In December 2011, Pat Costain, Secretary of
The Mothers’ Union contacted Liz Brand, the Chair of the IOM Branch of the
Embroiderers’ Guild to enquire if the Branch would like to design and makea
new Diocesan banner for them; which would be housed in the Cathedral at
Peel.
The Mothers’ Union vision for
the front of the banner was ‘Christian Care for Families’ and they wanted the
words ‘Mothers’ Union’ and ‘Sodor and Man’. They provided a sheet of photos of banners
that they didn’t particularly like and asked for modern design ideas. There were
minimal conditions, namely a requirement for the Diocesan logo on the back
which is the outline of the Isle of Man and the Lonan Cross. Members were asked
to submit designs for the branch meeting at the end of April 2012.
Several designs were
submitted by members to the Mothers’ Union for consideration, who decided
that
they really liked the bold, simple, modern figures and text on Helen Sargent’s
design, but not the jeans pocket concept of the design. On 20th
July, Helen Sargent provided a full sized paper pattern of both sides of the
banner and stitched some samples to help decide the final design. In the
meantime, the Bishop’s office came back with comments on the logo and the
translation of Mothers’ Union into Manx. After discussions, with Mothers’ Union chair
(Helen Parry) and committee members, a final design decision was made. The overall design specification concept was
for clean, simple lines and a modern look. To this end it was decided to put
simple tabs on the bottom with no fringe. A deadline of the end of March 2013
was agreed; as the Mothers’ Union had an important event at York and wanted to
take the new banner with them.
The first meeting to start
work on the banner was held on 11th September 2012, and weekly
sewing sessions were held at Helen Sargent’s house until it was complete.
Several members worked as outworkers, and later attached pieces of work to the
banner, for example the Lonan Cross stitched by Kay Mc Kiernan . Work continued
throughout the winter months with a dedicated team turning up each week to
stitch. The banner was completed and handed
over to Pat Costain, representative member of the Mothers’ Union on 15th
March 2013 in time for the banner to be dedicated in St John’s Church on the 10th
May 2013.
The banner front is made from
a plain weave linen fabric. The font used for the lettering is Jokerman from Microsoft word. The letters are gold pig skin
leather padded with felt and couched on with gold coloured thread. Mary’s dress
is made from silk velvet and a gold leather cross. The other figures are made
from cotton padded with wadding and stab stitched on. The reverse is watered
moiré silk with the island made from Manx wool tartan and couched on with gold
coloured thread. The Lonan cross is made from felt, silk and a selection of
vary dyed threads.
Special thanks go to the following members of the
Isle of Man Branch of the Embroiderers’ Guild, who not only donated their time
and skills, but also materials. These
being: Helen Sargent, Jean Taylor, Liz Brand,
Sheila Dove, Sue Carine, Kay Mc Kiernan, Jean Shimmin, Marion Moffat, Dee
Newson, Sheila Huxley, Janet Thompson and Janet Williams.
Handing over the Banner
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| The Front |
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| Detail of the front |
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| Detail of the back |
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| Detail of the Lettering |
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| Detail of the back |
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| Detail of lettering |
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| The back |
