fashioning a Christian ethic of clothing
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.
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
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.
Partly work and partly play You must on St. Distaffs Day: From the plough soon free your team; Then cane home and fother them: If the maids a-spinning go, Burn the flax and fire the tow. Bring in pails of water then, Let the maids bewash the men. Give St. Distaff' all the right: Then… Continue reading Texts & Textiles: St. Distaff’s Day
January 6 marks the Feast of the Epiphany, when the child Jesus was revealed to the Magi from the east. I made these felt Magi for my mother as part of a larger nativity scene last Christmas. I used the instructions and patterns from Salley Mavor's marvelous Wee Felt Folk. The wool felt was either… Continue reading The Epiphany of our Lord
There's something fitting about drying leaves & harvesting seeds during Advent. Both are works of patience, preparation, and hope.
The work of our heads, hearts, and hands can become lamps we hold aloft for Christ, lighting our way to the feast He will call--at any moment--for us to join.
Blessed are the timid hearts that evil hate that quail in its shadow, and yet shut the gate; that seek no parley, and in guarded room, though small and bate, upon a clumsy loom weave tissues gilded by the far-off day hoped and believed in under Shadow's sway. Blessed are the men of Noah's race… Continue reading Texts & Textiles: JRR Tolkien
I want to celebrate the legend of a skilled, courageous woman who trusted in her God more than in the power of man.
She who reconciles the ill-matched threads of her life, and weaves them gratefully into a single cloth— it's she who drives the loudmouths from the hall and clears it for a different celebration where the one guest is you. In the softness of evening it's You she receives. You are the partner of her loneliness,… Continue reading Texts & Textiles: Rainer Maria Rilke
