Liturgical vestments and altar hangings play a vital role in Christian religious services. Enhancing the worship experience with an extra layer of meaning and symbolism. Priests and pastors commonly wear liturgical garments such as the chasuble and the Alb during Mass celebrations. With the chasuble covering the body and often featuring ornate designs and symbols. And the Alb, a long white robe, worn by priests. Another liturgical vestment, the stole, a long, narrow scarf-like garment worn around the neck. Usually decorated with symbols representing the liturgical season or occasion.
On the other hand, altar hangings, and decorative textiles adorning the front of the altar, add beauty and meaning to the worship ceremony. They can be changed according to the liturgical season, with common types including frontals, superfrontals, and lectern hangings.
Liturgical vestments and altar hangings have a rich tradition and symbolism. Connecting worshipers with the history and traditions of the Church. Each vestment and style carries unique meaning and significance. Ecclesiastical Sewing addresses the liturgical needs of churches and religious organizations. Offering a diverse range of quality vestments and church hanging patterns, from traditional chasubles to functional superfrontals. We always have the perfect item for your liturgical preference.
Linens are an item used every day or every week in the life of most churches. Linens are used for the most sacred and important part of a church service during the service of Holy Communion or the Eucharist. The small church linens or altar linens used in the Divine Service are the Fairlinen which is placed directly on the altar, the corporal, the lavabo towel, and the purificator. Some churches use a small side table that is covered by a Credence cloth.
Carrie has written an instruction booklet for making and embroidering small Church Linens and altar linens. This booklet describes the making and care for the small altar linens used during the service of Holy Communion or the Eucharist. Also included in the booklet is a collection of original and vintage hand embroidery designs. This booklet is our gift to you for subscribing to the Ecclesiastical Sewing email list!
The liturgical vestment known as the stole–the type we see today–came into form around the twelfth century; it has retained the basic shape familiar to us with minor variations over time. The variations include width, spade ends, and neckline variations. The styles of stole decorations have changed dramatically through the centuries.
Caring of these liturgical vestments is a form of care to our ministers. This is a noble duty, especially for women–whether as part of a guild, league, or even deaconesses. Freshen the ministers’ wardrobes is a great way to show our love and appreciation for all that they do for us.
Fine linen fabrics are the first step to review when considering making new altar linens for your church. At Ecclesiastical Sewing, we offer an assortment of fine linens, knowing that one linen does not suit all needs.
The Chasuble Percy Dearmer The Chasuble Percy Dearmer: Did you ever look at a poncho and think that it reminded you of something familiar? We know that the poncho,… Read more The Chasuble Percy Dearmer →
Ecclesiastical Sewing: Reading for a Summer Road Trip – It is that time of year for the long-awaited and greatly anticipated family road trip. The destination: Glacier National Park, with a few side trips along the way. With a ten-day trip and miles of roads between Minnesota and Montana,
The altar in the Mary Chapel allows a closer view of the altar linen. The edge of the linen is cut so that it hangs over the front of the altar by a few inches. This linen edge is embroidered using the colors of white and gold. There is so much white inside this Basilica. The gold provides a much-needed contrast so the altar linen is not lost among all of the other whites of the chapel. The design motifs of the altar linen feature a cross worked in gold embroidery thread, and a wheat and grape motif worked in white embroidery thread. The edge of the altar linen is scalloped with a scalloped or shell satin stitch, making a perfect complement to this lovely Basilica
Installing a pastor in a new congregation is a special event, and many fellow pastors make a point of attending installation services to provide support, encourage, and pray for the newly called pastor. The service is rich and meaningful, with each pastor in attendance selecting and reading a scriptural text over the new pastor.
Vintage church vestment treasures at St. Leo Monastery in Florida, Discovering a cross, made from galloon trim, the Wakefield liturgical fabric and the maniple.
Embroidery inspiration found in Nashville and Belmont University’s beautiful campus. Academic gowns and hoods, often using Ecclesiastical fabrics, hint at the connection between university and church wear. Upcoming projects feature St. Aidan and Cloister fabrics, a popular choice for both.
Ideas for reusing these older vestment pieces can be creative and meaningful. Considering remaking older vestments into new pieces, if it should be remade or restored?
The fabrics selection on this project is St. Margaret in the Ivory Lurex color and St. Hubert in the Gold/Gold color. Oak Leaf gallon was used to edge the orphrey, and a metallic gold thread fringe graces the lower edge of the superfrontal and frontal. The superfrontal is made entirely from the Gold/Gold St. Hubert with the metallic gold fringe as the only adornment. The frontal is made using St. Margaret as the base fabric, with orphreys of St. Hubert in Gold/Gold with the 1-inch wide Oak Leaf galloon used to finish the edges.
Lenten stoles with Two-Toned Fairford fabric. Featuring a unique blend of violet and gold, these stoles showcase a black cross on each orphrey band, perfect for the Penitential Season of Lent.
Finished Fairford Black/Gold Pastoral Stole, a farewell gift for our pastor. This stole is perfect for Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. The black silk dupioni and Fairford brocade orphrey bands in black/gold create a stunning look. with a budget-friendly materials like silk dupioni and the beautiful St. Benet braid trim. Added a cross and chain for the finishing touch.
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