Sewist’s Name: Karen Hamann from Roanoke, Virginia
Type of Project: Clergy Stole
Featured Date: 08-28-24
My name is Karen Hamann. I live amidst the lovely Blue Ridge Mountains. I’ve been sewing for 55+years.
I made this Clergy Stole for a beloved minister. At the bottom of the stole are the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. The tree branches represent our constant climb toward the cross, constantly striving for perfection.
I have been a self employed seamstress for the last 10 years; I spent the previous 25 years in music ministry. I have always been interested in Ministry Stoles that tell a story or hold special meaning. When our minister announced that she would be moving to another church I wanted to do something special for her. We talk in the United Methodist Church about supporting our church with our talents, among other things. So, I decided to make her a stole. Our minister enjoyed hikes and being outdoors so I knew I had to include the Blue Ridge Mountains and flowers. The techniques were all ones I learned while making and altering dance costumes. I learned how to bond & edge fabric when I made several shirts with fraternity letters on them.
The mountains were just different fabrics cut and attached with a fusible bond then edged with a blanket stitch. The branches and flowers were many separate appliques, cut apart and sewn in the shapes I desired. I’m not exactly sure how many hours I spent making it, but however many it was a labor of love.
She was very surprised and she loved it!!! I pray she enjoys wearing it for many years to come.
Karen Hamann
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Karen, this is so gorgeous! You did such a wonderful job on it. I am sure she will cherish it for many many years to come! Thank you for sharing this with us.
No words to describe. The stole is beautiful and lovingly made. I am sure she will treasure it for years!