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Tag: Altar Frontals

Altar frontals are not just mere decorative cloths that cover the altar. They are a symbol of the glory and beauty of the liturgical celebrations. With its bold colors, intricate designs, and rich materials, this is a tribute to the solemnity of the occasion.

It often adds a touch of elegance and style to the altar, making it an essential part of the celebration. Church frontals are not just a piece of cloth, but a great affirmation that adds meaning to the liturgical proceedings.

Whether it’s a joyful celebration or a solemn one, an altar frontal can make all the difference in creating a memorable and engaging experience. So, if you’re looking to add some flair and symbolism to your liturgical celebrations, browse our related posts linked below to find more discoveries!

Trinity banner white brocade for use on Trinity Sunday

Trinity Sunday

Trinity Sunday is a Christian feast day celebrated on the Sunday after Pentecost. It is a day dedicated to the Holy Trinity – the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The doctrine of the Trinity is one of the foundational beliefs of the Christian faith, and Trinity Sunday serves as a reminder of the essential nature of this belief. Trinity Sunday is a day that holds great significance for Christians around the world.

Dove and Flames Altar Hanging Ecclesiastical Sewing

Why Do We Wear Red on Pentecost?

The use of the color red in the church during Pentecost is commonly attributed to its association with the flames of the Holy Spirit, which descended upon the apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ as tongues of fire. Red, as the color of fire and blood, is a natural choice to represent this element. The imagery of flames and fire is often associated with the Holy Spirit in Christian iconography, and red serves as a powerful visual reminder of the transformative power of faith.

Jacobean Altar Frontal Ecclesiastical Sewing

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God | Ecclesiastical Sewing (2019)

All feasts of Mary, as indeed are all feasts of all the worthies of the faith, are feasts that point to our Lord Jesus Christ and his work “for us and for our salvation.” Mary is our prime example of created humanity at its finest.  She is humble but brave, courageous but modest, truthful and kind, upright and vulnerable, and unafraid to follow the leadings of God.

Dayspring Vestment Collection by Ecclesiastical Sewing

Dayspring is a Collection of Designs intended for use at both Christmas and Easter. Dayspring is a Messianic Prophecy that is fulfilled at the Resurrection. The Dayspring Church Vestment Collection incorporates the IHS Holy Monogram, the Chi Rho Symbols, Alpha and Omega, the Rising Sun, and the Glorious Cross. There are also Angels in adoration. The entire Ecclesiastical Sewing team is honored to have been a part of creating this new Dayspring Collection of Designs for use in your churches for the Christmas and Easter Seasons of the church year.

Prince of Peace Baxter 501 Years in the Making

Reformation 2018 – 501 Years in the Making

Reformation 2018 – 501 Years in the Making:: an incredible anniversary. The Reformation Embroidery Designs were created by Edward Riojas and Carrie Roberts. This set was the first major collaborative design collection created by both artisans and it marked the beginning of what has become a wonderful working relationship and friendship. The designs are unique in the world of vestment making.

Altar

Forgotten Altars? Take Another Look!

This little chapel sits in the corner of a larger room. A great deal of care has been taken with the chapel. There is an Advent stand with the Advent candles, a cross in the corner on the wall, the hymn board, the candles, and book stand on the altar, the altar linens and the altar hangings. The scene in the altar antependium is that of the manger in a circle or nimbus with the star. The various blues of the background indicate the shades of the nighttime sky. The charm comes in knowing that in this place, someone has taken care to ensure that the altar of the Lord is prepared for the services that will take place in this tiny chapel.

St Margaret Ivory Lurex Detail Liturgical Fabric

St. Margaret Ivory Lurex Altar Frontal

The fabrics selection on this project is St. Margaret in the Ivory Lurex color and St. Hubert in the Gold/Gold color. Oak Leaf gallon was used to edge the orphrey, and a metallic gold thread fringe graces the lower edge of the superfrontal and frontal.  The superfrontal is made entirely from the Gold/Gold St. Hubert with the metallic gold fringe as the only adornment. The frontal is made using St. Margaret as the base fabric, with orphreys of St. Hubert in Gold/Gold with the 1-inch wide Oak Leaf galloon used to finish the edges. 

Green Superfrontal from Collection at Concordia Historical Institute

Altar Frontals

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.

Rose Vestments for Laetare and Gaudete Sunday

Laetare Sunday or Rose Vestments

Using Rose Vestments during Advent and Lent varies among differing church bodies.  The New Liturgical Movement has some information on the historical use of Rose Vestments within the Catholic Church.  The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod’s view on Rose Vestments is slightly different. If a Rose Vestment Set is desired or planned for your church, be sure to check with your pastor or bishop concerning appropriate use and guidelines for liturgical colors.

Black Vestments used for Ash Wednesday and Good Friday at Prince of Peace

Planning – First Steps for Altar Frontal

For this altar frontal, the plan is to use two 7″ orphrey bands on either side of the center front. There will be a solid space of white that will be about 9″ wide left between the orphrey bands. This band or space that was left would be adorned with a host of hand-embroidery designs.  The project will have to be content with plain bands of white between the rows of orphreys.

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!

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