Help me! Help me! Need Vestment Patterns
Hi all,
Help!!!!!!!
I am in the process of making vestments for our priest. We are Eastern Orthodox so our vestments are not exactly like those for Catholic priests. I have managed to duplicate the sticharion (a loose caftan-like garment worn under the cape-like part) and the phelonion (the cape portion) along with all of the accessories. But, I need a pattern for the cassock which is worn under everything else. It is much more fitted than either of the other garments. The russian version features a wrap front with a side tab button closure at neck and waist. It also has a short stand-up collar. You would think there would be a commercial source available for these since they are such a common garment for Orthodox priests, but no such luck. They are expensive to buy and we are just a small Church. I could take one of his and use it as a pattern, but it would be more difficult because it is more fitted. Any sources (I hope, I hope) or suggestions?
Replies
I have made several vestments for priest in our parish. When I started there were no commercial patterns available so I used an existing vestment, took it apart and made my own. From that original I was able to make quite a few sets for our new parish. Good luck. I always found it most rewarding to see my vestments worn for church services.
Hi Emme!
Thanks for the reply! I did exactly what you did with everything but the cassock itself. I think he has only one...which is sort of the problem. After reading your note though, I thought I might ask Father if he knows of someone who might be retiring..who might not need one of their old ones....you know? Why didn't I think of that before? ANYway, you are right about seeing what you have made during Divine Liturgy. It is gratifying. I just relined an ancient set of royal blue vestments for Father and they turned out beautifully. Like brand new. Gotta love it.
Hope you have a wonderful day,
Sheila
When you were looking for commercial patterns did you look under costumes? I think you will find a pattern there, but I don't have the books available right now for names and numbers. I do have a wonderful list though:
Vestments
Enjoy!
Judy Neukam
Threads Magazine
Hi, I too have made vestments and paraments for our church - Lutheran, and it sounds like the garments are a bit different. Mostly, I just laid out the existing garments (when it was a one and only and couldn't be taken apart) carefully and put paper under them and made up patterns using those tracings and commercial patterns for sports coats to get the arm holes and sleeves right. And make them up (to a certain point) in muslin to get the fit just right. There is a cassock in one of the pattern companies under costumes but unless your priest is as emaciated as the person they designed the pattern for it is of no use. It's supposed to be for an adult but the chest only goes to 36 if I remember correctly. It is a joy to see your work used in the service! I second that. Bonnie
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