Ecclesiastical Robes

My mum, the Reverend Jan St James (affectionately know as Reverend Mummy... i'm so proud!) is a minister of the Anglican Church - her current parish is Neerim South in Victoria, Australia. When she was ordained into the priesthood a few years back we discussed her need for new attire... I decided to turn my costuming skills to ecclesiastical robes and started with this matching chasabul and stole set for the Green season.

Traditionally, these robes would be hand embroidered... but I can't do that (not patient enough!), so I painted them with a combination of flat fabric paint and puffy fabric paint - the effect is quite textured and 'embroidered' looking. The theme is that of the grapevine... I added purple butterflies and caterpillars to make the design more whimsical and personal (mum and I both love bugs!)... and they work with the whole 'rebirth' theme anyway!

I enjoyed this project so much... it was every bit as exciting to design and create as any costume i've ever made, with the addition of it being a very meaningful and useful work of art. I am currently working on a chasabul and stole set for the White season... and I have several other great ideas in the wings.