the Ara
the Ara
This stained glass inspired stole is named for the Constellation Ara, meaning Altar. In many churches, the altar is the table at the front where the Eucharist is consecrated and served from. It is my hope that this stole will serve as a reminder of the places of life where God meets us, such as the Incarnation of Christmas, the joy of weddings, or the light of Easter.
The Ara is crafted with True White Dupioni Silk, inlaid with a cross of Ice Blue Dupioni Silk. Various shades of gold Dupioni Silks compose the stained glass segments around the cross shape. This design is embroidered in black thread to emphasize the stained glass style.
The Ara is also available in Pale Gold Dupioni Silk with a True White Dupioni Silk cross inlay.
Customization Options
Stole Cut Style
The Tailored Stole Signature Cut (recommended, and as shown in photos of the Ara)
The Classic Cut
The Tailored Stole Signature Cut was created by Andrea Farley after interviews with priests. A common complaint was the stole either cutting into the back of the neck or creeping up the neck. Some priests also noted the challenge of stoles shifting side-to-side. The Tailored Stole Signature Cut is an attempt to address these challenges. The top portion of the neck cut has been narrowed to allow it to lay flat on the wearer's upper back without cutting into or creeping up the neck. It also reduces the chance of side-to-side shifting as it fits snugly around the shoulders rather than perching on the top of the shoulders. This cut looks good on men and women alike, and both men and women have reported it feeling more comfortable and secure.
The Classic Cut is a wider, more traditional stole cut. It has a curved neck cut that "stands up" against the back of the neck -- a good choice if there is a desire for embellishment (such as a cross embroidery) on that portion of the stole. The Classic Cut also looks better as a Transitional Diaconate stole, with the consistent width along the upper portion of the stole.
Stole Length
This stole is made to order to your custom length.
The easiest way to find you preferred stole length is to try some on and measure an existing stole that you love the length of. The way to measure it is from the neck seam down one stole length.
If that option is not feasible, a tape measure and a friend work just fine. Be sure to stand tall and hold the tape measure to the back base of your neck. Have your friend find your measurement at the point you want your stole to end.
Lining Fabric Color Choice
The Lining Fabric refers to the fabric on the reverse side of the stole. Each stole comes with a number of suggested color choices for the lining fabric, but requests for different colors can be made.
Lining Fabric Color Recommendations for the Ara include:
Soft Silver Kona Cotton (as pictured)
Pewter Kona Cotton
Base Fabric Options
The Ara stole can be made with alternate fabrics than the White Dupioni Silk as pictured.
Options include:
Pale Gold Dupioni Silk with a White Dupioni Silk cross segments
If you prefer this base fabric option, please include your preference on your order.
