Textiles Group
Lenten Textiles (shown above)
Two banners and a crown of thorns, made by St Paul’s Textile Group, were on display in the church over the period of Lent. The banners were long and slender, designed for mounting on pillars, and they were situated near the front of the church, on either side of the central aisle.
One was a machine quilted ‘mosaic’ design in purple and yellow fabrics on a black cotton background. The careful placing of the yellow mosaics produced a silhouette of Jesus on the cross, while paler mauve fabrics on the purple hillside formed the words ‘Broken for Me’.
The other banner featured a gold cross of nails and plaited crown of thorns appliquéd onto a machine quilted background of various textured fabrics, graduating in colour from pale mauve to deep purple.
They were inspired by a verse from Isaiah, chapter 40 verse 31: "But those who trust in the LORD for help will find their strength renewed. They will rise on wings like eagles; they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak."
Made by our Textile Group of eight talented ladies, who, as well as beautifying our church, make items for sale at our summer and Christmas fairs, the proceeds of which go to the Kenyan street children feeding programme.
Each banner shows one or more outline figures in blue in front of schematic greeny-blue hills, a blue sky with vivid yellow sun with spiky rays peeking above the hills, above green grass at the bottom framing yellow text from Isaiah.
The banners were made of hand painted silk with appliqued sun and figures in satin, outlined with couched threads. The grass was painted with fine brushes, enhanced by free machine stitching.
It is hoped these banners will bring comfort to those who visit our church.