Sunday, June 26, 2011

In All It's Glory

At last.
Finally photographed fairly well, but still, not the same as the real thing. I wish I could bring you all into the studio for this one.


I have to admit that as much as I adored this fabric, because the symbolism is so rich to me, it was a true test of faith to get this made. The brocade has a very fine thread, much like expensive silks that require the worker to have finger nails pared and smooth, hands softened with a non-greasy cream before each sewing session and no hang nails. (all the things my hands are NOT...)
But still, from the bottom metal bullion fringe trimmed out with an extra row of tiny passementerie and beads.......




....To the upper sections hand worked with gold thread....


.....and all those seed beads (oy!).
And the wonderful crosses from Moscow that were set together to form the Jerusalem Crosses....


....With the addition of pearls, of course, and finally the back collar, completed with crocheted trefoil and a matching cross....


....I found it had taken on a life of it's own when finished.
And that is appropriate as *Regular Time* in the church, when green is worn, is a time of growth. Each seed bead, a tiny bud bursting forth. Each larger pearl, one who is further along in wisdom, and the gold of the crosses representative of Heaven.
Our journey here, moving in faith and knowledge toward an ultimate realm. Each soul being gently perfected, not unlike the pearl, that starts as a grain of sand~~an irritant~~and is slowly turned into something of great worth.
I read a fair amount from old texts that describe the colors of the liturgical seasons, and have often felt Regular Time was somewhat treated as the *least* in the calender, yet, as anyone on any spiritual journey will tell you:

The moments of learning and growth are the most important and should be celebrated, each and every one.
Our quest toward something more.
Seeking wisdom.
Sharing love.
May our lives be verdant and green, lush with growth, rich with learning, full from the spirit and soul outward.
May it be so.
For you, and for me.


Pax....

59 comments:

Janine said...

You did that?????
You can do things like that????????
I am amazed, I am more than amazed.
this is nothing less than perfect.

Silke Powers said...

Wow, Anne, such a beautiful stole you created! And somehow I can tell what a meditative piece this was for you at a time when other things were not smooth-sailing. It really shows how much this means to you! It is stunning!!! Truly!! Love, Silke

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi JAnine!

YEs, I do these, and this is frequently why I am away from the blog for big chunks of time (or not visiting other ones...yikes!)
This one took longer, but very happy with it.
Thank you for your kind words!

XXOO~~
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Thanks Silke!


It is easy to get lost in the stitches.......suddenly things melt away and the only thing on the mind is the work at hand.
Am delivering this today, so hopefully will have a happy recipient!
And I have to run or I'm not going to be ready to leave!

XXOO~~
Anne

Robbie said...

Just BEAUTIFUL!!! A wonderful product of your outstanding workmanship! Can't wait to hear how the recipient reacted!

audrey said...

Oh, Anne, this is my favorite so far!! It is elegant. Every stitch and every tiny bead was placed with loving hands and it shows. I can see why you were so excited to finish this and show it.
You are a true master artisan, Anne!!
♥♥♥ audrey

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Amazingly beautiful! Green is the colour of life itself and the pearls and golden embroidery are magnificent!

Lori ann said...

I love everything about this Anne. It's exquisite. You are right, it is so much more than a stole, it has indeed taken on a life of it's own, which is nothing short of a small miracle.
I know you have been as blessed in making it as the recipient will be in recieveing, what better work is there than one that gets you lost in meditation and deep satisfaction.
Bravo bravo bravo (throwing rose petals in the air).
well done,
xox lori

p.s. and your words are just as beautiful, i really appreciate them.

Janet Ghio said...

Outstanding Anne! That gold thread is so difficult to sew with!

Clare said...

what a work of art - it is beauiful - i like your thoughts on growth. it appears that this stole gave you much to contemplate as you were working on it.

chickory said...

outstanding. its gorgeous and as an apostate catholic, its one of the things about the faith i miss (a little) - the beauty. Youve contributed mightily to this beauty and luck is the parish that receives it. Very solid workmanship with evident love and toil. You should be quite proud. COlor me impressed.

Robin said...

