The Embroidered Altar Pall

In the Old Testament, we read about the Ark of the Covenant - that magnificent home and protection for the written word of God. This Ark was considered so special that even the priests whose job it was to carried it were not allowed to look at it with their eye. A veil was placed between the human eye and the Holy of Holies.

Would it be a wonder then, if we should emulate even a fraction of this honor due God when housing His very Own True Presence in the Blessed Sacrament? Every big and little ornament and article used in to the purpose of housing and protecting Our Lord must be special and in turn, beautiful.

Tabernacle, veil, jewels, and even the chalice themselves should be made of the finest of materials for the King of Kings. And when He comes to us in Holy Communion, the priest insures that not even a particle of dust or debris will fall near him. How does this happen?

With the help of a pall.

Made of linen and stiffened inside to board-like stiffness, the altar pall is used to cover the Chalice and prevent anything from falling inside. This simple tool has a giant purpose. Given it's high office, the pall is often embroidered and decorated with the finest in Catholic motifs and designs.

Our seamstress did an amazing job on this special order for custom palls. These beauties will grace the altar through the hands of a priest in Canada, thanks to the generosity of his friends.

"And I clothed thee with embroidery, and shod thee with violet coloured shoes: and I girded thee about with fine linen, and clothed thee with fine garments." - Ezechiel 16:10

www.catholicembroidery.com

About Our Custom Book Covers

So, can Catholic Embroidery really make a book cover to fit ANY book?

The answer is: YES!

Customers write quite often, asking if our book cover customization services extend beyond embroidery and into the book size as well. There hasn't been a book yet to date, that we haven't been able to cover.

This includes covering Bibles, prayer-books, missals, antique collections, handbooks, Diurnals, and choir books. Not only do the covers offer ultimate zipper-enforced protection from wear, tear, and elements, the added feature of optional custom embroidery will make your book a walking piece of Catholic art.

To cover your favorite book, simply order a Custom Book Cover from our website and enter your book's dimensions and any other choice options at your disposal. {Measure in inches or millimeters, looking at the book head-on: height, length, and spine width.} That's it! Our talented seamstresses will take care of the rest, designing a cover that will fit your book like a glove!

The old adage is true: We've gotcha covered. :)

www.catholicembroidery.com

Embroidered Stole: Golden Maltese Crosses

White & violet brocade fabrics designed to allow for a "reversible" stole

It's such a treat to work with talented seamstresses across the country! I am always amazed at the ideas, vision, and array of beautiful fabrics that take shape into exquisite treasures for priests and the altar through their skillful hands.

One such seamstress recently contacted us with a special custom project: Maletese Crosses embroidered in gold metallic thread on stole she is creating for a a priest.

The small gold cross will rest, as always, on the neck of the priest...

And as usual, this special request gave me the opportunity to learn more about my Faith and the symbolism in her art and liturgy. The Maltese Cross' history and symbolism can be found in last week's blog post... while the meaning of the stole is shared below:

"A liturgical vestment composed of a strip of material from two to four inches wide and about eighty inches long. It has either a uniform width throughout, or is somewhat narrower towards the middle, widening at the ends in the shape of a trapezium or spade. A small cross is generally sewed or embroidered on the stole at both ends and in the middle; the cross, however, is prescribed only for the middle, where the priest kisses the stole before putting it on... Stoles for festivals are generally ornamented with embroidery, especially what are called 'vesper stoles'... At the ordination of priests the bishop draws the part of the stole that rests at the back of the candidate's neck forward over the breast and lays the two ends crosswise, saying: 'Receive the yoke of the Lord, for His yoke is sweet and His burden is light.'... The giving of the stole to the candidate at ordination in Rome was intended to convey a double symbolism; first, that the elevation to the clergy of the Roman Church occurred de benedictione S. Petri, and secondly that by ordination the candidate entered the service of St. Peter, that is of the Roman Church." - From the Catholic Encyclopedia online

This "Penitential" side of the stole will be used for while
hearing confessions... during Lent... Advent...

Jesus, Jesus Come to me!

"Suffer the little children, and forbid them not to come to me; for the kingdom of heaven is for such." Matthew 19:14

Such words are remembered almost on a daily basis this spring! With over 35 orders for custom First Communion Handkerchiefs within a month's time gracing our workroom, we unite ourselves to so many First Communions all over the world.

But it's not just handkerchiefs that are used to commemorate the special days of little boys and girls - we are always thrilled to work with customer's special requests. One mother called us and asked if we could embroider our new Trefoil Chalice design on her daughter's dress.

