Wow, what a crazy adventure this has been so far! I have been having WAY too much fun coming up with designs and then making them come to life.

And what a roller-coaster it's been to start putting some photos and announcements out into the world! It's been thrilling and terrifying in equal measures. This whole small business thing is new to me, and it's been eye-opening just how much work it is! But if you were to ask my husband, he'd tell you that I do love a good challenge. :)

My first collection is titled "The Patron Saints Collection." I wanted to connect each stole to a Patron Saint, adding a layer of story and meaning and significance to it. Each name has been carefully chosen, and I hope my intention and desires behind the designs can be more fully understood through the saint connected to each stole.

For those unfamiliar with the Patron Saint idea, it's the same thing as asking a friend to lift you up in prayer. However, with saints, the idea is that you're asking those who have gone before us in this world to remember you in prayer before God. It adds a beautiful depth to the idea of living amidst the "communion of saints," the community of all people past and present living their lives in the way of God.

While I was researching Patron Saints to connect with my intent behind each stole, I decided that I really wanted to name a Patron Saint for my shop and my work. Peter the Apostle jumped out to me right away, as he is the Patron Saint of cloth makers, bakers, harvesters, glass makers, carpenters, and bridge builders. (This is not an exhaustive list.) Peter was also impetuous and blundering, two things that I connect with as well. :) But he did some incredible things such as speaking up when others were silent, practicing audacious courage, and changing the entire world through his work. All to say, it has been grounding and encouraging to think of Saint Peter as I go through my own work with The Tailored Stole.

So here goes! I'm so honored and excited to support clergy women and men and to make a bit more beauty in the world in the process.

Thanks for reading this, and for being on this adventure with me!