Part of my work in getting The Tailored Stole started has been interviewing clergy about stoles. I've had a lot of fun talking with priests who are only a few months into ministry and priests who are close to retirement.

As I talked with clergy, a few common themes surfaced. Stoles can, at times, be uncomfortable to wear -- sometimes creeping up your neck as you go through liturgical motions, sometimes pressing into your neck, sometimes shifting side to side.

After these themes kept cropping up, I went back to my stole pattern and began trying out some new things.

I'm so happy to say that I've come up with a new stole design that I think is far superior to the traditional stole cut! I call it The Tailored Stole Signature Cut. In essence, it is a design that has a narrower segment that wraps around the back of the neck, which allows the stole to be worn without pressing into the neck. It has a slightly different angling that ensures it won't creep up the neck, but will lie flat on the shoulder and base of the neck. And finally, the new design cut helps the stole stay in position, as it conforms so naturally to the shoulders and neck that it doesn't get shifted side to side as the priest goes about their work.

In the Patron Saints Collection, you can see The Tailored Stole Signature Cut on the Lucy and the Bede. And here's a comparison photo of the two Style Cuts side by side.

I'll offer both the Classic Cut and The Tailored Stole Signature Cut for all of my stole designs.

Do you have something you'd love to change about stoles? Let me know!

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!