FAQs of Stole Making
Q. How much time does it take to make a stole?
A. It takes Sheri and I about 20 hours to do the embroidery on an average stole. That is under ideal conditions with no interruptions. The time can double depending on how many times we stop to fill sippy cups, let the dog out, watch a commercial, answer the phone, etc. It also depends on the design and what stitches are used.
Q. I've never made a stole before. How do I know if I can do it?
A. Making a basic stole does not require an enormous amount of skill. However, it is a good idea to have some needlework or sewing background. If you are not familiar with embroidery or if it has been a while since you have done embroidery, try going to your local library and checking out a few books. The embroidery style Sheri and I use is most similar to the crewel style of embroidery. Another idea is to find a class to take. Sheri and I learned ecclesiastical embroidery at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis at a class for seminary wives. Also, read the section on How to Make a Stole. If you can do all of the steps, you can make a stole.
Q. Can I finish my stole on time?
A. That depends, How much time you do have left? Her are some tricks you can try to help speed things along if you're worried about finishing in time.
A. Don't take it out! Just keep going. I feel that way too sometimes. Once you have everything completed, you will like the way it looks.
Q. My material keeps bunching together where I've done a lot of embroidery. How do I keep it from doing that?
A. We call that puckering. Unfortunately it strikes all of us. However, there are some ways to minimize puckering in your fabric. First try to relax. If you are stressed, you may pull the threads too tight causing the fabric to pucker. Another solution to try is to iron on more interfacing. Finally, when you have completed your embroidery, you can wet the fabric, stretch it, pin it flat and allow it to dry. See step 4 under How to Make a Stole.
A. It takes Sheri and I about 20 hours to do the embroidery on an average stole. That is under ideal conditions with no interruptions. The time can double depending on how many times we stop to fill sippy cups, let the dog out, watch a commercial, answer the phone, etc. It also depends on the design and what stitches are used.
Q. I've never made a stole before. How do I know if I can do it?
A. Making a basic stole does not require an enormous amount of skill. However, it is a good idea to have some needlework or sewing background. If you are not familiar with embroidery or if it has been a while since you have done embroidery, try going to your local library and checking out a few books. The embroidery style Sheri and I use is most similar to the crewel style of embroidery. Another idea is to find a class to take. Sheri and I learned ecclesiastical embroidery at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis at a class for seminary wives. Also, read the section on How to Make a Stole. If you can do all of the steps, you can make a stole.
Q. Can I finish my stole on time?
A. That depends, How much time you do have left? Her are some tricks you can try to help speed things along if you're worried about finishing in time.
- Use more strands of embroidery floss. More floss you use per stitch, the quicker you'll finish. Be advised that your finished embroidery will be thicker than if you use fewer strands.
- Choose a stitch that covers quickly. You may like the way the popcorn stitch looks, but if it is a difficult stitch for you, you may want to choose one you feel more comfortable with.
A. Don't take it out! Just keep going. I feel that way too sometimes. Once you have everything completed, you will like the way it looks.
Q. My material keeps bunching together where I've done a lot of embroidery. How do I keep it from doing that?
A. We call that puckering. Unfortunately it strikes all of us. However, there are some ways to minimize puckering in your fabric. First try to relax. If you are stressed, you may pull the threads too tight causing the fabric to pucker. Another solution to try is to iron on more interfacing. Finally, when you have completed your embroidery, you can wet the fabric, stretch it, pin it flat and allow it to dry. See step 4 under How to Make a Stole.
Puckering
Q. I thought I was going to have time to finish my stole in time for ordination, but I was just offered a new job and don't have time anymore. What can I do?
A. We would love to help you finish your project. Email us or give us a call, and we can work out a solution.
Q. I still have questions.
A. Call us or email!! We love talking about embroidery and making stoles.
A. We would love to help you finish your project. Email us or give us a call, and we can work out a solution.
Q. I still have questions.
A. Call us or email!! We love talking about embroidery and making stoles.
