January 4th - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Day



1774-1821
Foundress-Sisters of Charity
Canonized by Pope Paul VI
September 14, 1975

St. Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton was born on August 28, 1774 to Richard Bayley and Catherine Charlton of New York City. She was raised in the Episcopal Church in the United States. Her mother, daughter of an Episcopal priest, died when Elizabeth was three years old.

At age 19 she married William Magee Seton, a wealthy businessman in the import trade. Five children were born to the marriage: Anna "Annina" Maria (1795-1812), William the Second, Richard Seton, Catherine Seton (1800-1891) a Sister of Mercy, and Rebecca Mary (1802-1816) whom Elizabeth called "my soul's sister".

Although busy with raising a large family and the management of their home, Seton continued to show the concern for the poor of the city which her father and stepmother had taught her. She helped to organize a group of prominent ladies who would visit the sick poor in their homes to render what aid they could. This circle was informally called the "Ladies of Charity" due to their conscious inspiration by the work of St. Vincent de Paul in 17th century France.

During a trip to Italy for her husband's health, he died there and Elizabeth and one of her children stayed two years in Italy with her husband's business partner and his family. It was in Italy that she was introduced to Catholicism. When returning back to the United States, she sought instruction in the faith and in 1805 entered the Catholic Church.

At the invitation of the Archbishop, she established a Catholic girl's school in Baltimore, which initiated the parochial school system in America. She also founded the Sisters of Charity.

One commentor says of her "Elizabeth Seton had no extraordinary gifts. She was not a mystic or stigmatic. She did not prophesy or speak in tounges." But it is perhaps her very "ordinariness" that makes her such a good model for stewardship. She put her whole life - all of her time, all of her talents, all of her treasure - at God's disposal, saying to her religious sisters, "The first end I propose in our daily work is to do the will of God; secondly, to do it in the manner He wills; and thirdly, to do it because it is his will." Such wholehearted devotion to the will of God is a sure recipe for good stewardship of the gifts we have received.

We must pray without ceasing, in every occurrence and employment of our
lives - that prayer which is rather a habit of lifting up the heart to God
as in a constant communication with Him .

~Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton

The "Carra" Sontag

The "Carra" Sontag
Hand-made for Rachels'
Seamstress Services

Ahhhhh, the most beautiful Sontag arrived the other day. The "Carra" Sontag, AKA: Bosom Buddy, became popular in the mid to late 1800's.

"Sontag is a woman's crochet'd or knitted jacket that has long ends crossing over the front and tying at the back; and it commemorates Henriette Sontag (1806-1854), a German operatic coloratura-soprano singer, ennobled in 1826. In 1828 she married Count Rossi."

For several years I had wished to offer this crocheted garment on the Rachels' web-site but was unable to concentrate fully on it until this year. And I am so thankful I did, as it is most stunning! Created by the maker of all the crocheted caps on the Rachels' site, "Carra" is expertly hand-crafted and will last for many years with proper care. In addition, a new crocheted cap is offered that I have put together with the "Carra" Sontag. Called the "Carra" Coif. Has just the right amount of coverage to keep your head warm during the cold days.

Made in a wool-ease yarn that is 80% acrylic and 20% wool, "Carra" is hand-washable. Per request, one can also have the "Carra" made in another yarn fiber.

If wishing to order a "Carra" Sontag for the holidays, order asap, as only a few can be made up for holiday gift-giving. It is located in the Clothing-Quaker&Plain Category on the Rachels' Seamstress Services site.

The History of Crochet

The origins of crochet date back to 16th century France, where nuns used hooks for making beautiful lace. In fact, the word "crochet" comes from the French term for hook. The art of crochet was carried by the nuns to Ireland. Here, Irish girls skillfully copied many rare old patterns and crochet became a refined accomplishment required of well-bred young ladies.

Although modern crochet dates back to the 16th century, various crude forms of the art have been found in many earlier societies as far back as 2000 B.C. One of these forms was accomplished with a needle similar to a fisherman's needle. Another form was developed from an early mariner's technique of looping without tying a knot. It is thought that weavers combined these methods in an attempt to find a simpler method of weaving using sticks. These crude 'hand-weaving' tools eventually became crochet hooks.

Crochet was refined into a craft during the 16th century in French convents, but it was not until the 19th century that crochet was recognized as one of the "womanly arts" on a level of popularity with knitting and embroidery. Women fleeing France brought the technique and the French name "crochet" to England around 1820. A quarter of a century later, crochet was introduced in Ireland as a cottage industry with which people could make a meager living. The beautiful rose designs of Irish crochet were used in edgings, tablecloths, and delicate blouses sold all over the world. Unfortunately, the modern machine copies have lost much of the delicacy and beauty of the original handmade crochet.

