A Calling, not just a Craft
A few years ago, during a Called and Gifted process, I began to recognise the charisms the Holy Spirit had placed in my life. Craftsmanship was one of them. I come from a very DIY family, so I assumed I’d just picked it up naturally and added a touch of creativity. I’ve always loved creating beautiful, meaningful things – but when I made my first vestment, something changed. I realised that it was more than a creative skill. It wasn’t just fulfilling – it was sacred. I felt God inviting me into something deeper. A calling, not just a craft.
“And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty.”
Exodus 28:2
A Spark Ignited
It began around Pentecost. After sewing hundreds of masks during the pandemic, I had leftover fabrics – including some fiery reds and oranges. Moved by the Holy Spirit, I created a Pentecost bunting.
The result was awe-inspiring. With the bunting draped on the altar and artwork created by our youth displayed around the church, the place radiated beauty. It felt like those flames on the fabric carried a tiny reflection of God’s glory and power. Then, for the first time, I thought: every stitch was a prayer.
Embracing the Gift
At first, I used this gift occasionally and without much thought, but as I continued sewing, something within me changed. Somewhere in the process, I gratefully and humbly accepted this charism – and that made all the difference. I had to embrace it as a gift meant to be shared.
When I did, everything shifted. All my life I’d been asking God: What do you want me to do? When I recognised and accepted my charisms, I asked a slightly different question: How do you want me to serve you with this gift? Then I was ready to hear the answer. I started using it with intention and it began to transform me. I became more open to God’s ideas, more willing, more attuned to his nudges and in turn, He started presenting me with new opportunities.
Prayer in every Stitch
I don’t simply love sewing. It’s sewing for the Lord that moves me – that’s where I come alive. It brings so much joy – overflowing, unstoppable, uncontainable joy.
When I make vestments or stoles, as I sew, I stitch in my prayers.
Whether I know the priest for whom the vestment is going to be, while I make it, I pray for him and all those who he serves and cares for.
A Glimpse of Glory
We make the space where we come before God beautiful because we love Him and love naturally desires to give the best. We come to give God glory, to praise and worship Him. Bringing beauty to our worship is a way of saying, through music, art, garments: God you are worthy of this and more.
What I make and how I make it – selecting fine fabrics and spending time carefully drafting and designing, thoroughly stitching and meticulously finishing each piece – is an expression of my love of God and gratitude for all his gifts.
Each vestment really is an offering – a quiet act of worship, a humble glimpse of God’s majesty and glory. That reflection of God’s glory inspires worship and draws us into a deeper encounter with Him.
Connect with me
Whether you have a clear vision or are seeking inspiration, I’ll work with you to create a vestment or stole that reflects God’s beauty and brings Him glory.
If you are looking to enrich your liturgical space with beautiful, handcrafted pieces, I would love to hear from you.
“Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us and establish the work of our hands for us.”
Psalm 90:17