<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[SewCatholic]]></title><description><![CDATA[SewCatholic]]></description><link>https://viaprovidence.wixsite.com/sewcatholic/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2026 23:57:07 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://viaprovidence.wixsite.com/sewcatholic/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Check Under the Hood]]></title><description><![CDATA[We joyfully introduce our exquisitely hand-crafted Monastic Amice, meticulously tailored to meet the unique liturgical needs of monks and re]]></description><link>https://viaprovidence.wixsite.com/sewcatholic/post/check-under-the-hood</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6adfeb305baa5c15e8aed839</guid><pubDate>Wed, 24 Apr 2024 00:44:53 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4ee0bd_448eef5b1d7440da9c2c0abeda540157~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_600,h_600,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Via Providence</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Seamless Devotion]]></title><description><![CDATA[Well, I never intend for posts to be so few and far between so I  want to start this entry with a heartfelt apology for the long hiatus. During these last several months I have been very busy finishing several restoration projects (whew!), taking in several more restoration projects (yay!), fulfilling countless orders, taking several road trips, holidays, illness, and, well, life. It has been on my mind to write about various projects along the way but one particular restoration project...]]></description><link>https://viaprovidence.wixsite.com/sewcatholic/post/seamless-devotion</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6adfeb305baa5c15e8aed84d</guid><pubDate>Sun, 28 Jan 2024 01:21:07 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4ee0bd_e90b9f6bd5b04572a01d386cf0eed1b2~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_768,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Via Providence</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[In the Spotlight]]></title><description><![CDATA[Restored Mass set in use on Corpus Christi I am not usually comfortable with the spotlight but I am quite pleased to announce that our restoration work was featured as part of an article posted on New Liturgical Movement, which has long been recognized as a leading platform for showcasing and celebrating the beauty of the Mass, sacred vestments, music, publications, and so much more. In our increasingly digital world it is more important than ever for online communities, like NLM, to provide...]]></description><link>https://viaprovidence.wixsite.com/sewcatholic/post/in-the-spotlight</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6adfeb305baa5c15e8aed84c</guid><pubDate>Fri, 04 Aug 2023 20:27:03 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4ee0bd_2982feaaa5734ab08cf9e405a96896aa~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Via Providence</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Storing and Restoring]]></title><description><![CDATA[Ecclesial textiles are an important part of the visual stories that weave a rich history and help shape the culture of a parish. They become symbols of the timeless, extraordinary faith handed down throughout generations. And, unfortunately, with age and use these textiles can become fragile and require special care. But before any piece requires restoration there is care that can be taken in handling, storing, and maintaining  these treasures. Below is a list of some things to keep in mind...]]></description><link>https://viaprovidence.wixsite.com/sewcatholic/post/storing-and-restoring</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6adfeb305baa5c15e8aed84b</guid><pubDate>Sat, 15 Apr 2023 15:45:01 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4ee0bd_3147b1f4557347eeb7c0b4b661682b55~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_928,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Via Providence</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Sacred Spaces at Home]]></title><description><![CDATA[As things in the world and the Church continue to change and escalate it is more important than ever that Catholic families are dedicated to daily prayer and sacrifice. A home altar is a perfect way to set up a visual reminder for daily prayer and meditation. With regular use it becomes a place of refuge and comfort, that reminds us of the love and presence of God in our lives come what may. If you are looking to establish a traditional Catholic home altar, here are some steps to help you get...]]></description><link>https://viaprovidence.wixsite.com/sewcatholic/post/sacred-spaces-at-home</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6adfeb305baa5c15e8aed84a</guid><pubDate>Mon, 06 Feb 2023 20:06:24 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4ee0bd_7a0e10f97af34122af278cc5a7aba864~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_900,h_300,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Via Providence</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Oh Look, a Forest!]]></title><description><![CDATA[I had a grace hammer fall on my head yesterday while working on the method to recreate this lovely embroidery. The kind of hammer that felt like a bit of a "d'uh!" moment, but I'd rather give credit to Our Lady and my Holy Angel for dropping grace into a situation when I can't see the forest for the trees. I don't have enough time to thoroughly examine intact antique embroidery to determine method then completely hand stitch the stump-work so I considered recreating the design using my...]]></description><link>https://viaprovidence.wixsite.com/sewcatholic/post/oh-look-a-forest</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6adfeb305baa5c15e8aed849</guid><pubDate>Thu, 12 Jan 2023 20:12:04 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4ee0bd_941cb67b9ccf41fe92160f4ca92d611e~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Via Providence</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Not so Fast]]></title><description><![CDATA[I love a challenge, especially when it comes to stitching and this lovely set provided a few along the way. There were the usual challenges like finding the right fabric for the lining replacement, figuring out how it was constructed to ensure careful disassembly, embroidery thread color matching, and so on. The first major challenge came after I gently removed the original lining. This revealed the construction of the embroidery and that it would be impossible to remove and replace the...]]