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Thursday, July 28, 2011

Beaded Baptismal Stole


For this particular stole, I chose to collect a variety of beads in aqua and use the last of my Nicole Miller cotton.
The shell is from a beautiful blue silk that I have been waiting to find the right home for. I finished the base of the hand beading with tiny french knots, which I kind of fell in love with.... :)
I am working hard in creating original designs for my upcoming exhibition, and I think this will be one the audience might favor...we will see!




Monday, July 25, 2011

Stole for Lent

Here is the completed stole I wrote about in my July 4th post. The bottom of the stole was finished with an embroidered lattice pattern bordered by French knots.

Friday, July 22, 2011

Royal purple IHC

Recently completed, a traditional look with golden yellow dupioni silk, hand applied with a French knot border, all on a deep purple damask.


Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Not too many words

Just a few photos...









I find such pleasure in embroidering stoles for women by hand. Lots to be thankful for!


Saturday, July 16, 2011

Thanks Be To God

I was reminded today to reflect on how amazing that many of life's experiences can come together to bring such pleasure.

It is a gift. Thanks be to God.


Image from zersen on deviantART


Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Less Common Symbols of Our Faith - Bees

The Sweet Word of God ~ Psalm 19:10

More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.


Since time began bees have been part of the great myths of humanity and have always been extraordinarily potent symbols.

Bees, in their role as workers, are a symbol of the industrious and prosperous community governed by the queen bee. As organizers of the universe between earth and sky, bees symbolize all vital principles, and embody the soul. Bees also symbolize eloquence, speech, and intelligence.

In Hebrew, the word for bee, Dbure, has its origins in the word Dbr, speech. They settled on the mouth of the child, Plato, “announcing the sweetness of his enchanting soul ” (Pliny) (http://www.lunedemiel.tm.fr/anglais/06.htm)

In the Church, the beehive is a symbol for community of those who work together for the benefit of all. Used modernly as a symbol for the Christian Church, and is one of the best.

There are so many great historical symbols of our faith that I would love to see return in liturgical art with more frequency. Bring back the rooster, the peacock, the ship at anchor, the dogwood, the lobster!!!! :)


“The soul… may have many symbols with which it reaches toward God.” ~ Anya Seton


Monday, July 4, 2011

Church Embroidery Designs

On this sunny Fourth of July in North Carolina, I am spending part of the holiday watching a couple of classic patriotic movies (one if which is a painful revolutionary musical - not a winning mix!) :) and doing a bit of work... Part of my enjoyment in seeing the movies are the set designs and the portrayal of clothing, bedding and housegoods which were embellished with embroidery....

Okay... Let's fast forward to the late 1800's where Anastasia Dolby was one of the founders of the School of Art Needlework in 1872, which would later become the Royal School of Needlework. The school was a direct reflection of the social, cultural and political history of Victorian and Edwardian Britain.

Dolby attributed many of the designs in her book 'Church Embroidery, Ancient and Modern' to Mr. T. J. Burton. It is his design (I believe) that I have used on a piece of lavender dupioni silk, in which I have adapted by adding a variety of green tones for the palm branches and tiny french knots to fill the cross.


The book is sold on Amazon and the like, but is available online for free at Google Books. It is really worth a look at the lovely classic designs.

Friday, July 1, 2011

Textile Production in Europe: Embroidery, 1600–1800

Here is a wonderful link to the Met's show on Embroidery......the link takes you even deeper, swirling into the past! Liturgical embroidery is featured and a nod is given to the economic crutch it gave to the industry...the church being the customer with the deepest pockets.

"Textile Production in Europe: Embroidery, 1600–1800 ". In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art

http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/txt_e/hd_txt_e.htm#slideshow1