As a scholar of literature, I find rich meaning in Mary's engagement with her Book, but I can't help mourn the disappearance of the spindle. While Mary's reading calls our minds to the invisible work of the Spirit as we hear the Word, her spindle affirms that the Incarnation transforms the daily work of our hands into worship -- work with eternal consequences.
Beeswax Food Wraps
Each participant took home four wraps, with a supply cost under $5 for each set. Considering that commercial beeswax wraps can cost $18 for a set of three, it was well worth the time it took to make them. And when add the quality time we spent together, we gained far more than we spent.
Texts & Textiles: A Celtic Blessing for the Lambs
I've posted before about the Carmina Gadelica, a wonderful collection of folk prayers and blessings from Scotland. Today, as spring visits Texas, it seemed right to offer one of the Carmina's prayers for flocks, especially the sheep, whose wool is so beautiful and useful. The sheep with their lambs, like so many animals and plants,… Continue reading Texts & Textiles: A Celtic Blessing for the Lambs
Texts & Textiles: Utility Quilts
I found this wonderful line in a book on Mary Lee Bendolph and the Gee's Bend quilts. Like the improvisational nature of utility quilts themselves, this quote captures the tension between wanting to create something beautiful and craftsmanlike, while bearing the burden of urgent family and work needs. Where do you feel this tension? What… Continue reading Texts & Textiles: Utility Quilts
Texts and Textiles: William Wordsworth
Happy Valentine's Day from WholeCloth! May your love be as trusty, fine, and kindly as the thread from faithful hands.
Texts & Textiles: Thomas Love Peacock
They also weave, with gentle art, Those stronger nets that bind the heart.
Texts & Textiles: Henry David Thoreau
Even a little bit of sewing will make you more mindful of your clothing: its source, its fit, the value of the labor that produced it. I think that learning to sew at least one garment can be a life-changing way to change your relationship to the purpose of clothing.
Texts & Textiles: JRR Tolkien
Before this year becomes too cluttered with daily tasks and joys and sorrows, it's important to remember the Story that gives these days their meaning
Texts & Textiles: The Parable of the Old & New Garments
The first parable recorded in Matthew, Mark, and Luke is that of the new patch on the old garment. I was surprised to see that it was first, but it makes sense: Jesus takes a situation perfectly familiar to his audience--the need to mend a worn garment--and uses it to reveal something mysterious about the kingdom of heaven.
Handmade Christmas: 18″ Doll Dress & Cardigan
Besides the absolute delight of sewing such wee frocks (because everything is cute in miniature, right?), creating these dresses was a valuable project for several reasons.
