Skip to content
Silver Check Thread

Time is Ticking Away

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.

Couching threads: Japan Thread in size 1 on two shades of gold and silver, and black cord,Art of Ecclesiastical Embroidery

Metallic Threads

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.

Color guide on a hand embroidery pattern

Rare Find Part II

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.

Some Drawings of Ancient Embroidery by Mary Barber

A Rare Find

Passionate about Ecclesiastical Embroidery, I’ve collected rare books and found a rare to find book by Mary Barber entitled  Some Drawings of Ancient Embroidery and received three sample designs from a closing monastery’s Art Needlework Department. The designs, featuring a Rose and Thorn, IHC, and Sword and Keys, offer a glimpse into the artistry of Ecclesiastical Embroidery.

Preparing the Advent Pulpit Fall Design

This Advent Vestment set is designed for a shorter lifespan, around 5 to 15 years. The construction process allows for quicker techniques, like using fusible web for the appliqué. Appliqué parts, cut from Silk Dupioni and a cotton/linen blend for the flesh tones, are ironed in place for easy and accurate positioning. The traced design on the blue silk aids in precise placement. While traditional methods may have used homemade paste, the use of fusible web aligns with the project’s practical goals.

Applied or Applique Work for Church Embroidery

Changing Plans?

Changed plans for Advent Set due to lost time and supply delays.
A quick review from “Church Needlework” by Hinda Hands for ideas and now focusing on appliqué and outline work, balancing harsh designs with scroll accents. Using modern fusible web instead of paste for appliqué. Applying Alpha and Omega symbols directly to blue Silk Dupioni, so cutting fabric and adapting plans. Ecclesiastical Sewing project takes unexpected turns!

Evertite Stretcher Bar Frame

Framing Steps Part 2 Advent

In the process of preparing for the Advent set, Evertite Stretcher Bars were selected for framing linen. Two sizes, 16″ and 23″, were chosen for the frame, ensuring its squareness before the lightweight linen was prepared. The linen, cut by thread and folded with creases for reference points, was then stretched over the frame, with alternating pinning and tacking along the width and length. Tension was adjusted for a tight finish. Despite challenges with tacks from a local store, the framed-up linen is now ready for design transfer.

Evertite Frame in use, framing steps

Framing Steps

In preparation for the Advent Ecclesiastical Sewing project, the focus is on framing steps using the Evertite Tension Adjusting Stretcher Bars. These bars offer an adjustable feature with tiny screws, ensuring the embroidery project stays taunt. The bars, available in various sizes, are easily assembled with a straightforward tightening process using an Allen Wrench. The cost-effective Evertite frames are practical, functional, and adaptable, providing a range of adjustments to keep the work in good shape. Needle in a Haystack and Stitchville USA are recommended places to find Evertite frames.

Books of the Great Ecclesiastical Designers, Church Needlework Classes

Classes for Church Needlework

For those interested in church needlework, a few places offer courses worth exploring. Hexaemeron provides Traditional Icon embroidery classes, conducted by Olga Fishchuk, focusing on Byzantine and Russian embroidery techniques from the 14th to the 17th centuries. The classes, held at various US locations, offer rich instruction and historical context. On a different note, the Williamsburg School of Needlework in Colonial Williamsburg offers courses on whitework, suitable for church linens. The courses range from basic sessions to specialized topics like sacred monograms. Check out their detailed hand embroidery course descriptions for more information.

Church Embroidery Design for Luther Rose, Reformation Vestment Set

Reformation Vestment Set Ideas

In anticipation of the 500th Anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation, the planning for a special Ecclesiastical Vestment Set is underway. The set, designed for Reformation Sunday, will include altar hangings, stoles, chasuble, maniple, chalice veil, burse, and potentially banners, featuring a Luther Rose design. The chosen color will be a darker, martyr red, and updates will be provided as fabric selections and embroidery designs are finalized.

Design from Embroidery for Church Guilds by Sarah Cazneau Woodward 1896

Resources for Ecclesiastical Symbols

Looking for Ecclesiastical symbols? Check “Christian Symbols” for a book on Christian symbols and free PDF downloads. “Project Canterbury” has “Embroidery for Church Guilds” with simple designs. “Corpus Christi Watershed” archives complex Catholic Line Art. These resources inspire meaningful Ecclesiastical Embroidery projects.

Framing and Tracing Altar Frontal Star

Advent Star Stitching Underway

Starting a new Advent project for the church with a Star design. Quickly framed the Altar Frontal design and now onto the fun part – stitching with shiny Silver Metallic Threads. Exploring different options like Smooth Passing, Silver Twists, Check Thread, and Rococo to outline the Advent Star. The aim is to make it shimmer and shine with various textures and to create a beautiful Altar Frontal, Chalice Veil, and Pulpit Fall for Advent season.

Framing and Tracing Altar Frontal Star

Advent Star Altar Frontal

In preparation for the New Church Year, Ecclesiastical Sewing create a temporary Advent Star Altar Frontal set with a central motif surrounded by smaller stars. Using a piece-and-fuse technique, the lightweight linen is framed with Blue Silk Dupioni. The design, outlined with Silver Metallic Threads, includes an Altar Frontal, superfrontal, Pulpit Fall, and chalice veil.