Discovering hidden treasures in vintage Ecclesiastical Embroidery transfers is always exciting. While exploring a worn book, unexpected finds emerged, including a small iron-on transfer suitable for stole ends or whitework on Church Linens. Moreover, a larger transfer sheet with four designs, and another long and narrow design, provided valuable resources for enhancing Ecclesiastical Embroidery projects.
Pattern repeats in Ecclesiastical fabrics might sound scary, but fear not! Let’s take a lovely brocade, like the Florence from the UK. It’s got motifs like floral stars and stylized flowers. The key is the “pattern repeat.” For Florence, it’s 14 1/2″ both lengthwise and widthwise. So, if you start at a point on a motif and follow it until you hit the same point on the next identical motif, that’s one repeat. Simple! It’s like a beautiful puzzle waiting to be solved.
IHS Goldwork Embroidery for the Rose Vestment Set Altar Frontal. Inspired by a detailed Fleur end in a design notebook, Silk Wrapped Purl was used for the cross. The technique involves a central line splitting into two at the Fleur ends. Adding a second gold thread using the “turn one, cut one method” from the A to Z Goldwork Book by Inspirations
Updating pattern-making tools for Ecclesiastical Sewing projects. New additions include wide paper rolls (48″ and 24″), curved rulers, triangles, and a flexible curve for those tricky curves.
Alethea Wiel, a skilled Ecclesiastical Artisan from 1894, designed a Chalice Veil rich in symbolism. The illustration includes a chalice on seven rocks representing the Seven Sacraments, with the Nativity engraved on the chalice. Angels, Luke, and John surround Christ, while the reverse side showcased the Crucifixion with angels shielding their eyes. A vine, symbolizing Christ, intertwines throughout the design.
Silk Wrapped Purl and Silk Gimp from Thistle Threads offer exciting possibilities for Ecclesiastical Embroidery projects. Despite their unique qualities, figuring out how to use these threads can be a challenge. Tricia’s blog from The Embroiderer’s Story highlighted the difficulties faced by manufacturers of these specialized threads. To support their survival, an order was placed for Silk Wrapped Purl and Silk Gimp. The Silk Wrapped Purl, neatly packaged in one-yard lengths, possesses a playful, flexible nature. The Silk Gimp, a versatile thread, can be used for outlines, fillings, or couching, providing endless creative options for Ecclesiastical Embroidery projects.
Ecclesiastical Sewing and embroidery elevate pieces through simple details. Inspiration comes from various sources, such as photos, sketches, and notes. For instance, a plain green chasuble with goldwork embroidery gains visual appeal with a flowing gold scroll twist along the galloon trim. This detail softens the transition between the large floral motif and the clean galloon line, enhancing the overall design.
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