Beauty Tips for Ministers
Because you're in the public eye, and God knows you need to look good.
Priestly Stoles and Shapes
October 1, 2008 on 7:51 am | In Vestments And Clericals |Happy October, darling readers, or as we like to say here in the Boston area, SOXtober!
Pigeons, can you advise? A lovely bride-to-be from Paris, France, writes with this inquiry:
It was so nice to stumble across your blog after months of fruitless research to get the fashion scoop on priest stoles!
I am getting married next year and my godfather, an Episcopalian priest, will be doing our ceremony. I am a fashion designer, I sew and embroider as a hobby. As a surprise, I would like to make him a handmade stole to wear for our wedding and also something that he can use for the rest of his life.
I am confused about what shapes are “appropriate” for a priest, especially the shape at the back of the neck. I noticed some stoles have a curved contour in neckline and are worn around the base of the neck while others come up at the back of the neck like a collar and still others are held in the back with a cord and the back comes down to form a V…
I’m confused! I don’t want to make a “faux-pas” and give him something that is for a deacon or a choir person, but at the same time I’d like for it to be a surprise!
Any advise that you have would be greatly appreciated!
My dear and considerate bride-to-be,
I confess that I don’t know the answer to this question! But I’m sure that other readers will be able to unerringly guide you to the correct shape for your thoughtful gift. We wish you all the best and hope you’ll send photos of your stole after you complete it.
Baiser de paix,
PB
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Either the curved or the straight (probably the one that looks like at collar) would be my preferred choices. The straight model is the most traditional.
If the stole is to be used with an alb it should not have any cords holding the front together as many priests wear stoles crossed in the traditional manner.
Most styles are appropriate for priests, except for the specific deacons-stoles, which are held together at the waist.
Comment by Prästkandidaten — October 1, 2008 #
I don’t know about priest rules, but I do know that I prefer the kind that comes down to a V in the back, as it doesn’t seem to slip or get off center. Then also, if your robe has a cord on the back, the V shape there fits in nicely and stays even more in place! But that’s just my personal preference–as a Presbyterian there aren’t rules about such things, so I’m not sure on that front.
Comment by Teri — October 1, 2008 #
For me… stoles are as personal as a good bra. I know what I want it to look like… how I want it to function… and I ALWAYS try it own before I get it. So here’s my 2-cents….
Call and ask someone (or ask him to show you if he won’t catch on) who knows what your godfather’s favorite stole is to wear. Use that stole as a “pattern” for the stole that you want to make. That way… you will get the right neck type… the right width of the stole (top and bottom)… the right length… and some idea about the weight of the stole. If you are nearby… take some tablecloth paper… and draw the pattern from that stole… or ask someone who’s nearby to do that for you.
How do you think that would work?
Comment by Beach Walkin — October 1, 2008 #
As far as I know, the shape in the back and whether or not it’s curved or v-shaped has nothing to do with the rank of the priest/presider. Deacons’ stoles are distinctive–you don’t want to use that style. If I were you, I’d pick the design that works best with the fabric you select. And check out some catalogs for typical dimensions.
Hope this is helpful!
Comment by Barbara K — October 1, 2008 #
I’d say to do a little research and find out what kind of stole he normally wears.
In the Lutheran Church you see all kinds, and it’s normally based on the preference, or even fit and body type! As a young woman whose body shape does not compare to your average 50 year old male pastor, I often have to make adjustments or alterations… There are all different styles for pastor stoles in the Lutheran Church, and I’m assuming its similar in the Episcopal Church - but again, the Deacon stole is the over the shoulder, across the body, tied at the waist type. Maybe call the secretary at his church and ask discreetly? Maybe check out http://www.almy.com or http://www.augsburgfortress.com for ideas?
Comment by Erin — October 1, 2008 #
Halloween is the perfect time for getting stole and chasuble patterns- check the costume section. That’s where my mom (and professional vestment designer!) got her patterns for the stoles and chasubles, then she just shaped a muslin to fit me. The basic patterns are great for most men.
Comment by Rev. Bee — October 2, 2008 #
First, a helpful phrasing note: Your godfather is no doubt an Episcopalian; but if ordained, he is an Episcopal priest. “Episcopalian” is a noun, while “Episcopal” is an adjective. It’s the little things…
The plan to make him a stole is a lovely idea, and one I’m sure he’ll appreciate. They most commonly are 4-5″ wide, and hang long enough to hit the priest about mid-calf. Any of the styles you note are just that– styles, and a matter of personal preference. Erin’s suggestion is a good one– try to find out what sort he usually wears, and take dimensions from there.
One other note: it is customary to have a small cross embroidered or appliqued at the center back of the neck. Many priests will kiss it or touch it to their foreheads when putting the stole on or off (as a sign of their submission to the yoke of Christ, which the stole symbolizes).
Comment by Jane Ellen+ — October 2, 2008 #
Actually, most stoles are 90″ long. Why? Because most cotton fabric is 45″ wide, which doubled is 90″! The ones that are longer are typically made from wider fabric, OR pieced (in which case you can make it as long as you like!).
Comment by kate setzer kamphausen — October 2, 2008 #
The stole with the V back is easy to sew — it’s a 90 degree angle.
Comment by Renee — October 2, 2008 #
Having sewn a fair share of stoles over the years, I always start with a curved neck pattern unless the person I’m making it for says they would prefer a v-back stole. And the length of a stole is anywhere between 90″ to 100″ long, depending on the width of fabric used. (Sometimes I use 54″ wide fabric because I like the pattern or texture of it.)
My guess is that your godfather will love and appreciate whatever you make for him because you made it.
Comment by Kim Hampton — October 3, 2008 #
Well, a stole for a wedding should be white as a background color- it represents purity and joy. The symbols you emborider onto the stole are up to you, though a traditional symbol of Christian marriage is two rings in front of a cross.
I agree with putting a cross on the back center of the stole for the priest to kiss when putting it on, and I agree that a V at the neck so that it lays flat is more practical then a straight stole.
A priest’s stole hangs flat down the priest’s chest, a deacon’s stole goes over the right shoulder and under the left arm like a sash. Most stoles are priest’s stoles. The stole should be long enough to hang nearly to your godfather’s ankles, including any fringe.
Comment by mylifemyfaith — October 4, 2008 #
All the comments on stole design are good and I would second them. I would offer a side note on some terminology and I hesitate only slightly because I too received a correction on this from a trusted friend.
The word “Episcopalian” is a noun and “Episcopal” is an adjective. So the officiant at the wedding being discussed is an “Episcopal priest.” Small point but important enough for my friend to correct me. So I pass it on for whatever it is worth.
Comment by pam — October 4, 2008 #