St. Anselm, born around 1033 A.D. in northern Italy, later part of the Kingdom of Burgundy, journeyed to Normandy in 1059. Influenced by Lafranc of Pavia, Anselm became the Abbot of Bec in 1078 and transformed it into a center of learning. A skilled administrator, he later succeeded Lafranc as the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1093. Anselm’s contributions extended to philosophy and theology, making him a notable figure in medieval history.
The fabric is block-cut to a rough size, review the embroidery design and dimensions determine the embroidery placement, and locate the center. Once the center position is determined, use a product called Dream Weave Ultra and fuse that to the back of our fabric. Dream Weave Ultra is a fusible tricot that adds a bit of body to a piece of fabric. Dream Weave comes in two weights – the regular, and the Ultra. Used both but prefer the Ultra for our embroidery work. Dream Weave should never be used as a stand-alone backing for embroidery.
The Ecclesiastical Sewing Family’s Easter in 2017 and a special church project. Dossal curtain – Dossals, traditionally adorned with intricate embroideries, like the Lanercost Dossal. Tailored to fit sanctuary dimensions, for instance, is 88” wide and 124” long, complementing stained glass. A captivating coincidence forms a cross with the dossal and stained glass, as seen in the Good Friday dossal, the dossal and the stained glass make a cross on the back wall behind the big wooden cross.
Good Friday in 2017 – church adhered to solemn customs, draping the altar in black with six candles, the seventh being the Paschal candle. While black is our choice, I found practices in other churches, employing red or violet. Despite the somber tone of Good Friday services, they set the stage for a joyous Easter celebration.
In Janet Mayo’s book, “A History of Ecclesiastical Dress,” she begins by exploring the Early Church’s post-Christ era, progressing chronologically. The narrative delves into various garments, contextualizing them within specific eras, locations, and decrees.
The Fabric chosen for the Dossal is the lovely and rich Litchfield Brocade with Red/Gold Fairford orphrey bands edged with Landsdowne Braid. These fabric and trim combinations create a stunning final result that has added beauty and color to the church.
Palm Sunday, the celebration of Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, This Sunday is a special Sunday with all the traditions accompanying it: the hymns, the palm or olive or willow or flowering branches, the professionals, and vestments and paraments.
Dürer and Cranach, two Northern Renaissance artists, are remembered on April 6th. Dürer, the son of a goldsmith, apprenticed as a painter and printmaker, gaining fame for his woodcuts and paintings. He created portraits of notable figures like Erasmus and read Luther’s writings. Cranach, the Elder, had less known formal art training but became the court painter of Wittenberg by 1505. He used various mediums, witnessed Luther’s marriage, and engaged in business ventures, producing works with both Protestant and Roman Catholic themes.
April Goal – To sew a Gothic Chasuble. there are two Gothic Chasuble patterns, each is a slight variation. Constructing one of the variations of the Gothic Chasuble. The chasuble marked by its long sleeves. An oval or circular in shape if it were to be spread out flat on the floor. Draping over the priest or pastor, almost poncho-like in resemblance.
St. Urho’s Day, celebrated on March 16th, the day before the better-known feast of some minor saint from Ireland, who was alleged to have driven the snakes from the island.
The Warm & Fuzzies We have had a weird February in Minnesota and now March is proving that weather is truly an unpredictable thing. Spring is fighting hard to… Read more The Warm & Fuzzies →
Lent is a penitential season and a time of reflection. Lent has always been a favorite season of the church year. Throughout the years – the rich tapestry of hymns reserved specifically for Lent remains vivid, as the scriptures of Christ’s Passion and Lenten hymns were forever twined together in mind. One could begin to imagine the agony Christ suffered as he prayed. Singing the hymn “Go to Dark Gethsemane” in the dim evening light of the church. It was then and still a favorite Lenten Hymn.
Many Christians today overlook historic Church traditions and vestments. Like Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran, and Episcopalian have unique practices and materials for their vestments. Despite the beauty of these traditions, many Christians are unaware of them, similar to the limited recognition of events like Fat Tuesday. The appreciation for and celebration of these practices often involve a smaller group within the broader Christian community.
David, a dedicated reader, has been creating beautiful liturgical vestments for his priest and parish. He recently shared photos of his work, showcasing an All Souls Day chasuble and stole. The orphrey features silver lamé with two different ribbons topstitched on. David’s creativity is evident in his material choices, and he even incorporated a Dogwood Flower design in the lace of the surplice, paying tribute to North Carolina’s official state flower.
Our goal and mission at Ecclesiastical Sewing are to provide high-quality fabrics, trims, designs, and finished vestments suitable for use in the service of the church. To do a better job at that, Hoping that we might get some feedback and suggestions from you, our faithful readers, as well as from members of the clergy.
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