I love going to the farmer's market. I'm a bit of a foodie so I adore the fresh local produce to cook with but I'm sure the attraction is also the vibrant palette of colors....just like I respond to color used in the textiles in worship! Last night I was particularly struck by the variety of colors in the apples. So many different kinds of reds, greens and golds!
The bounty of the season and the harvest make me think of the Shakers who are renowned for having pioneered the packaging of garden seeds for sale. Did you know that they produced seeds in great quantities in the early 1800's and the Shaker business was recognized for its quality products. Seed salesmen worked routes extending well into the Midwest by the 1830's. The seeds were gathered during the growing season, packets were printed, cut and pasted by hand. Once filled, the packets were placed into wooden Shaker seed boxes which were then placed for sale in stores by salesmen working routes into the Midwest or by mail order to the southern states. The Shakers celebrate the harvest with this hymn....
The Harvest
Our support we'll gather in.
For the harvest time is come.
Now to reap we will begin
Will you all now help us on?
Twas by Christ the seed was sown.
Now the harvest does appear;
Now the crops are fully grown.
Reap, o reap, get every spear.
The second thing that struck me at the farmer's market last night were the hands that passed me the produce that I was purchasing. Time after time these hands seemed so strong and weathered. They were a symbol to me of the hard work that it takes, to bring the food I often taken for granted, to the table. I am thankful for the vast amount of choices God has provided us, for the bounty we have and for the many hands that it takes to grow the food we eat. At the end of harvest season many cultures take a moment to be thankful. Here in the United States we of course call this holiday Thanksgiving. Carrot Top Studio celebrates the harvest with this stole embellished with pumpkins, gourds, corn and apples. The falling leaves add delightful detail to this stole. Wear this stole to lead worship as we come together in unity to be thankful for so many things.
The stole front is crafted from acreamy white cotton blend. The produce is appliqued and finished with machine embroidery and is accented with hand painted falling leaves. It is lined with the same fabric as the front and is interfaced for added body. Stole is 49" long measuring from back of neck to the bottom of the hem on one side. It measures 4 1/2" wide at the hem and tapers to 2 3/4" at the neck.
