I always say that behind every stole I make is a story. Most of the stoles I create are for others, which is why I take time to get to know the person who will be wearing it. I want to know a bit about their story, events and experiences that have made them who they are.
This stole is a big chunk of my own story. I really hope that the story resonates with another soul, and that someone with a similar heart will take it on and wear it with pride.
The starting point was the cotton fabric, a small, rich, grass-green swirling pattern which almost vanishes from a distance. I love it! The fabric sat in a drawer for some time until I had an idea for a stole with a rainbow at the bottom – strips of fabric passing through the colour spectrum, embellished with goldwork and beading.
There are two symbolic choices here. Noah, complete with giraffes, elephants and a circling dove, or the LGBT etc. The former a comfortable story from childhood illustrated bibles, reassuring to us as adults and a convenient happy ending, an offer of hope for all. The latter, for many, is distinctly unsettling and I’m not about to begin a lengthy discussion here. Suffice to say that the greatest two commandments – to love God, and to love one another – instruct us to welcome everyone without prejudice. On a personal note, I am the proud mother of two transgender children, both adult, both extraordinary, both vulnerable yet remarkably resilient in their different ways. So this stole is, for me, a statement in support of those who are currently the target of society’s vitriolic debates.
In my mind, this stole would be seen by those who fear their ability to ‘come out’, especially in a church environment where judgement and intolerance is all too prevalent. A minister friend of mine recently coloured her dog-collar in rainbow sharpies for a LGBT celebration and that fabulous idea lingered in my mind. Visible signs can be so powerful!
The rainbow stole
I used cotton fabric as, being a green stole, it will be in frequent use. The stripes are a mixture of plain and patterned fabric, each band embellished with goldwork in a wave design. The waves are relatively calm towards the top red band, but increasingly turbulent towards the purple hem. This represents the hidden depths of feeling and turmoil experienced by those unable to acknowledge their true identity, either publicly or privately.
The beading is intended to convey the potential of every human being, regardless of how society may identify or label us. We are all God’s creation, and the Lord created nothing that is bad. We all have the potential to sparkle, if encouraged and enabled through love to be authentic, unique individuals.
The cross on the left breast is gold leather with goldwork. The beaded rainbow river is in praise of Christ’s sacrifice for all of us, with no exceptions. We are all as flawed as each other and none should ‘cast the first stone’… yet in Christ as we are perfect. The cross itself is haloed in white seed beads, symbolising purity.
Cross on left breast
On the back of the neck is a small leather cross – traditional, smooth gold, edged in gold.
Cross on neck
It may be that this stole, or my sentiments, offend some people. That’s ok. Christ offended many people and He has taught me to stand up for what I believe in. I hope this stole will be a beacon of hope to someone, somewhere, someday. Do contact me if you’d like to give it a home!
Mustard seeds and acorns 