 What's in the workroom...
This white and real metal brocade is being made into a Solemn High Mass set for a Deacon preparing for ordination this June 2012.
Holy Mother Church provides an abundance of rich symbolism for this set... Signifying the 5 wounds of Christ, faceted garnets ("carbuncles" of old) are stitched on the points and center of 19 bullion crosses. This sketch shows the design for the chasuble cross. A handmade embroidery of passion-flowers in gold bullion will surround an antique Agnus Dei embroidery the Deacon wished to incorporate into his set. (Learn more about Church symbolism on the "What is that?" page.)  
|  A MOCKUP - We create new vestments from clients' antique photos.
We recreate the treasures of the past... Combining the highest quality materials and workmanship with careful research of beautiful surviving antique vestments, we are able to create sets like the treasures that once graced our Holy Catholic altars. The real metal red brocade chasuble you see here is part of a new Solemn High Mass set. The parish who commissioned this set found an intact 12-piece antique set they loved, but simply could not afford the price to purchase. We were able to replicate the design of that longed-for antique set for a fraction of the cost of the original pieces. Of course, we retained the high quality materials found in the original set. We used real metal brocade, handloomed silk, gold bullion fringe and even antique embroideries. The result was even more brilliant than the years-old set and more durable. But more importantly, it is ready for years of worship at the Holy altar. Our Vestments are made of... · silk damasks · real metal-woven fabrics and trims · genuine freshwater pearls, garnets, and gemstones as appropriate · brocades and rich velvets · hand-made gold bullion embroideries and fringes · 100% linen and 100% hand-loomed silks for linings · unbleached muslin and canvas for interfacings We take care to lift the dimensions directly from surviving pieces whenever possible, to retain the integrity of the traditional styles as needed. We also insure that Church symbolism is designed into every piece just as the vestments of old -- retaining the age-old traditions and meanings that used to be handed down among vestment makers.  “… it is indispensably necessary for the ecclesiastical artists, not only to understand the true forms and symbolical significations of the sacred vestments and other adornments of the church, but also how to apply the various decorations in a consistent manner to the edification of the faithful, and as lively illustrations of the Sacred Mysteries.”
-- Augustus Welby Pugin from Glossary of Ecclesiastical Ornament and Costume, 1868 |
 Fr. Saguto, FSSP, blesses the Parish's new vestments before their first use at the High Mass on Pentecost Sunday. (Watch the Latin Rite Blessing of Vestments by clicking 'What is That' on the link top of page.) |  Finished chasuble includes an antique 'Agnus Dei' bullion embroidery, just as in the original. |
...Antique
This beautiful antique
is the inspiration for a new chasuble's embroidery. (at right) | ...Exquisite
Just as the antique looked years ago, the new piece is untarnished and will soon be gloriously ready for years of service on the altar.
It will become the centerpiece of a Solemn High Mass set for a newly ordained priest on the day of his First Mass, May 2012. |
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