is a great feeling when you make something special for someone. Embroidery makes the item extra special by personalizing. Just found your SWAK embroidery web site, love it.
Don’t have emb. machine!!! Anyone making these for other folks??? Please contact “Lady Linda”. Thanks
Red Glad Hatters of Olivedale Senior Center, Lancaster, Ohio. Your embroidery is beautiful. Do you do this for a living, and do you take orders. What would be the charge?? Bonnie Kistler , Red Glad Hatters :>)
These handkerchiefs are beautiful! I would love to have one with my royal name on it to show all of my friends in my chapter, the Scarlett O’Hatters!