></description><link>https://viaprovidence.wixsite.com/sewcatholic/post/not-so-fast</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6adfeb305baa5c15e8aed848</guid><pubDate>Tue, 03 Jan 2023 20:15:12 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4ee0bd_60a49f61430643abadd6f32d573dab7e~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_641,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Via Providence</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mending the Soul]]></title><description><![CDATA[Sometimes projects have a profound impact and you can almost feel every stitch mend and nourish parts of your soul. The development of our Maniturgium and First Stole were definitely opportunities for this kind of soul mending.  Without getting into the weeds I will say that once upon a time I looked forward to receiving a maniturgium. I have long since come to terms with the loss of that possibility but the soul is always 'on the mend' whether we are conscious of it or not.  Like most of our...]]></description><link>https://viaprovidence.wixsite.com/sewcatholic/post/mending-the-soul</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6adfeb305baa5c15e8aed838</guid><pubDate>Sat, 10 Sep 2022 15:40:29 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4ee0bd_de7b3913c8574a6ea810863ec033ebed~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Via Providence</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Revealing the Sacred]]></title><description><![CDATA[Veiling does not hide or diminish, rather it reveals the dignity and honor that is due to what, or Who, lies beneath the veil. In scripture we find many examples of God's veiled presence among us. The Church carries this tradition forward to reveal to the faithful that He is fully present — Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity — in the Eucharist. The sacred vessels (ciboria), which hold our Eucharistic Lord within the tabernacle, are adorned with the finest available materials and designs to...]]></description><link>https://viaprovidence.wixsite.com/sewcatholic/post/revealing-the-sacred</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6adfeb305baa5c15e8aed847</guid><pubDate>Fri, 27 May 2022 18:06:46 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4ee0bd_014339bd1dc64665bc682ab89312a1c9~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Via Providence</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Helmet of Salvation]]></title><description><![CDATA[An amice is a vital part of the Armor of God (Eph. 6.). Though it is a simple piece of white cloth it represents the Helmet of Salvation; and, like any helmet when engaging in battle, it is essential in the spiritual battle a priest must face when approaching the altar to say Holy Mass.  It is made (preferably) with linen and has long strands of solid weave cotton tape attached at the top two corners. It is worn across a priest's shoulders and around his neck with the purpose of covering the...]]></description><link>https://viaprovidence.wixsite.com/sewcatholic/post/helmet-of-salvation</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6adfeb305baa5c15e8aed846</guid><pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2022 02:59:29 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4ee0bd_c7a118642bbf47938f32e63970c9a0cd~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Via Providence</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ora et Labora]]></title><description><![CDATA[I wonder sometimes at the enormity of our Catholic faith and how it has spanned the centuries, marching steadily and consistently through time. This concept is never more evident than when you spend time in a monastery, where monks pray and work just as they have for 1,500 years. The solid foundation laid by their work and prayer can be felt beneath your feet. It is a welcome respite from the uncertainty of the world, and even what sometimes feels like unsteady ground within the Church....]]></description><link>https://viaprovidence.wixsite.com/sewcatholic/post/ora-et-labora</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6adfeb305baa5c15e8aed845</guid><pubDate>Tue, 19 Apr 2022 15:49:06 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4ee0bd_060764fc98414a6b8c2187b8db0f044a~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Via Providence</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA["It Takes Time to Build Castles"]]></title><description><![CDATA[I recently had the privilege of making a Vesperale for the Newry Cathedral in Northern Ireland. The sacristan, Dalton, contacted me wondering if I could help them replace their original Vesperale.  He told me that "the original was most likely made between 1890 - 1925; either when the high altar was installed, or for the consecration when most items in use were got. [The original Vesperale] unfortunately met its end in the sacristy fire of 1959 and [they] wanted to replicate it as a way to...]]></description><link>https://viaprovidence.wixsite.com/sewcatholic/post/it-takes-time-to-build-castles</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6adfeb305baa5c15e8aed837</guid><pubDate>Mon, 14 Mar 2022 18:10:51 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4ee0bd_fa3fa0f02e9244c38659bae46938812e~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Via Providence</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[An Ounce of Prevention...]]></title><description><![CDATA[Every sacristan understands the immense value of this sentiment, especially when it comes to cleaning and preserving vestments. I imagine it was a rather prudent sacristan who invented stole and chasuble protectors. Such a small thing that makes their job so much easier. Attached to vestments with large basting stitches for ease of removal and cleaning these small pieces of linen have a big task in preserving material and preventing damage. It’s no secret how warm a priest can get under...]]></description><link>https://viaprovidence.wixsite.com/sewcatholic/post/an-ounce-of-prevention</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6adfeb305baa5c15e8aed844</guid><pubDate>Tue, 08 Mar 2022 21:33:56 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4ee0bd_cc78671cfe4e4599aa771fd2ba12fb3f~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Via Providence</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Going Two Extra Miles]]></title><description><![CDATA[I love a challenge so when a religious order priest contacted me to ask about recreating a cincture design I was happy to oblige. The design wasn't too far off from my usual method but did require recreating a crochet pattern for the tassel caps and about 18,500 feet, or approximately three and an half miles of thread. That's about two miles more thread than I use in my usual patterns for the cord, tassel caps, and tassels. The result is  an exquisite 100% silk cincture, and lovely cincture...]]