the Clare
the Clare
Named for St. Clare of Assisi, patron saint of embroiderers and goldsmiths / gilders. Clare was one of the first followers of St. Francis of Assisi and she authored a Rule of Life, the first monastic guidelines that are known to have been written by a woman. She is remembered most for her commitment to living in poverty. Her order in the Franciscan tradition, the Order of Poor Ladies, was built from Clare’s insistence that joyous poverty is the foundation from which imitation of Christ springs.
This stole, then, is a stole of joy and life, springing from the purple base of Lent. It is a reminder of the light and brilliance that Easter brings, of which Lent is not a deterrent but rather part of the joyous story of hope we recall and live into.
The Clare stole is crafted using various shades of Dupioni Silk. The base of it is in True White Dupioni Silk, with varying shades of Gold silks and one panel of Deep Purple silk. This stained-glass effect stole is finished with bright Gold embroidery.
Customization Options
Stole Cut Style
The Tailored Stole Signature Cut (recommended)
The Classic Cut
The Tailored Stole Signature Cut was created by Andrea Farley after interviews with priests. A common complaint was of 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.
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 Clare include:
Soft Silver Kona Cotton
Pewter Kona Cotton (shown)