Traditionally, crochet has been worked in cotton threads for purely utilitarian items such as tablecloths, napkins, and bedspreads. Today, crocheting employs many types of threads and yarns for an endless variety of garments, afghans, and decorations for around the house.
                                      Taken from the Leisure Arts Book "I Can't Believe I'm Crocheting!"

Sewing Machines and their 'parts'

I just received the long awaited for sewing machine part late last week! I have several sewing assignments to catch up on! What a challenge to find the essential part for my two year old Janome machine! The main dilemma was that the sewing center that I do business with, here in Ocala, burned to the ground a few months ago and they lost their entire store! So, they had so many parts coming in to re-supply their inventory, the Janome Supply Center could not keep up with it.

I was so lost without my Janome main machine. A friend knew about my dilemma and offered to me a hardly used, 1950's 'Royal' machine, still in the cabinet that belonged to her mother. I was so surprised when I went over to see the machine, as I did not have knowledge before-hand how unused it was. It took a day or two of tinkering around with, and it works wonderfully...only straight and zig-zag stitching. When I get some time I need to research where to buy a zipper foot for this very usable, but older machine. I think it may be like an old car...built well, but parts are harder to find. And I had hoped for so long to have a back-up machine, and thankfully, now I do.

Meantime...I needed a breather this past week-end from trying to catch up on everything and decided to do some baking. Two loaves of Amish White Bread were made. This makes fantastic French Toast!

Picture to the left is the bread dough divided in half after the first rising. I only use King Arthur Flour for everything I bake.

The picture below is the finished bread. Bakes for 30 minutes after pouring melted butter on top.

That was enough fun for the week! Back to sewing now to catch up. I am ever so happy to have my main sewing machine back working.

Amish White Bread

Ingredients:

2 cups warm water

2/3 cup white sugar

1 ½ tablespoons active dry yeast

1 ½ teaspoons salt

¼ cup vegetable oil

6 cups bread flour

___________________________________________

In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water and then stir in yeast. Allow to proof until resembles a creamy foam. Mix salt and oil into the yeast. Mix in flour one cup at a time. Kneed dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Place in a well oiled bowl, and turn to coat. Cover with a damp cloth. Allow to rise until doubled in bulk, approx. two hours. I always let the dough rise in a warm oven. Punch dough down. Kneed a few minutes and divide in half. Shape into loaves, and place in two well oiled 9x5 loaf pans. (I use glass pans) Allow to rise for 45 minutes, or until dough has risen approx. one inch above the pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

"The Jacket"

Some of the first pattern
pieces of 'The Jacket'

The Jacket was born in early 2011, from an instanteous thought and a quick e-mail that I thought would not travel far.

After some time, plans were made between The Jacket originator (myself) and the recipient of a light tan, sueded western style, custom-made jacket.

It was an exciting time, most certainly, full of anticipation, from choosing the perfect tan sueded fabric and matching lining, to the style, down to the right buttons. The sample jacket then arrived in the mail that I used for measurements. Soon thereafter the sueded fabric and lining arrived from the specialty store. It was so very beautiful. Just touching the fabric gave you a peaceful and serene feeling, like touching the first rose petals that have newly come forth.

Then, I became ill for several months. I needed to keep my other orders going out and did not have too much time to concentrate on 'The Jacket'. But he was always there, patiently waiting for me, beckoning me to come over and sew a few stitches.

Inside lining of a 'welt' pocket.
A light poly/cotton fabric was sewn
over the nylon lining  for extra durability.

The summer of 2011 came with full force and temperatures soared into the triple digits. I have never known heat so intense before. The highest this past summer was 116 degrees and was a day to remember. 'The Jacket' was partially started by this time, and the front 'welt' pockets just starting to appear. He ('The Jacket') was taking form, like molding out of clay.

The pockets were actually quite fun. I was afraid at first, not having the opportunity to make many 'welt' pockets. But I discovered that it was not too difficult at all. One just needs to concentrate and be patient.

All during this time, the recipient was so very patient. Periodic updates were e-mailed to inform of the progress. In mid-September, I knew he needed to be completed, since the cooler weather was arriving soon. He became my friend by this time. Greeting me in the morning with his happy tan color. I looked at the seams and how they were turning out. Everything had to be perfect.



'The Jacket' owner
Made by Rachels'
Seamstress Services

Then the final week arrived (Sept. 27th). It was time to finish up and part with my friend who saw me through many happenings since early March. He joined with me in unison to accept the final seams and the lining, which were hand-sewn in.