Gold and silver metallic thread on top of the satin-white fabric, you ask? Stunning.

Congratulations to all of the children and adults who are receiving Our Lord for the first time. May all our communions be as sacred to us as that "first".

"Jesus, Jesus, come to me,

All my longing is for Thee, 

Of all friends the best thou art, 

Make of me Thy counterpart. 

Jesus, I live for Thee, 

Jesus, I die for Thee, 

I belong to Thee, 

Forever in life and death."

Off to Africa!

These lovely, crisp linens are on their way now through the [less-than-prompt] postal route from the USA to AFRICA! 

Two generous seamstresses donated their time and talent in the creation of these amices, purificators, lavabo towels, and corproals that will soon mantle the very altar of Our Lord's repose and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass - in a mission church.  The good priest who runs the mission has seen such an increase in attendance over the past few months, that more Mass times are necessary to add on the regular Sunday schedule. In addition, an altar boy guild and Daughters of the Mission society are presently in formation, providing excellent activities in sports, carpentry, cooking, and sewing for the young members of the mission, under the direction of the pastor. What a joy to be able to be even the smallest part of this great work in the form of little embroidered crosses to this growing mission. :)

Interested in supporting this African Mission and learning more? Click here to donate through a safe and secure site and enjoy reading about the blessings your donation will provide to the care of so many souls.

For an insider scoop to the work, fun, and stories in the Catholic Embroidery world, follow us on Facebook!

www.catholicembroidery.com

Embroidery for the Elderly

We've been busy here in the Catholic Embroidery workshop! With Easter at hand and a host of Liturgical and Sacramental celebrations in the near forecast, our needles have been flying away, creating designs for Easter, First Communions, Ordinations, and more.

Easter and Marian feasts will be duly celebrated at the nursing home with these appliques

It was a pleasure to work with a local seamstress on designs to complement vestments to be worn at a nursing home throughout the year. These were created just-in-time to be applied to vestments for the upcoming feasts of Easter, Pentecost, Masses of Our Lady in May. I think we covered the next few months' worth of feasts with these beauties! What do you think?

Not a coincidence that this design was created during the recent conclave :-)

www.catholicembroidery.com

Trefoil Chalice & Pall Design

Your request is our desire! Our third new design of the week is an answer to many customer requests:

 Finally - a chalice and host design with two tone metallic thread!

Choose our Trefoil Chalice design on your next custom-made missal cover and see the delightful coupling of two-tone thread in-action. A perfect design for First Communion gifts, the Trefoil Chalice would be the perfect gift as Remembrance Embroidered Artwork.
To the right, you'll find it stitched in two tone metallic and ready for application on missal covers!


Created with an additional angular border, the Trefoil Chalice Pall design was inspired by handmade antique embroidery found in Belgian abbeys. While not condusive to the ordinary application, this exclusive design is ready to stitch on the next "Peter's" Pall. :)

Trefoil Chalice and Trefoil Chalice Pall Designs © Catholic Embroidery, 2013

www.catholicembroidery.com

Appliques: Embroidery in Portable Form

In creating an exclusive design gallery of uniquely Catholic designs, our objective to bring the beauty of the Church across the world reaches beyond the various products we've created and decorated with stitches. 

One of the most helpful mediums of custom embroidery is the form of the applique - a patch-like piece of embroidery in portable form. This is especially helpful for school badges, accessorizing, various sewing projects, and vesica designs for vestments and banners.  In the ordering of an applique, customers can choose from our design gallery, supply their own fabric for the background if they so desire (or choose from our stock fabrics), and determine the best border frame for the applique. It especially is helpful for quick sewing projects that would take too much time to ship to our workshop and return. 

Our appliques have even been known to adorn All Saints Day Costumes made by mothers and their children. Because of the finished nature of our appliques, they can be applied to be as permanent as you wish - pinning or sewing. 

The Sacred and Immaculate appliques below have been created with a special altar cloth in-mind... stay tuned for more!

www.catholicembroidery.com

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Project: On Your Wedding Day

"We were asked to present a personalized bible during our son's wedding. I asked Mary to make a special cover out of white fabric and the result was stunning! My son and future daughter in law will have a keepsake for the rest of their lives made by someone we know. Thank you so much for your good work, Mary!" - L.H.

May this treasured design always reflect the love and fidelity that this marriage will bring under the sanction of Holy Matrimony! It's always an honor and a joy to contribute to the celebration of such a union - even in the smallest of ways. Congratulations to the couple!

