New Altar Frontal

The Guild of St Clare, Oxford has been hard at work on a commission for a rose-coloured altar frontal, for Fr John Saward of the parish of Ss Gregory and Augustine, Oxford. Liturgically aware readers will realise that the pressure is on, as it will be needed for Gaudete Sunday - the 16th December.

The altar frontal was almost entirely created by Clare Auty, our matchless seamstress.

Clare Auty pinning the trim on to the frontal

She made it, most appropriately, on her beautiful antique Singer sewing machine, pictured below, which is 74 years old.

Clare Auty's magnificent treadle sewing machine, manufactured in 1938

The gold trim for the frontal is antique, from France. The fabric, which is an almost perfect colour match with the chasuble which Fr John already possesses, is actually upholstery fabric. The frontal is backed with pure linen.

The gold trim being machined into place

We were all able to assist at the final stage, sewing on clips which will attach the frontal on to the altar.

Clare Auty and Amanda Lewin attaching clips to the back of the frontal

Three of us were able to work on the  frontal simultaneously

I did my best to help

We are all looking forward immensely to seeing it in position on Sunday, 16th December, at its home in the church of Ss Gregory and Augustine, Oxford. It will be used in all the services on Gaudete Sunday: its blessing will take place during the Old Rite Mass at 12 noon.