The above face of Christ sits at the back of the neck - where a cross usually is placed. It was modeled after a mosaic in the great Byzantine Church of St. Sophia, Istanbul. Unlike much Byzantine imagery, this face is fully human and ‘quickened’ (an old word for ‘made alive’).
Throughout the stole Resurrection symbols abound, from the ‘Panto Krator’ through the crucified hands casting the stars of the Evangelists over the heavens, to the hills of the Holy Land holding their upper surfaces to the heavens in the ancient ‘orans’ aspect of prayer. Below, traditional human figures witness the empty tomb of the Risen Christ.
Stitched entirely in 10-mesh needlepoint, the faces of the people as well as that of Christ done 20 stitches-to-the-inch to enable the detail and mosaic look. The stole is corded and lined in red velvet. It was completed in 1977.
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The theme of the rich green stole (and chasuble, orpherys, burse & veil) was inspired by the changing of the seasons. At the top of the design are three bare trees, reminiscent of the Resurrection. Just below are scattered white blossoms, blending with pale new leaves of the spring. Ripe apples adorn the middle of the year and leave just enough space for the colorful autumn leaves that follow, floating down onto deep green velvet as they return to the ground. The stole (seen here in detail) is a miniature of the orphery design.The chasuble has the ‘Seasons’ theme flowing around the edges with one complete cycle visible from the front or back. The tip of the bare trees is seen just over the shoulder, a portent of what is to come.
Sewn from a variety of fabrics, all pieces are lined in deep green satin. 2004
This stole, like the chasuble, is asym-metrical in design - but in reverse so the ‘busy’ side shows off well against the less patterned vestment beneath it. Even the tassels are not alike! This design was the first in what would be a series of dra-matically-colored, almost breath-taking
pieces. It is constructed entirely from dupioni silks, lined in deep blue satin. The flames seem to almost engulf the hand that is preparing the Eucharist.
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These stoles truly ‘hold their own’ against the dramatic sweep of the under-lying design. They look as if the are almost transparent while at the same time emphasizing the subtle elements of an almost cosmic theme.
The tassels of each stole are composed of several shades of the dominant color,
adding to the sense of movement.
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The dynamic owner of this stole is loves Celtic design as well as wanting a red stole that wasn’t ‘flames’!The design is strongly rem-iniscent of classic Celtic themes, the ‘path’ of which is often complicated and convoluted but always leading back to where it began. It is made of two tones of dupioni silk, lined in red satin. 2007
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In January, 2009, my dear friend, Stan Baker, was ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacons at St. Paul’s. His family commissioned a Deacon Stole for him to be presented on that day. For many, many reasons Stan’s Stole had to involve the Covenant between God and Creation, including the ultimate sign of promise, the rainbow. I had a wonderful working “in miniature” - having just finished several very large projects. It was fascinating to see how much could be included in such a small space! Made almost entirely from silks, the stole features several textural elements in the fabrics as well as the added beads representing rain. The two-toned tassels bring more white (the actual color requirement for the Ordination ceremony) to the bottom.
Some ‘close-ups’ showing the detail in
Stan’s Deacon Stole.
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To learn more about this inter-esting set, go to Great Dossals, scrolling down a bit to view it further. You’ll recognize it!
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To see more & read about this set, go to Frontals, scrolling down a bit. You’ll find it easily.
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Bishop Ely’s family chose to honor the 30th anniversary of his Ordination by commissioning a stole that reflected the interests and focus of his remarkable ministry. Included are his ‘motto’: “Pray the Prayer of Christ, Learn the Mind of Christ, Do the Deeds of Christ” - seen in the banner on the right. In addition, there are the children he photographed in San Pablo and Sudan as well as a piece of African mud-cloth. Above is the ark of Noah with a rainbow and rain - symbols of his concern for the Environment as well as his passionate advocacy for GLBT persons in the Church. In the top right is Camel’s Hump, a mountain in northern Vermont with a ‘moon’ rising over it. Upon closer inspection, the moon is actually a golf-ball, recognizing his role in founding the Hasting Open, an important (and en-joyable) fund-raiser for the Diocese of CT, as well as his love for the sport. Tom Ely’s ministry is as amazing as the man himself. Episcopalians in Vermont have been blessed to have him as their Bishop - seemingly a match ‘made in heaven’.
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The Deacon serving at All-Saints in South Burlington, VT is much-beloved. An important Anniversary was looming large and so a suitable surprise gift was commissioned. It reflects the unique blues of the stained-glass used throughout the walls of this most interesting building. It was a joy to create and see her wearing!
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