Project: Simeon's Compline Canticle

"Salva nos, Domine, vigilantes, custodi nos dormientes; ut vigilemus cum Christo, et requiescamus in pace" 

"Protect us Lord, while we are awake, and safeguard us while we sleep, that we may keep watch with Christ and rest in peace."

This passage from Simeon's Canticle has been glorified by Holy Mother Church by it's use in the office of Compline. Every night, this prayer is said in monastieries, convents, and homes across the world. It brings with it a certain sense of peace in the giving to God the actions of the day, while intrusting the night into His care. 

Being a personal favorite prayer of my own, I was delighted when commissioned by a customer to reproduce this prayer as a framable wall art to be hung above their children's bedrooms. Combining family devotions to the Sacred and Immaculate Heart with shimmering stars and sky blue thread, our goal was to represent the protection of Heaven upon his faithful children through the use of stitches. 

The rest is in the hands of an expert framing specialist. What do you think? 

What are your family's favorite devotions before bed?

www.catholicembroidery.com 

Thread of Beauty: About Our Designs

“Late have I loved you, O Beauty ever ancient, ever new, late have I loved you!”—St. Augustine of Hippo

It is no secret that the world has forever been enhanced by beautiful things. However, it is often forgotten how beauty, or lack thereof, plays a part in the formation and life of the human soul. We are reminded of this in the age-old quote, "the eyes are the window to the soul". This fact is a simple truth that has often been proven scientifically in the world of music, art, and literature for centuries. Where there is beauty, there is God. Beauty brings order, balance, and truth to society and culture.

Art, in all of its forms, has dictated the influence of beauty into cultures throughout the ages. When we were introduced into the art of embroidery, a world of monograms and letters quickly blossomed into a passion for beauty in the form of stitches. And as practicing Catholics, we didn't have to look far to find a history of Religious Embroidery Treasures of our Catholic heritage. In finding a treasury of embroidery history, one fact remained simple yet devestatingly true: such examples of beauty through stitches are not being produced today as they once were.

Our Ave Maria Design accenting the back of a chasuble. 

In fact, we quickly realized that companies and design creators have left much to be desired in Catholic embroidery. Bringing spirituality to the eyes and therefore, but extension, the hearts of souls through embroidery became our passion.

We began by creating our own designs, through the expertise and creativity of some of the finest in Catholic artists. Taking inspiration from ancient art, personal devotion, and the study of the Catholic Church through art, our gallery began to take shape. Now, nearly 50 designs have been added to our signature design gallery. Each has been copyrighted to protect the originality and work behind the image creation. And, more are always being added!

Our Holy Matrimony Symbol - Two Hearts United in One

Within no time, our designs became available to the public in a host of forms, many of which are products we created, that are shared daily throughout the world. Whether accompanying the prayers of the priest at the foot of the altar, tucked safely inside pockets, carried to Mass, or worn close to the heart, our Catholic Embroidery designs are meant to bring the beauty of the Church to eyes and hearts everywhere. We hope they will give the world, as they give to us, even the smallest foretaste of what is to Come:

"That eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man, what things God hath prepared for them that love him." 1 Corinthians 2:9

Our Wicklow Cross Design was inspired by Irish art and history.

***It is not uncommon to be questioned as to the sharing of these designs. Since each has been created exclusively by our company and copyrighted, duplication is not allowed in any form, without express permission. This includes the sale of the design files themselves. Seamstresses interested in having any of our desings embroidered on their project are more than welcome to contact us. Such applications on vestments, altar frontal, quilts, and more are our expertise! 

© Precision Embroidery 2007-2012

Cantate Domino

This custom embroidered bookmark encourages a chorister's organization while inspiring the devotion within the music...

Psalm 95: 1-3 "Cantate Domino canticum novum: cantate Domino omnes terra. Cantate Domino benedicite nomini eius adnuntiate diem de die salutare eius; adnunciate inter gentes gloriam eius in omnibus populus miribia eius."

"Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing ye to the Lord and bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day."

Listen to Hans Leo Hassler's choral work, here.

Project: Sacred Heart Vesica

The beautiful Sacred Heart design pictured above is the very first design to be created exclusively by Catholic Embroidery. As a family business, it was very important to begin our new endeavor with our family's consecration to the Sacred Heart in full honor. Thus, the Sacred Heart image was committed to stitches, copyrighted, and the Catholic Embroidery gallery began.

Over the years, this design has been stitched as framable artwork combined with commemoration of feasts in a family, as a consecration memento in households across America, and in many other forms.

