Gifts for Priests

 I promised you more pictures of the liturgical stole I made a few weeks ago. Our assistant pastor had seen some quilted stoles and asked if I could make one for him. He was celebrating his 5th anniversary and moving to a new assignment, so I was happy to oblige.

He wanted a blue stole to wear for baptisms. I've been excited about gradations of color lately, so I tried it here. This pattern was actually plan B. My first design was too fussy and the colors weren't working. This simple design with 1.5 X 5" cut rectangles came together quickly and I like the effect.

I quilted it with a light cotton batting and variegated thread, but I probably should have used an interfacing instead to keep it lighter. Father Joe gave me one of his stoles to use as a pattern. He likes the way this shape sits on his shoulders.

 

Yeah, I sewed the label on upside-down. Oops! I fixed it before I wrapped it.

 

The next event at our church was a 50th anniversary celebration for our pastor emeritus. I had been thinking about embroidering monograms on handkerchiefs for years. I knew I wanted to make something for Father Nick that he could use, and this seemed like the perfect gift. I know he always has a hanky in his pocket. (Yes, Fr. Joe, you need some, too. Christmas is coming!)

I have plans to make a couple more stoles. My cousin is a priest and will celebrate his 25th anniversary next year. And now I have a list of men to embroider handkerchiefs for.