></description><link>https://viaprovidence.wixsite.com/sewcatholic/post/going-two-extra-miles</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6adfeb305baa5c15e8aed843</guid><pubDate>Tue, 01 Mar 2022 21:33:43 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4ee0bd_169cbe4605c64261867caa6282fa8bbd~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Via Providence</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Making a Mess]]></title><description><![CDATA[We have a top secret restoration project that has been in the works for months. We are looking forward to sharing it with you but, in the meantime, we are making a mess. Like any other art form fiber arts have a learning curve and this project has a particularly steep one as it involves complicated mechanics and fine details that need to be perfectly aligned for it to work properly. I do not say all of this as a tease but to remind myself, and whoever else cares to hear it, of the absolute...]]></description><link>https://viaprovidence.wixsite.com/sewcatholic/post/making-a-mess</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6adfeb305baa5c15e8aed836</guid><pubDate>Fri, 21 Jan 2022 15:57:37 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4ee0bd_25c8a60d1b6646e3a9cc1389385501b5~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Via Providence</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[It's the Little Things]]></title><description><![CDATA[I received an email a while back from a priest in a community who needed a solution for replacing the ties on their albs. Alb ties often wear out, tear, and become too short to tie but replacing an alb can be costly, especially when you have a full community of priests. A much better, cost-effective solution is to replace the ties and restore the alb to use. There are a number of solutions that I have seen over the years to replace alb ties — twill tape, ribbon, cording, etc. But the best, by...]]></description><link>https://viaprovidence.wixsite.com/sewcatholic/post/it-s-the-little-things</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6adfeb305baa5c15e8aed842</guid><pubDate>Thu, 13 Jan 2022 00:06:20 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4ee0bd_a8bac371bacb439cb718a05bbd2b3952~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Via Providence</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Upcycling Meets Restoration]]></title><description><![CDATA[I am a purger by nature and prefer a clean workspace free of clutter. This could be a problem when a project is particularly messy and ongoing. But, for me, this is balanced out with a good sense of thriftiness and efficiency. All combined it makes for a reasonable discernment process when salvaging and saving materials then applying them to the right piece. Over the years I have seen what seems like useless scraps become the perfect fit for restoring a piece, particularly when preserving...]]></description><link>https://viaprovidence.wixsite.com/sewcatholic/post/upcycling-meets-restoration</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6adfeb305baa5c15e8aed841</guid><pubDate>Mon, 03 Jan 2022 17:37:25 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4ee0bd_6a164de65319435b83ddcfeb029ce10e~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_860,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Via Providence</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Blessed Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception]]></title><description><![CDATA[Forgive me while I step away from stitching for a moment to reflect on the Immaculate Conception, one of my favorite solemnities.  For me the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is always a good reminder that our ideas of God's omnipotence are extremely limited by our linear experience of time. In His wisdom He allowed Mary to be conceived without the stain of original sin by her Son's redeeming work on the Cross many years before it happened. Then He revealed this Truth through The Church...]]></description><link>https://viaprovidence.wixsite.com/sewcatholic/post/blessed-solemnity-of-the-immaculate-conception</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6adfeb305baa5c15e8aed840</guid><pubDate>Thu, 09 Dec 2021 04:15:55 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4ee0bd_ce64df07d2c545d99076566c66a6bc2b~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_194,h_119,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Via Providence</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Almost Just for Fun]]></title><description><![CDATA[Every once in a while (probably not nearly enough) I get to make a project just for fun. Not usually anything too big or fancy...until now.  I am going to launch some new products and I wanted to make some embroidery samples to showcase some of the designs that will be available. But what designs to embroider? on which fabric? and with what thread? hmmmm....?? Well they say 'necessity is the mother of invention' so that is where I found the answers to my questions.  Advent was quickly...]]></description><link>https://viaprovidence.wixsite.com/sewcatholic/post/almost-just-for-fun</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6adfeb305baa5c15e8aed83f</guid><pubDate>Thu, 02 Dec 2021 02:32:23 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4ee0bd_420cbf274bab4330a669d05bce5cce36~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Via Providence</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Gratitude]]></title><description><![CDATA[“In all created things discern the providence and wisdom of God, and in all things give Him thanks." St. Teresa of Avila Well, I certainly can't say it better than St. Teresa of Avila so this will be a very short post to add only that the depth of my gratitude for you, our customers and readers, extends to heaven in my daily prayers. May your Thanksgiving be rich in God's grace.  Here are a few things I am working on/with:]]></description><link>https://viaprovidence.wixsite.com/sewcatholic/post/gratitude-and-hope</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6adfeb305baa5c15e8aed83e</guid><pubDate>Wed, 24 Nov 2021 14:42:20 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4ee0bd_bd40632134ff4fbba908b18eb96dfc2c~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Via Providence</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>