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Category: Church History

Start on a journey through Church history, spanning more than two thousand years. It all started in the 1st century with Jesus Christ’s teachings and the formation of early Christian groups. Moving into the 4th and 5th centuries, important gatherings, like Councils, shaped lasting ideas still important in Church history today. Around the world, Christianity spread, and in medieval Europe, the church became more crucial despite a split in 1054, creating two parts.

As we move through time, the Renaissance becomes an influential period. In the 16th century, leaders like Martin Luther and John Calvin made significant changes, leading to different Protestant groups. Fast-forward to the 20th century, marked by events and meetings trying to bring Christian groups together, and echoes of church history still impact our lives.

Follow the historical journey to discover how Church history shapes faith, culture, and life. Find connections from the past to the present, learning valuable lessons from Christianity. Reflecting on this history encourages acceptance of our differences, builds unity, and creates a better future for all Christian communities. Thus, keeping our mutual venture creates a strong bond of compassion, humility, and enduring love.

As we confront challenges today, let the wisdom of Church history guide us to better understanding, cooperation, and harmonious living in our global community. And, embrace the lessons of the past for a brighter future.  As we travel together through our shared history, let’s work towards a future where everyone in the entire Christian community feels welcomed and cared for. By appreciating our past, we can build bridges of unity and kindness, fostering a more compassionate world for all.

Vestment History from Around the Web

The Flickr photo stream might give a clue on how Ecclesiastical vestments are prepared for large events when hundreds of chasuble, mitres, dalmatics, and tunics are needed.  The Stadelmaier photo stream shows the background of a vestment manufacturer making Ecclesiastical Vestments: from the Vestment Design process to final construction, the photos tell an unknown tale. The photo stream also gives a clue as to how church vestments were made in the past by including a collection of old black-and-white photos.

Color guide on a hand embroidery pattern

Rare Find Part II

The Monastery’s Ecclesiastical Embroidery Designs are truly amazing. What stands out is that many of these beautiful designs originated from understanding of geometry, design, scale and proportion. The Sisters, who created these designs, studied theology, understood the history and meaning behind symbols, and skillfully combined all this knowledge to create stunning Ecclesiastical Designs.

Design from Embroidery for Church Guilds by Sarah Cazneau Woodward 1896

Resources for Ecclesiastical Symbols

Looking for Ecclesiastical symbols? Check “Christian Symbols” for a book on Christian symbols and free PDF downloads. “Project Canterbury” has “Embroidery for Church Guilds” with simple designs. “Corpus Christi Watershed” archives complex Catholic Line Art. These resources inspire meaningful Ecclesiastical Embroidery projects.

Iron on Ecclesiastical Embroidery Transfers, religious machine embroidery designs

Vintage Ecclesiastical Embroidery Transfer Treasures

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.

Couching threads: Japan Thread in size 1 on two shades of gold and silver, and black cord,Art of Ecclesiastical Embroidery

The Beauty of the Art of Ecclesiastical Embroidery

 The Beauty of the Art of Ecclesiastical Embroidery and the Ecclesiastical Vestments created from embroidery have a long history with the church. Workers, artisans, craftsmen, both men and women, professional embroidered, and laity, over countless millennia, have added beauty to the church with the work of their hands by creating vestments and hangings for use in the worship service.

Ecclesiastical Embroidery Easter Set Pulpit Fall, Stitching

A Little Stitching Time

Progress on the Easter Set Pulpit Fall showcases intricate goldwork using Elizabethan Twist. The careful manipulation of the gold thread adds to the elegance. Soie Ovale silk thread in Creme complements the goldwork, and the laying tool aids in achieving a smooth finish. Balancing the gold thread and maintaining precision are ongoing challenges.

Summer Travels and Unexpected Surprises!

Summer travels brought unexpected surprises for the Ecclesiastical Sewing family in Montana. A visit to the Ursuline Center revealed a hidden treasure—a Sister’s art studio in the tower, showcasing two hand-painted Ecclesiastical Banners. One banner displayed signs of age with faded beauty, intricate details, and gold bullion fringe. The banners’ origin and age are unknown, making them even more intriguing.

Hand Embroidery Design Framed Up

Hand Embroidery Design Framed Up

Framing the Ecclesiastical Embroidery design for the Pulpit fall in progress. A cross with floral motifs, Chi-Rho, and lilies will adorn this piece., considering the fabric’s brocade backdrop. The original floral details may evolve into goldwork threads for a stunning effect. The framed design offers a space to experiment with colors and ideas. Excitement builds for this Easter Ecclesiastical Vestment set, with plans to baste layers and provide a protective cover soon.

Ecclesiastical Sewing Blog Ecclesiasticalsewing.wordpress.com

All in a Day’s Work

Ecclesiastical Embroidery Design project for the Easter Pulpit Fall is underway. The linen is now framed up, and the pouncing and tracing will soon be complete. Utilizing the Millennium Frames from Needle Needs for the first time, a short video tutorial was a helpful guide. Framing proved a bit tricky with two layers—the Alabaster Linen from Hedgehog Handworks and a layer of Kona Cotton for backing and support. flipping the frame to the backside ensured proper alignment and support for the lining fabric.

Ecclesiastical embroidery project, Technical Difficulties and Framing Dilemmas

Technical Difficulties and Framing Dilemmas

Embroidery framing plans face setbacks due to sizing mismatches with Millennium and Evertite Frames. Technical challenges require a new approach. The starting a new Ecclesiastical embroidery project continues with optimism, but obstacles emerge in frame selection and sizing. Despite encountering disappointments the determination to overcome these challenges and find suitable solutions remains steadfast.