He looked so healthy and well and I needed to pack him up and ship him to his new owner, who was so very happy to receive him. Washing/care instructions were given and I have no doubt 'The Jacket' will be treated with respect and dignity.

Good-bye my dear friend. I had the honor and pleasure of putting you together with the utmost care and attention.

For a long a happy life,

Your Creator,

Lisa

of Rachels'

Seeking Solace, Finding Peace

For Those Who Long to Be Useful to God

Written by Quaker Jane, used with permission

I speak to thee, seeker of solace, not from a separate or superior place, but as one who has walked in similar shoes along similar paths. I sought solace, begged for peace, had faith in the possibility of happiness, as I longed for the seeingly endless heartache to stop and the healing to begin. I found peace, not comfort and ease, but peace in the midst of discomfort and dis-ease. I found compassion for myself and for others, residing in my heart, the Christ Within had kept a small hearth-fire burning, waiting in the depths of my heart for me to seek him out, waiting for me in the heart of my heart to find him, where he had been all along as I searched hither and thither and yon. Even as I outwardly rejected him, inwardly he was working on my heart, healing me, bringing me to the Truth and to peace and solace.

I speak to thee, she who desires to be useful to God, he who desires to be on the narrow path. That desire is a grace, and if followed in humility, these desires of thy soul for wholeness and healing will lead to submission to the Lord and his will for thee. Thy desires and longings will lead thee to become capable of discernment of the Lord's will for thee. The Lord has made thee capable of obedience, given thee the gift of the Light Within to illuminate thy path and brought thee the free gift of submission.

The healing has begun, child of God, infant in trust and patience. Mature thy trust, mature thy patience, and thee will see thy healing is happening in the Lord's time and in the Lord's way. That is where faith becomes powerful, where thee allows the Lord to do his work. He has set tasks before thee. Attend to those tasks, and set aside those he has not set before thee. Thee knows the difference, in thy heart. The mind is prone to confusion and dismay, but the heart is where the Truth resides, and where the Way is made clear.

Peace resides in the heart. It may be hard for thee to believe that something thee has sought with such energy in the world was available to thee the entire time, but so it is. It is within thee, and available to thee, at any time. Not just when things are going well, and not just when things are difficult. He is there, a companionable presence, a bracing presence, a loving presence, a stern presence. The Truth is all these things, each as thee needs them, each as thee requires. He will comfort, when it is time for comfort, and he will correct when it is time to correct. There is no comfort, nor correction, in the world and the world's ways to compare.

Traditional Quakers have tactics for finding the Christ Within, ways of preparing ourselves for submission and obedience to the Lord's will. The simplest and best first step to take is to set aside time each day to wait upon the Lord, to have a time of private retirement where there is no expectation for the time except that it be given to the Lord to use as he will. Pray if thee feels led. Read the Bible if thee feels led. But do not place any presumption upon the time, rather offer it to the Lord. Do not say, "I will do this" or "I will do that," rather say "I will do nothing until the Lord shows me to do it, and if he offers me nothing then I will do nothing." Remember Elijah (I Kings 19:11-13). Remember the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

It is usual for those to whom I offer this tactic to say they don't feel comfortable sitting in silence for any length of time. At which point I suggest they are not yet desperate enough, that they have not reached the end of the seeking and questing. When they are desperate enough, I say, when the world and the world's answers have left them sufficiently battered and cold and with no other option at hand, then they may finally turn to the Christ Within. Then they may find the unbearable silence a better option than despair, finally prepared and ready for his healing and warmth. Or, I offer, they could give it a go now, just to see if they are able to find him before they have actually reached the end of their rope. It is painful reaching the end of one's rope, I suggest, and they have been sufficiently rattled to seek me out. The Lord appears to be offering them an opportunity. But, I say, it is their choice. And I say to thee, it is thy choice. All the love Christ has for thee is available to thee now, if thee can only reach out for it with an open heart. My compassion goes with thee, Friend or Neighbor, whatever thy choice and wherever it leads.

---

1 Kings 19:11-13 (KJV)

And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?

1 Kings 19:11-13 (New Jerusalem Bible) (not in original printing. Added by author of this Blog)

Then he was told, 'Go out and stand on the mountain before Yahweh.' For at that moment Yahweh was going by. A mighty hurricane split the mountains and shattered the rocks before Yahweh. But Yahweh was not in the hurricane. And after the hurricane, an earthquake. But Yahweh was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake, fire. But Yahweh was not in the fire. And after the fire, a light murmuring sound. And when Elijah heard this, he covered his face with his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then a voice came to him, which said, 'What are you doing here, Elijah?'

Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.