V's Version

"Leaving" is a ministerial vestment - both functional and artistic. I love art that is infused with memory and meaning. That's my thing. And I realize that it is 4 AM (which might have something to do with the coffee I drank a few hours ago) but I feel brilliant! I nailed this commission even though I was kind of dreading it. The last time I made a minister's stole - it was for P and it was very difficult. There is something about getting the right curves to get the stole to lay correctly that is tough.

What you can't see in this photograph is all the little detail work - the velvets and satins, the heart, the chalice, the feather stitches, the crystals. The waves are made from glittering purple fabric and there is an orange spiral sun on the back of the collar too.

I made a prototype out of hideous yard-sale fabric and when I felt confident enough, I began the real thing. From the very beginning I had a good feeling. The fabrics fell into place as I used the colors and textures like paint strokes. I cut and sewed and snipped and sang. I didn't stop for hours and just let ideas flow as I worked. I am so grateful that Dani and Pk and the dogs are on a rare adventure in SF. I could just create freely without thinking about what someone else needed...What a luxury!

Dani and Pk are bringing the dogs to Pete and Hap's so Jaxx and Amica will help their dog cousin Benjamin at Cactus Jungle for a couple of weeks. We are getting ready for our trip east - another whirlwind adventure of medical attention (thanks Boston Foundation for Sight!) and relaxation. After this quarter, Dani needs the relaxation! Pk gets to see P and my sister found us a B and B in Boothbay Harbor so I can introduce Dani to Maine in style! We will be able to visit friends and stay at the River House and have a family reunion too. Kat just finished law school in London! That is worth celebrating! We found fellow UUs to stay at the house while we are gone and I need to clean the house for them. Plus I need to pack!

Having this stole finished is a relief. The fact that I love it is even better. If I were a minister, I would want to wear this all the time - it's walking art. The minister who will receive the stole as a farewell gift is a sensible dresser. With all the colors and the bead work, it might be a little fancy for her but I made it reversible so it could be totally plain too. Did I mention that I am really proud of this piece? Now on to quilting the mermaid...


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Labels: Art Quilt Unitarian Universalist Stole Commission vestement minister