Thus, it is very fitting that as we near our FIFTH anniversary of the founding of our company in November, it is this Sacred Heart that takes form once again under the eyes of our needles. We were asked by a priest in Texas to make this design available in the form of a vesica applique. (Vesica is a term used to refer to an embroidery motif application to a given vestment.) This applique was created in a manner that would allow a local seamstress to apply the design directly to the fabric in a matter of minutes. Gold metallic thread was used to match the vestment's existing orphrey and the results were absolutely stunning.

Tomorrow, on the First Friday in October, our Sacred Heart design will mount the steps of the altar, embedded boldly over the heart of one of God's own ministers.

Introibo ad altare Dei - I will go to the altar of God

Monastery Greetings

What does monasticism and embroidery have in common?

Monastery Greetings

Today, we would like to spotlight one of our loyal retailers, known nationwide through printed catalogues and online shopping as the only such website dedicated in providing products made by monasteries, abbeys, convents, and hermitages - the sale of their products directly supporting them. From Trappist Preserves and Glenstal Abbey Truffles to CD's of chant from the Abbey of Fontgombault - shopping Monastery Greetings is an experience that takes one around the world and brings the finest of Catholic culture to life.

It has been our joy to bring our own line of products to the catalogues of Monastery Greetings through the stitching of signature designs that incorporate our Faith in every-day life. The Benedictine Apron, Lamb of God Collection, Pysanky Basket Liner, and Celtic Apron have all graced homes and kitchens across America through Monastery Greetings.

New to this season finds St. Francis of Assisi and his famous quote, "Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace" in stitches. Visit their website today to view the new St. Francis Apron and St. Francis Throw - found exclusively though Monastery Greetings.

www.catholicembroidery.com

Our Lady of the Angels Monastery - In Needle and Thread

'We live in the shadow of a very dark age of history, an age that asks with Pilate: 'What is truth?' The silent witness of a religious answers this question without speaking a single word. Their very existence in the heart of the Church cries out: Jesus Christ is TRUTH. Those consecrated to God are to be rays of His Light." From the OLAM Monastery Website

“ I Adore thee O Jesus, God of Love, truly present in the Most Blessed Sacrament…” Such are the words that come from the lips and hearts of the Poor Clare Nuns of Perpetual Adoration. Located in the beautiful countryside of Hanceville, AL, the nun's Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament at Our Lady of the Angels Monastery is a sanctuary of constant Adoration of Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.

Many know this monastery through the television screen and and the hours of broadcasting in the best of Catholic teaching by Mother Angelica. In fact, Catholics have been benefiting from the spiritual life and ceremonies at the Monastery through the renowned Eternal Word Television Network for decades. The sisters are brought daily, through the broadcast of Holy Mass and the recitation of the Holy Rosary & Hours, to homes, deployment quarters, and hospital beds, around the world. Truly, the television screen has made Our Lady of the Angels Monastery a spiritual home for Catholics and non-Catholics alike.  

Each day, many of these souls bring the live-streaming to life by visiting this spiritual home in pilgrimage by car and busloads. At the Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament, one can see for himself the devotion to the Child Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. "A little child shall lead them..." reminds all visitors that their guide is none other than the Christ Child himself. All who visit the Shrine are forever touched by the sacrifices and love the sisters live for Christ in this beloved monastery.

We have been blessed to share in this spirituality by serving the Shrine with our Catholic Embroidery. This, we have done through the creation of exclusive embroidery designs showcasing the Monastery's signature Monstrance and Divino Nino emblems. These designs and many, many more can be found in the Nun's Giftshop, both in-person and online. 

Handkerchief created by Catholic Embroidery to mark the Monastery's 50th anniversary - May 2012

Similar Monstrance handkerchiefs can be purchased by clicking here!

If you are unable to enjoy a pilgrimage to the Shrine yourself, bring the Monastery to your home beyond the television or computer screen by visiting the Nun's Giftshop Online. There you can add the Monastrance and Divino Nino emblems to your home and wardrobe, including handkerchiefs, polo shirt, bookmark, backpack, and more!

Let us continue to pray for these sisters and for all religious, for in their perseverance and sacrifice is found the salvation of world! 

www.olamshrine.com

www.nunsgiftshop.com

www.catholicembroidery.com

New to the Shop: Missal Cover Photos

Pictures of our Signature in-stock and ready-to-ship Missal Covers are on the web! With seven different sizes to choose from, there's sure to be a perfect fit for your missal or book. If not, our Customization option allows for any configuration of size and your choice of monogram and design.

This size fits the Roman Catholic Daily Missal like a glove!

