Chapter Leaders' Lace day

Lucy writes: The Guild of St Clare had their summer get-together on Saturday 18th July, at the parish hall of St Gregory & St Augustine, Oxford. It's always a pleasure to meet in person, and we had a particular treat on this occasion: a workshop on lace restoration, conducted by lace expert and long-time friend of the Guild of St Clare, Liz Baker.

We are extremely fortunate to have Liz's help. Experts in lace, particularly hand-made bobbin lace which Liz particularly loves, are very small in number, and decreasing all the time, and yet the lace itself is enormously prized, not least in traditional circles. Repairing rents and holes in lace, whether hand or machine made, requires an understanding of the way the lace is made and the materials used. This, Liz did her best to pass on to us on Saturday.

She showed us a number of samples of lace, and also the different threads and bobbins used, before moving on to discussing the repairs we had brought with us. I have a very beautiful black mantilla, bequeathed to me by a much-loved relation, which has such big tears in it that I had feared it couldn't be mended, but Liz was reassuring. I will need to source some black conservation net (or I can dye some), and use it to patch the holes.

Naturally there were a number of albs also needing attention, and with Liz's help we had a go. It's time-consuming and very fiddly!

A Guild of St Clare meeting would be unthinkable without tea and cake, and this was not lacking.

Many thanks to Clare Auty, the Oxford Chapter Leader, for organising such an enjoyable and valuable day.

All For Jesus Through Mary

Ancilla writes: Withermarsh Green Chapter completed one of its longer projects today, that of a new mantle for Our Lady’s statue. I think it was Providence which allowed for its slow completion so that we would have the pleasure of presenting it to Our Lady on Her Feast Day, Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

Rev Father blessing the garment

 

There is a really profound joy that comes from a project well done; when God has given you this small way to build up His Kingdom, and this more so when you get to do it through Our Lady. I had the thought: would I have had this opportunity without the Guild of St Clare? God knows, but I pray that Our Lady continues to obtain many blessing for the Guild so that like opportunities can be given to many throughout these British Isles. 

 

Three Chapter members having just clothed Our Lady

 

O gentle Mother

Who in Carmel reigns,

Share with your servants

That gladness you gained

and now enjoy.

 

Hail, Gate of Heaven,

With glory now crowned,

Bring us to safety

Where thy Son is found,

true joy to see. Amen.  

 

 

Royal School of Needlework Graduation Day

Lucy writes: I am delighted to have graduated from the RSN Diploma in Technical Hand Embroidery with distinction this summer, and I joined other Certificate and Diploma graduates for a small celebration on 14th July.

The RSN holds an annual exhibition of graduates' work, and among the pieces on display were my silk shading: The Oxford Dodo, and also my Whitework: Broderie Anglaise and Richelieu: Fragments from the Book of Kells.

It has taken more than ten years to complete both the Certificate and Diploma, and it has been a pleasure to get to know the RSN and its dedicated staff over that time.

I will continue to attend lessons, though less frequently than before, as I have begun work on the technique known as Both Sides Alike, where the back of the embroidery is identical to the front. This is difficult to master and may take me some time! However, I am glad to be continuing my very happy association with the RSN, and with my fellow students.