Anne, this is truly breathtaking. Thank you for showing us the detailed shots....after looking at each photo, I went back to the beginning to look at it as a whole... I am in awe....I knew you were one tremendously talented lady...but this stole is so much more than "mere" talent.... you have left a part of your heart and soul in it...and it shows. The recepient will be thrilled....and God already is....you have done them all great honour and shown them great love.

Brava, my friend!!!!! Sending you hugs across the miles!

♥ Robin ♥

Daniel said...

Gorgeous, Anne!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

I'm going to post a general and HUMBLE *thanks* here and will e-mail those of you I have addys for.
Yes, I do believe the recipient was HAPPY~~ ;-) ~~and it FIT properly (always a worry until the job is done, especially with slippery brocades!) And it hung well and looked just right.
WHEW!
Now I can plan my very short nervous breakdown.....
As much as gold thread is a problem child, there is nothing like it when the job is done. And that is the only reason I endure the frustration of working with it.
So again, I thank you for your kind words. I really feel like a little bit of very good spirit has gone back out into the world!

XXOO~~
Anne

Jo Murray said...

An extraordinary and beautiful stole. Each thread, beed, and pearl sewn with love. Many heavenly credits there.

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Jo,

Trust me, I need every credit I can get! ;-)
Thanks so much!!!

XXOO~~
Anne

Georgina said...

Your post today has soften the blows I've experienced in the last few days...thank you and I'm so grateful God has put you on my path.

Loves ya,
G

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Georgina, your comment brings new meaning to my work.
So glad we managed to cross distant paths, and I am always as close as an e-mail or phone call!

XXOO~~
Anne

Cameron said...

Anne! Oh my, this is gorgeous!!! What patience and skill you have....blows my socks off! Just amazing!

...and thank you sharing the symbolism...and your thoughts....the details that give a project Life!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Cameron,

You know what is funny...everyone says I have patience, and I never *feel* like I do. I just get a mental vision of where something is going and do the work. In fact, I tend to get lost in it.
Patience for me is trying to explain something over and over and not lose my temper...LOL!
I guess I *do* have patience, but obviously I save it for special occasions! ;-D

XXOO~~
Anne

Anonymous said...

Takes my breath away it does, such heartful work my friend and faith in renewing and growing. So lovely a post. xox Corrine

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Thanks Corrine! And it was well received too, so I am very happy!
What I *should* have taken a photo of what how I had the whole thing set up.
That is an old wonky easel, covered with muslin, then linen, a piece of cardboard to push the *shoulder area* out and then a piece of poster board behind.
Talk about LOW TECH!
If I'm going to shoot more photos of stoles, I definitely need a better set up.
Oh for a commercial draping dummy!!!

XXOO~~
Anne

tallboy said...

Words cannot covey the appreciation, respect and awe that filled me when I received this very special gift of art for the glory of God. Even the pearls seemed to take on the essence of the green, conveying the message of "grow with God's grace as you take on the essence of His holiness in all that you are." I am blessed by your gifts and graces, your art and devotion, your love and... your humor. "Thank you" is simply not enough--maybe a bag of seafood for gumbo would be a start???????
in grace and peace,

kj said...

anne, it is exquisite. it's so obvious that every single stitch was made with your determined care and love. how your fingers must have ached in all this amazing detail. i think you have found your highest calling with this second completion. there is no doubt.

the philosopher matthew fox says it's not what you do but how you do it. he tells a tale of an auto mechanic who said a car will tell him what it needs if only he will listen.

and so it is with you. i am very happy for you, anne. clap, clap, clap, and ♥
love
kj

Bella Sinclair said...

It's a masterpiece. Whoa! Breathtaking and inlaid with magic. I'm sure it inspires everyone in the congregation!

Luthien Thye said...

woah!! this is masterclass!! it's beautiful my fren! how many hours do you spend of creating something like that? wow!! just WOW!!!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Tallboy,

Mille Grazie.....
It did look stunning on; Dean and your colleagues should be just a *tad* envious! (in a healthy, liturgical way, of course....)
I'm glad you stopped by the blog to get to read my thoughts on this one as things were a bit on the humorous side pre-service! And that is so nice in a church. :-)
And yes, I am extremely easy; the thought of a bag of mixed seafood for gumbo sends me into an ecstasy that my previous denomination would have me doing penance for!!! hahahahaha!
Wear it well and enjoy it with all who see it. All the stoles. Share the art with everyone.

