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Category: Liturgical Calendar

The Liturgical Calendar defines the Church year, outlining a series of seasons and festive occasions that liturgical ceremonies observe throughout the year. Christians used this calendar as a guide, so they could properly celebrate the significant events in the life of Christ and the Church.

The liturgical year is divided into six seasons, each with its own theme and focus. Advent, which heralds the coming of Christ, begins the Church year, followed by Christmas, which celebrates the birth of Jesus. Lent is a time of penance and reflection, leading up to Holy Week, which culminates in the celebration of Easter, the most important feast of the Christian calendar. Ordinary Time follows Easter, with a focus on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Church. The season of Advent then begins again, marking the end of one liturgical year and the beginning of another.

Throughout the year, the Liturgical Calendar also includes several important feasts and solemnities, such as the Feast of the Epiphany, the Transfiguration, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and All Saints’ Day. These celebrations allow the faithful to honor the lives of the saints and reflect on the significance of their contributions to the Church.

By following the Liturgical Calendar, Christians can participate in a rich tradition of liturgical worship that connects them to the history of the Church and the life of Christ. It provides a framework for the celebration of the mysteries of faith and ensures that Christian followers would never lose sight of the significance of these events in their lives.

Installation of Kevin Robson CMO St. Louis, MO

Red Pentecost Stoles

This stole is intended for use during an installation. The components consist of an applique of a Sword and a Bible. The machine embroidered applique and the lower orphrey were placed on a silk dupioni stole using a red and gold galloon trim to finish off the raw edges.  While the red of the applique is a slightly darker color than the red of the stole, the gold trim bridges the color gap, and the colors blend together nicely, creating a subtle gradation.

Machine Embroidered Dove for Pentecost Stole

Pentecost Stoles Part 2

Pentecost Stoles. The first design features crossed keys symbolizing the Office of the Keys. The red silk dupioni, design with gold and bronze metallic threads, blends beautifully with red and gold brocatelle fabric and metallic galloon trim. The upper chest will showcase a descending dove with flames. and the final design will include a Bible and Sword of the Spirit, connecting to the Holy Spirit. These red Pentecost Stoles offer a reasonable budget.

Rose Vestments for Laetare and Gaudete Sunday

Laetare Sunday or Rose Vestments

Using Rose Vestments during Advent and Lent varies among differing church bodies.  The New Liturgical Movement has some information on the historical use of Rose Vestments within the Catholic Church.  The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod’s view on Rose Vestments is slightly different. If a Rose Vestment Set is desired or planned for your church, be sure to check with your pastor or bishop concerning appropriate use and guidelines for liturgical colors.

Applied or Applique Work for Church Embroidery

Changing Plans?

Changed plans for Advent Set due to lost time and supply delays.
A quick review from “Church Needlework” by Hinda Hands for ideas and now focusing on appliqué and outline work, balancing harsh designs with scroll accents. Using modern fusible web instead of paste for appliqué. Applying Alpha and Omega symbols directly to blue Silk Dupioni, so cutting fabric and adapting plans. Ecclesiastical Sewing project takes unexpected turns!

Church Embroidery Design for Luther Rose, Reformation Vestment Set

Reformation Vestment Set Ideas

In anticipation of the 500th Anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation, the planning for a special Ecclesiastical Vestment Set is underway. The set, designed for Reformation Sunday, will include altar hangings, stoles, chasuble, maniple, chalice veil, burse, and potentially banners, featuring a Luther Rose design. The chosen color will be a darker, martyr red, and updates will be provided as fabric selections and embroidery designs are finalized.

Framing and Tracing Altar Frontal Star

Advent Star Stitching Underway

Starting a new Advent project for the church with a Star design. Quickly framed the Altar Frontal design and now onto the fun part – stitching with shiny Silver Metallic Threads. Exploring different options like Smooth Passing, Silver Twists, Check Thread, and Rococo to outline the Advent Star. The aim is to make it shimmer and shine with various textures and to create a beautiful Altar Frontal, Chalice Veil, and Pulpit Fall for Advent season.

Verona Tapestry Bird Motif, Rose Vestments and IHS Design

Rose Vestments and IHS Design Index

Ecclesiastical Sewing created Rose Vestments for Gaudete and Laetare Sundays. The set included an Altar Frontal, Pulpit Fall, Stole, Maniple, Chasuble, and optional Chalice Veil and Burse. Fabrics like Rose Florence Brocade and Verona Lurex Tapestry with symbolic bird motifs were chosen. The Altar Frontal featured intricate Ecclesiastical Embroidery. The Verona Tapestry’s rich design minimized the need for extensive embroidery, with selected trimmings completing the set.

Stylized Floral Motif

Ecclesiastical Fabric Pattern Repeats

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.