Book written by Marike van Roon, Head Curator at Amsterdam University as her dissertation was added to my library last summer and has become a favorite. Beginning at around the 1800s, the book lays out the history of European Ecclesiastical History through the 1960s. There is a nice mix of primary source material in the form of sketches and illustrations from texts and authors of the period, while stunning black and white, and color photography of actual vestments pieces
Elizabeth Hoare, the owner of Watts and Co., played a unique role in preserving Ecclesiastical Vestment history. During her ownership, she safeguarded hand-embroidered works from the late 19th to mid-20th century, ensuring their survival when they were undervalued. Her efforts created a lasting legacy, and today, her collection is displayed at Liverpool Cathedral’s Cathedral Gallery.
The Red Cord was used to couch the Red Passing thread. It worked great from the start, for about 3 stitches. Then, as the metallic cord was pulled through the fabric, the cord separated, showing the white core.
Making of a square yoke surplice pattern, graded to multiple sizes.
Using a combination of silver threads and pearls, the design sparked the imagination. The silver threads give the embroidery such a light and delicate look. Couching metallic threads is fairly simple, but some tips and techniques help add that final touch to the stitching.
The Flickr photo stream might give a clue on how Ecclesiastical vestments are prepared for large events when hundreds of chasuble, mitres, dalmatics, and tunics are needed. The Stadelmaier photo stream shows the background of a vestment manufacturer making Ecclesiastical Vestments: from the Vestment Design process to final construction, the photos tell an unknown tale. The photo stream also gives a clue as to how church vestments were made in the past by including a collection of old black-and-white photos.
The list of tools for hand embroidery includes Embroidery Scissors, Tweezer, Tailor’s Thimble, awl, laying tool and Mellor.
This is a digital initiative that aims to use social media in a new way – new boards on Pinterest will be added every week, each dedicated to a single object and presenting images that convey technical information.
The key to success with a goldwork project is the shimmer of light as it hits and plays off the metallic threads. Adding another color to the mix, in the right proportions is a nice addition that opens up a host of design options. Taking the chance and placing the order for these copper threads has turned on to be a delight.
Ecclesiastical Embroidery and Vestment Projects,
– Improving faraway visibility in church embroidery can be tricky. Delicate silver thread on Angel Wings looks nice up close but might fade from a distance. Adding a black outline helps, but it raises concerns about muting the shimmer and blending with the blue background. Deciding between keeping the black for definition or adding more silver threads is a right choice in Ecclesiastical Embroidery.
Sharing a vintage church embroidery design from the 1800s, still in the “rough draft” phase and the possibilities for church embroidery design are endless. On option is this versatile design could be used for whitework on altar linens or adapted for silk and gold threads on stole ends or maniples. Placing it in a quatrefoil frame makes it suitable for chasubles or burses. Stretching and elongating for a double oval ring offers options for stoles or chasubles. The design, enhanced with Dice Trim, can also adorn chasubles and dalmatics. The journey of creating ecclesiastical designs is ongoing, offering endless opportunities to learn and explore.
Entering the world of Ecclesiastical Sewing may seem challenging, with fears of intricate designs and historic techniques. However, beauty lies in simplicity, like a humble 1930s hand-embroidered cross. Draw inspiration from vintage patterns, such as Thomas Brown’s Church Embroideries, offering a variety of ideas. For machine embroidery enthusiasts, Windstar Embroidery digitizes Thomas Brown’s designs, providing creativity suggestions for hand embroiderers. Those with artistic talent can create personalized designs, adding a unique touch. To start, consider creating a stole, a beginner-friendly Ecclesiastical Sewing project.
The ongoing Advent Vestment Set faces challenges in couching stitches. The Silver Check Thread, with its non-tarnish finish, offers a sparkle and shine in following curves, holding edges, and concealing stitches. Despite awaiting additional thread supplies, the emphasis remains on completion rather than rushing, with the Ecclesiastical Embroidery project.
Metallic threads, like Passing Threads and Kreinik Japan Threads, bring shimmer to Ecclesiastical Embroidery. While Passing Threads require careful handling due to their delicate finish, Kreinik Japan Threads offer a shiny, flexible, and affordable option. Despite challenges, the warm copper passing thread adds a contrasting touch. Thoughtful stitching and understanding each thread’s traits enhance the embroidery experience.
The Monastery’s Ecclesiastical Embroidery Designs are truly amazing. What stands out is that many of these beautiful designs originated from understanding of geometry, design, scale and proportion. The Sisters, who created these designs, studied theology, understood the history and meaning behind symbols, and skillfully combined all this knowledge to create stunning Ecclesiastical Designs.
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