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Anna explains what goes into repair of a
banner. “First, if a banner has a new design
concept for a particular lodge, then it needs
Grand Lodge approval.
“If heraldry is also part of the design,
then the design must be reproduced exactly
as authorised by the College of Heraldry.
There are also certain design features
required by Grand lodge, and once these
have been approved then the Lodge may
complete its own design.” She adds: “The
next step is to digitise the program, which
means that every stitch in every colour is
plotted and completed by the machine in
the right order and place.”
The machine has twin heads with eight
needles per head. Needles are threaded up
with the different colours before “painting a
picture with embroidery thread” as Anna
describes it.
The machine cuts off threads as each
colour sequence is completed, then needles
are changed as the pattern dictates, and
the computer droves a pantograph – an
instrument for copying a plan or drawing –
that moves east and west and north and south.
A design can involve anything from 100
to several hundred thousand stitches in a
Lodge banner. Stitches are expensive, so
wherever possible, a system known as
appliqué – ornamental work in which fabric
is cut out and attached – is used to be more
cost-effective.
Anna explains: “Some component stock
designs are available for the customer, who
must give his permission for the design to be
reproduced in thread to safeguard us under
copyright laws.”
Crucially, she points out that when
Masons are promoted and have to change
regalia, they do not have to buy expensive
new regalia. “We simply replace the old skin
embroidered with their new rank.”
Visitors are always welcome – but please
telephone in advance. Mrs Fernandes also
gives regular talks to various Masonic and
non-Masonic organisations.
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Left:
Anna Fernandes (centre) with
assistants Carol Williams and
Zafar Saleem standing by the
computerised embroidery machine
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Copyright 2002-2007
MQ Magazine
Web site created by Mark Griffin
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