The St Mary Magdalene's Tapestry Group was begun in 1990, the first goal being to make 12 kneelers for the Holy Innocents Chapel. A design was created by Julie Hooke, based on the symbol for the Holy Innocents, and nine of the Holy Innocents design have been completed so far, with more in the pipeline. Subsequently many members have departed intra- and inter-state and to realms beyond, so the momentum could not be sustained. We were particularly grateful, however, for the advice and assistance of tapestry group members at St Oswald's, Parkside and St Peter's, Glenelg.
In 2000 it was decided that it was time to do something about the horrendous hodgepodge of kneelers that constantly littered the pews. The as yet unused foam blocks purchased prospectively in 1990 were tracked down and covered in blue fabric. Two completed kneelers were mounted and added to the others already in the church. A further group of foam blocks was purchased, including some larger ones suitable for the prayer desks. These were also covered - the job being completed with a few centimetres of fabric to spare. Most of the old kneelers were 'disappeared' and the church took on a different appearance in time for the Patronal Festival.
The blue-covered kneelers and a few with green covers, are eventually to be enclosed by tapestry covers. As a plain fabric cover for the foam block is required underneath the tapestry, our interim solution to improving the overall appearance of the kneelers has all the kneelers ready to proceed with the final stage as soon as suitable tapestry covers are ready.
There is still a small group of parishioners interested in continuing with the making of tapestry kneelers, and we meet on Saturday afternoons to get help and inspiration with the project. The work is slow, but that is to be expected. Establishing the discipline of setting aside time for this is useful from a practical point of view, as the stitching progresses visibly. It also provides a pleasant opportunity for just enjoying the company of other members and the opportunity to devote a few hours to some craftwork.
The first set of kneelers had a red background to blend with the carpet of the chapel. When we commenced the kneelers for the general pews, a deep aqua was chosen as the background colour to compliment the paler aqua of the carpet. Since then, the aqua carpet has been replaced with a wonderful blue carpet. Although the red and the aqua look splendid with the new carpet, some royal blue tapestry wool was purchased during 2000 to add a bit of variety to the background colours and to match the present carpet. DMC is the tapestry wool of choice.
The making of tapestry kneelers is not cheap, but the benefits of having neat attractive and long-lasting kneelers make the effort worthwhile. Donations towards the cost of materials are always welcome.
Some examples of the work completed to date
As part of the St Peter's Cathedral tapestry kneeler project, a design was drafted by Roma Lowe with the traditional symbols for St Mary Magdalene - the pot of ointment and the tears. One kneeler in this design was donated from our group to the Cathedral, but some of the Cathedral's Needlework Group have contributed a number of kneelers in this design also. The wool of choice was Appleton's and the subtle tiling effect reflects the terracotta coloured tiles in the floor of the Cathedral.
St Mary Magdalene's design at St Peter's Cathedral, North Adelaide
Although kneelers seem to be enjoying less use during modern liturgies, they are still used by many worshippers and tapestry kneelers are often a feature of Anglican churches. St Mary Magdalene's has always had a strong emphasis on traditional styles of worship, and the kneelers are still in use.
New members are always welcome - no prior expertise is expected or demanded. The ability to follow a grid pattern such as those used for cross-stitch would be an advantage. Please direct any enquiries to Julie Hooke
Perseverence really pays off, and there is a great sense of achievement when the project is completed.