Pax~~
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Karen,

You are straight on spot with that quote; the stoles *tell me* what they want. I see the idea in my mind--no sketches--and when I come across the *right* fabric, it screams at me. Yes, screams. Once it and the crosses are in hand, I know what to do.
I don't believe I could teach this if I had to because it is such a visceral thing.....of course knowing the recipient makes it an easier process and allows for some of the more ornate traditional elements to be used. That won't always be the case but no matter; they will all be created from the heart. (and yes, there are ideas fitting thru the gray matter as I type)
And BTW, I unfortunately left a bit of DNA in this one, so I can never deny that I made it! ;-D

XXOO~~
Anne

Vanessa Brantley Newton said...

Hey Mama!!! You have out done yourself with this wonderful piece. Oh my goodness his jaw must have been on the floor when he saw this. How wonderful and gorgeous! Beautiful indeed!!! Hope that you are doing well and staying out of trouble. Okay you can cause a little bit of ruckus, but keep it down to a dull one he he he he he! We are doing well on this side with all this wonderful heat. I am working away. Lots of projects to finish. Dad is feeling more like himself. He was here this past weekend with my mom and my other sisters. We have so much going on Anne. My little sister Debbie is the last of all of us to be getting married and she is still in the process of looking for a wedding grown. We spent the weekend entertaining dad so that Mom and my other sisters could take her shopping. She still ain't found nothing yet. I told just walk down in the nude he he he he he he he!!! All is well. I love you so much!
V

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Thank you Bella!
I am glad it will be shared among the congregation!

XXOO~~
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Luthien,

I never keep track of hours because I work in spurts~~and sometimes it changes depending on the design. I know how long in a pinch I can crank one out, but I prefer to think and enjoy the work!!!

XXOO~~
Anne

Nikki said...

Simply Beautiful!! God has truly blessed your hands, girlfriend!! NOLA HUGS

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Vanessa!!!

Yeah, I think it was a hit! ;-D
And I am trying very hard to stay out of trouble, but honey, you KNOW what you're working with here! Remind me to tell you about the suit I snagged for $5......it is Easter or Christmas Service FOR SURE!!!
Sounds like you all are busy~~I am praying life is GOOD for all y'all!!! You so deeply deserve it!

XXOO~~
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Nikki!

God has blessed me with good friends and people that keep me on track, and that all helps with keeping the hands on track too!
NOLA HUGS my sister!

XXOO~~
Anne

studio lolo said...

I lingered over each and every photo. My God,how exquisite! You have a gift, Anne. A truely blessed gift.

xoxo
Lolo♥

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Lolo,

Ah, again I say, I wish I could have gathered all my blog friends so they could have seen this one in the *flesh*....or *thread*! LOL!
I can't WAIT till regular time! (actually, I just can't wait to make sure it looks good under the sanctuary lights.....)
I'm now off to make a list of everything I need to do....hahahaha!!!
HAppy Monday!

XXOO~~
Anne

Deborah said...

Oh Anne!! It is a masterpiece! Truly beautiful. Your writing is also beautiful and I couldn't agree more. Speaking of growing and becoming more, have you seen what Silke has been up to with her art class? **blows kisses** Deb

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Deb,

Thanks! (and on the writing part too!)
YES!!! I have seen Silke's wonderful progress but her blog won't let me comment, so I have had to e-mail her! It has been a true delight watching her progress at amazing speed with her portraiture and I am trying hard to be her biggest cheerleader, though you would definitely have the better legs for the job! ;-)

XXOO~~
Anne

Jan said...