Check out our Children's Missal Covers, St. Andrew Covers, St. Joseph Cover, and more!

Hoop Scoop: Marian Vestments

This week, our needles are busy stitching with blue and metallic gold. Working with lovely white damask pre-cut fabric pieces sent to us from a talented seamstress, these pieces will soon take shape into Latin Rite Marian Vestment sets to be worn by TWO newly ordained priests.

This collection of embroidery pieces came to a whopping 125,964 stitches! That's about 2,078.406 feet of thread!!!!

In honor of these Marian vestments, let's take a peek into the practice of the honoring the Five First Saturdays Devotion, at which these vestments will one day soon take their place at the foot of the Altar. Have you ever heard of this devotion? It all started one day in 1917 Fatima, Portugal...

Our Lady Herself asked for us to make reparation on this day especially saying, "Say to all who, for 5 months, on the first Saturdays, confess, receive Holy Communion, recite the Rosary, and keep Me company during 15 minutes while meditating on the 15 mysteries of the Rosary, with the intention of making reparation to my Immaculate Heart, I promise to assist them at the hour of death with all the graces necessary for the salvation of their souls."

Have you made your First Saturdays?

Stay tuned for final product posts as these treasures come to life!!
See you then!

PAX+
Mary Serafino

www.catholicembroidery.com

New to the Shop: Fleur de Lis Throw

The fleur de lis.

Mini Fleur de lis two-tone design

A favorite symbol in the Catholic Embroidery family and a confirmed favorite amongst Catholics around the globe. Not only is it a symbol of Our Lady, representing a lily of purity, it is commonly held as traditional symbol of Catholic France. Tradition holds that an angel appeared to King Clovis and presented him with a lily -- fleur de lis -- to honor his purification upon his baptismal day. This day became the birth of the First Daughter of the Church - France, who has since produced such saints as St. Joan of Arc and St. Louis the King (also remembered in symbolism with the fleur de lis).

Check out our new Fleur de Lis Throw in two timeless styles, complimenting most home decor with an all-over fleur de lis pattern. Warm and cozy, this throw is a great addition to the home, office, or car. Machine wash and tumble dry care make for a family-friendly addition to any home.

Fleur de lis Throw

http://www.catholicembroidery.com/

What is YOUR favorite Catholic symbol?

Sincerely in Christ,

Mary

Project: Heirloom Baptismal Gown

Last weekend, on the commemoration of the conversion of St. Paul, a new little soul became a Child of God and heir to the kingdom of heaven.

It was an honor to be a part of the occasion by embroidering the initials and date onto the heirloom gown. This monogram joins those of his sisters, embroidered throughout the years while the gown itself boasts plenty of room for more in years to come!

Congratulations G.J.R.! 

Sincerely in Christ,
Mary and the Catholic Embroidery Staff

www.catholicemrbroidery.com

Hoop Scoop: San Damiano Cross

Our designer has been hard at work in the creation of new designs to add to our gallery in the coming months. This month brings the addition of two Franciscan designs, the first of which is our own simplified version of the San Damiano Cross:

THE SAN DAMIANO CROSS  Our beloved Saint Francis did not start out life as a fiercely devout and pious man. His early years were spent indulging in the extravagances available to those born to money and privilege. As he approached adulthood, however, he found himself in crisis, searching for deeper meaning in his life. This inner conflict led him to the deserted church of San Damiano in his hometown of Assisi. It was here, praying before the San Damiano Crucifix, that Francis first heard the Word of God. "Francis, go and rebuild my house, which is falling into ruins." When Francis heard these words, he responded by quickly taking up a collection to restore the churches of Assisi, which were in disrepair. Through his efforts, many chapels and churches were rebuilt. Francis eventually realized that God was not merely asking him to restore chapels, but to rebuild His Church around the world as a community. Francis responded with decisive action. He embraced a life of poverty, prayer and service, and began to preach the Word of God. The San Damiano Cross is an "icon cross," meaning it contains not just a depiction of Christ, but icons of various people and scenes relevant to the story of the Crucifixion and Resurrection. The Cross is in the Eastern style and was crafted in Umbria, Italy (the region where Assisi is located) in the 12th century. It is made of painted walnut and measures 75 inches high, 47 inches wide, and slightly less than 5 inches thick. The original Cross is now located in the Basilica of St. Clare in Assisi; a replica hangs in the San Damiano church. History of the San Damiano Cross from the Franciscian Fathers Website Coming up later this week... Our signature edition of the Franciscan Crest in stitches! Sincerely in Christ, Mary