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Altar Linens: Using Color

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

St. Alban's Church Copenhagen

Copenhagen Churches: St. Alban

St. Alban’s was consecrated on September 17th, 1887. Following the consecration the Prince and Princess of Wales hosted a lunch on their royal ship for those who had worked to make the church a possibility. This church, although first and foremost a house of worship promoting freedom of religion, was as much a tool to connect European nations.

Our Saviour Copenhagen

Our Saviour’s Church in Copenhagen

Our Saviour’s Church, built in 1680 by architect Lambert van Haven, stands on the site of a 1639 church. In the Dutch Baroque style, its Greek cross floor plan reaches 36 meters in height. The design emphasizes order in creation, with focus on God and divine right following the king. The altar, crafted by Nicodemus Tessin in 1732, uniquely depicts the Garden of Gethsemane instead of a crucifixion.

Nimbus of Christ

St. Leo’s Mosaic Christ

The mosaic of Christ holding a book with the words “Ego Dominus Et Magister” offers design inspiration. Details like the nimbus with cross and diamond border could be beautifully translated into hand-embroidered silk and gold threads. The orphrey on Christ’s shoulder is simple yet elegant. The swirling clouds and the mosaic border with a scroll motif and a cross framed in an oval shape also provide intriguing design ideas.

Evesham Liturgical Fabric White Gold

Evesham Red/Gold and Gold/Gold

Evesham is a metallic brocade, which is difficult to capture in photos. There is a tiny glimmer of metallic threads that outline the ogee motif. As much as I like the Red and gold color combination of Evesham. The lovely white gold version of Evesham that is so very lovely in soft candlelight.  The white gold is a lovely choice for Christmas and Easter Celebrations.

Cloister Liturgical Fabric

Cloister Liturgical Fabric

Cloister is a reversible symbolic pattern that dates from around the year 1900.  If one looks closely, it is easy to see the two main design features of the Scottish Thistle and the English Rose which were popular at that time. Cloister is a lighter-weight ecclesiastical fabric that would work well for making stoles, chasubles, tunics, dalmatics, chalice veils, and other vestment pieces.  Cloister would work well with machine embroidery when the proper stabilizers and backings are used.

Altar Linen Embroidery Design

Hand Embroidery Design Small Linens

The design is a simple cross with three rays in each corner between cross bars. The Altar Linen Embroidery Design is available in 4 sizes, for purificators, lavabos, corporal a, and even the corners of a fair linen.  This church linen embroidery design will use a few basic stitches such as the split stitch for an outline, and a stem stitch for the rays

Spring Travels: Florida

Spring travels led to St. Leo Monastery in Florida, a serene retreat with a beautiful chapel set against a lake. The exterior’s simplicity contrasts with the rich terracotta stone and tile color, a wall side lining hanging with tapestry fabric in deep reds, rusts, golds, and terracotta. The chapel’s design, statues, and fabric create a peaceful atmosphere for prayer. Despite being a brief visit, the monastery left a lasting impression, showcasing the beauty found in both vestments and architectural details.

St. Aidan Green Detail Liturgical Fabric

St. Aidan Liturgical Fabric

St. Aidan is a small reversible liturgical fabric that features an English Rose and vine pattern. The pattern repeat is 8″ which makes it an easy fabric to work with for those who are just starting out with pattern repeats, as well as being a favorite fabric choice for the seasoned vestment maker. St. Aidan is suitable for making stoles, chasubles, chalice veils, burses, dalmatics, and tunics as well as for other small vestment items.  St. Aidan would also work for smaller altar hangings.

Post Cards of Litany of Loreto Embroideries

Wish Lists Royal School of Needlework Style

Wishlist of the Royal School of Needlework for years, plans were cancelled by scheduling conflicts. Yet, browsing to their online store provided a silver lining. The Handbook of Embroidery catalog and some enticing embroidery While missing out the classes, the excitement of exploring these ecclesiastical embroidery treasures brings comfort.

St. Hubert Liturgical Fabric

St. Hubert Liturgical Fabrics

St. Hubert is ideal for orphrey bands, stoles, altar frontals, copes, dalmatics, tunics, and chasubles. Paired with Ivory Lurex St. Margaret, it creates a festive frontal for Easter, Christmas, and New Year’s weddings. The orphrey bands and superfrontal feature the gold/gold St. Hubert Liturgical Brocatelle Fabric, edged with a gold oak leaf gallon. The ivory/lurex St. Margaret adds a unique touch with subtle gold threads weaving Tudor Rose and Crown designs.