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Fair Linen with hand embroidered design done in whitework

Whitework Embroidery for Church Linens

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This antique Fair Linen, while stained, and scorched, with holes from a too-hot iron on one end, features a lovely hand-embroidered IHC motif in the center of the Altar Linen, surrounded by four smaller cross designs for the corners. Worked completely in white threads, the Ecclesiastical Embroidery is still lovely amid the linen stains of age.  The central hand embroidery design is relatively small, considering the Fair Linen is wide and long

Church Linen Scallop Edge of Lace trim on Altar Fair Linen

Altar Fair Linen with Lace Edge Trim

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This trim features a zig-zag design filled with star-shaped motifs. Notably, it has triangular peaks at the upper edge where it attaches to the Altar Linen. An interesting detail is the deep hem of the linen, matching the trim’s depth—around 5 to 6 inches. While this may seem unusual to modern eyes, older reference books mention long Fair Linens having deep hems, especially if they reach close to the floor. The added weight from a deep hem likely contributes to the Fair Linen hanging well.

Red Pentecost Stole Construction, Clergy Stole for Every Budget

Pastoral Stoles: How Much do They Cost?

To easily buy the Red Dupioni Silk for the stole base, opt for pre-cut “stole quarters” tailored for a 4″³ pastoral stole or wider/longer lengths for V-back and other styles. A pastoral “stole quarter” is around 14”³ wide by 60”³ long. Similar to quilters buying “fat quarters” for minimal waste, this is a smart approach. Instead of a 60”³ length of 45”³ or 54”³ wide fabric, you purchase just enough for one stole. costs under $20.

Measuring for tassels on a Priest or Pastoral stole

Pastoral or Priest Stole Ends: Fringe and Tassels

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Tassels and fringe make excellent finishes for stole ends, but there are tricks for both. For tassels, use a button-hole marker to ensure even spacing. Decide on the number of tassels and the desired distance from each end, then mark and pin them in place. Tassels have a small cord or loop at the upper edge; attach it evenly. Tack the cord on the back of the stole, ensuring even hanging. In the photo, gold rayon blend tassels were initially used but later replaced with metallic gold tassels.

Green Superfrontal from Collection at Concordia Historical Institute

Altar Frontals

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The Ecclesiastical Fabric has been used as the base fabric for the entire Superfrontal. The Superfrontal is designed so that it extends to the back edge of the altar with no overhang down the back side. This same style of superfrontal could be created using a cotton duck or dowlas fabric for the decking and using the Ecclesiastical Brocade on the front and end pieces.

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.