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Advent Stole and Altar hangings

Blue or Purple: An Advent Debate

The choice between blue and purple Advent vestments reflects diverse traditions. Blue, popular in Scandinavia and the British Isles (“Sarum blue”), symbolizes the night sky before dawn, echoing themes of hope and new beginnings tied to the Christmas narrative. While, purple vestments, symbolizing penitence, have distinct connotations. Historically derived from Mediterranean snails, purple’s expense symbolizes royalty.

How to Sew; Vestment trim, Rsoe chasuble; Silk damask; Liturgical Fabric; Church vestment making; Vestment Trim;

Top 5 Tips for Sewing Perfect Chasuble Orphrey Bands

Creating perfect chasuble orphrey bands is easier with these 5 tips. Choose precise marking tools, finish edges to prevent unraveling, mark lines accurately, and pin perpendicular. Use the edge foot for even stitching, spot-check for consistency, and adjust as needed. These simple steps ensure polished and professionally sewn chasuble orphrey bands.

Ordination photo; Pastor ordination stole, Red stole, Reformation stole, Lutheran Stole, Ecclesiastical Sewing

Custom Crafted Ordination Stoles

Ordination and being installed as the pastor at a church is a special time for clergy. There are often special services that are planned in honor of the event. The ordination and installation service is a time when a new pastor gets to wear their first stole. The vestment color for ordination and installation is red and so tradition often dictates the gifting of a red stole

Goldwork Dove applique for hand embroidery, Goldwork embroidery, Pentecost Dove, Ecclesiastical Sewing

Quick Sewing Tip: Add Goldwork Dove Appliques to Red Stoles for Pentecost

To create a vibrant Pentecost stole, start with a red stole, such as the Ely Crown Stole, featuring plain fabric near the chest area. Choose a gold Dove Applique, like the goldwork Dove with imitation Japanese Goldwork threads, which may include colored thread accents. For couching, use Goldwork threads like Imitation Japanese Gold Thread, Gilt gold twist, or Au Ver a Soie Gold Thread.

St. Philip Apostle; St. Philip Feast Day, Ecclesiastical Sewing

St. Philip and St. James and New Apostle Pastor Stole

Lutherans and Roman Catholics celebrated the feast days of St. Philip and St. James the Apostles on May 1st and 3rd. Both church bodies agree on the importance of these Apostles. Philip was called by Jesus in Bethsaida and brought Nathanael to Christ, while St. James is traditionally believed to have been martyred. Ecclesiastical Sewing has introduced “The Apostle Collection” of church vestments, emphasizing these important figures in Christian history.

CHurch Vestment pattern, Clergy Stole Pattern, Priest Stole pattern, making church Vestments, Ecclesiastical Sewing

Top Five Traditional Clergy Stole Patterns for Church Vestment

Ecclesiastical Sewing has developed a range of clergy stole patterns to cater to various preferences and historical inspirations. The top five traditional stole patterns include: 4.5 Inch Stole Pattern. A versatile workhorse pattern with a width that accommodates embroidery designs. V-Neck Stole Pattern: Slightly wider at almost 5 inches and featuring a V-shaped point at the back neckline. 3.5 Inch Stole Pattern: Reflecting the historical description by George Tack. Deacon Stole Pattern: It features mitered seams at the shoulder and hip. Lastly, Tapered Stole Pattern: Reflecting changes in history, this stole style is characterized by a narrow fitted neckline that gradually widens at the hemline.

Church Vestment sewing patterns, Traditional Vestment patterns, Priest vestment patterns, Latin Mass Vestment Patterns

Traditional Church Vestment Sewing Patterns

Ecclesiastical Sewing provides traditional church vestment patterns for creating garments for clergies. The choice of vestments depends on the worship service style. For more traditional services, Gothic Style Chasuble with a fuller design is recommended. Monastic Style Chasuble with heavy folds is another option offered by Ecclesiastical Sewing. The Roman chasuble pattern is available in one-size-fits-all, while graded sizes from small to large are available for Gothic and Monastic styles.

St, Margaret Red

Pentecost a Season of Red Liturgical Fabrics

Red is the traditional color for Pentecost vestments, and among my favorite “red” options are fabrics like the St. Margaret Brocade, showcasing a bold pattern with a Tudor Rose and Crown. This liturgical brocade is available in solid red and two-toned variations, including the fiery red/gold option in the Fairford Brocade. Another excellent choice is the Red Lichfield Brocade, offering a rich hue perfect for Pentecost. Additionally, there’s the Luther Rose Brocade, Ely Crown, Silk Dupioni, and more in vibrant red tones.

Traditional Priest alb Linen alb vintage alb sewing pattern church vestment pattern Ecclesiastical Sewing

Traditional Linen Alb Priest Vestment Sewing Pattern

The Alb is worn over the cassock and amice.  It has the traditional narrow shoulder yokes, narrow band collar, front opening, sleeves that taper at the wrist, and a full skirt with side godet inserts. The Alb sewing pattern also has apparel details at the sleeve edge and hem. The Vintage Linen Alb Sewing pattern will require between 5.5 and 6.5 yards of 60″ wide fabric. The Alb could be made with the white Carlisle fabric as well for those who require to wear it.

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