Exquisite. And the crosses from Moscow just seem so Anne like, in the best way. No wonder you have been quiet here, and no wonder you ended up with that headache. My fingers ache just thinking about all that hand work. Well done!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Well Jan, the funny thing was I ordered the crosses from a company in Canada, and I knew Canada Post was on strike, so the fact that they took a while to get here was a minor annoyance. When I went to the mailbox and found a package with all the lettering other than the addresses in Cyrillic type, I had to give it a second look~~it finally sunk in that they order from the HOMELAND! Real Russian Orthodox......and yes, I saved the box..... :-)
Truly, it was a wonderful experience bringing all the diverse pieces of this stole together.
Now....hmmmmmm.....what to order for the Advent season..... >:-)

XXOO~~
Anne

Unknown said...

Wow I am speechless. Your theological explanation of Ordinary Time was way on the mark. Great job.
QMM

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Peggy,

Thank you~~~I was hoping I would convey the right message. Sometimes the thoughts don't make it to the page quite as I would like...LOL!
I am off looking at church hats; found a beautiful suit at a good price and trust me, it NEEDS a church hat!

XXOO~~
Anne

Karin Bartimole said...

just amazing Anne. the detail, care and symbolism within the piece are all so rich. You've done a magnificent job!

now I'm sure you'll find the perfect hat :)
xoxox K

yoborobo said...

Holy tomatoes, Anne! I've been gone for a week and look what you have been up to (hee hee, like it only took a WEEK). :)) It's stunning. I am literally swooning over the pearls against that green. They are hypnotizing. Simply beautiful! xox Pam

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi Karin!

Good to *see* you here! And thanks~~you are symbol driven too... :-)
As to the hat, I looked at so many last night my eyeballs were burning and decided I shall start my Goodwill search to find a form to decorate.
More of a challenge anyway!
HAve a great day my friend~~

XXOO~~
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

See Pam, this is what happens when SOMEONE gets to take a vaca and the REST of us DON'T.....LOL!!!
And yes my dear, it took more than a week...hahaha! (I wish I was adept enough to do one in a week, well, I could do a basic one in a week).
Missed you and your smiley little avatar!
Mostly, missed PAM!

XXOO~~
Anne

marianne said...

a true work of art anne- it's just beautiful.

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Thanks marianne!

And thanks for using the word *art* because I consider it that too...much more than sewing....

XXOO~~
Anne

angela recada said...

Another exquisite piece of art you've created here, Anne. You can see it was crafted with thoughtfulness and love. Lovely!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Thank you Angela!

I am always glad when the thought portion of the work shows through in the end. On most of these, there is a lot of though, reading, weighing decisions......

XXOO~~
Anne

Dear Fireflies said...

Oooh, it's glorious, indeed!! Goodness, you really put a lot of love (and patience!) in this, Anne! I always admire those whose give it all into their work...and you are just one of those people. Just amazing. :) oxx

Dear Fireflies said...

I was stunned... my words seem bleghh. Can you tell? :D

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

LOL!
Amalia, your words seemed FINE! (but you made me laugh and that is priceless!!! grazie!)
I think I only know one way to work and that is straight out, whole hog, till I drop....and believe me, have I dropped! I think I need a break... ;-D

XXOO~~
Anne

Anonymous said...

It turned out beautiful! Truly it did. I like ordinary time too. Much more peaceful. I think your pastor is very happy to have you to make stoles for him!
Timaree

Magpie's Mumblings said...

Absolutely beyond stunning!! Most definitely a piece of art, done by your hands, for the glory of God. What could be better?

Emma said...

This really is beautiful. Hope you have a good break. Rest those weary eyes & fingers! x

Marie S said...

Sending good, no great, thoughts your way.
The world is speeding up.
This is the most amazing thing I have seen you do Anne.
25,000 pats, kudos, and high 5's.
This is truly Godly!
I bet Steven looks great in this color.
WOW!!
Of course I think of you and come by when you are retreating. I think of you all the time, but my world seems to be speeding up too.
Love and huge hugs.

Mim said...

This piece of art seems to me to have been done by many many talented cloistered ladies in the 15th century. It is gorgeous and should be in a museum. The attention to detail! Absolutely amazing.
So glad KJ sent you over and thank you for your kind words.

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Thanks Mim!

Trust me, when I start work on one of these, I do indeed cloister myself away until it is finished~~and frankly have felt as OLD as the 15th century...LOL!
I just can't wait to see it in use...... :-)

XXOO~~
Anne

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