When should I start collecting materials for the wimple?
It is never too soon to start collecting materials. It is best to start actively organizing everything at least six months before the bar/bat mitzvah date.

When should I send my materials to you?
At least three months prior to the bar/bat mitzvah. I may request them sooner in order to fit them into my schedule (this would be prearranged with you).

When will I receive the completed wimple?
My goal is to have your wimple to you at least one month prior to the date of your bar/bat mitzvah – sooner, if possible.

What type of things can be incorporated into the wimple?
Fabrics are the basis of the wimple. But you may also incorporate items such as coins, photographs, charms, jewelry, beads, buttons, crocheted doilies, etc. I have incorporated some very unusual items.

How do I ask people for materials?
Send a letter to them at least five to six months in advance of the bar/bat mitzvah. Also ask them for a letter that explains the item they send - what it is and why they chose it. Let them know the letters will be incorporated into a scrapbook that will accompany the wimple. To see sample letters go to www.fernleslie.com/wimplebook.htm

What if a relative or friend doesn’t “get it” and doesn’t know what to send to me?
There will be people who will not know what to send to you. Refer them to my website address so they can see for themselves the type of wimples that I make and to see sample pages form a wimple book.
Also suggest to them that they think of the child and their relationship to him/her. Ask them how they would like to honor that relationship.
You can also give them some of the suggestions below that include examples of items that have been sent to me.

• a section cut from a garment worn during a special occasion, or from something else that holds meaning (wedding dress, handkerchief, dance costume, section from wedding chuppah, lace great-grandmother made, curtains or bedspread from special room, etc.)
• a piece of new fabric that represents something old (pin stripe fabric because Uncle Jack always wore a pinstripe suit)
• fabric with images that represent something shared with the child (fabric with beach images, or musical notes, etc.)
• an item that was used with the child (poker chips, ski lift tags, crayon wrapper, box from favorite food)
• A document that can be copied and the image transferred to fabric ( passport, birth certificate, money)
• Charms, beads, buttons, coins, etc. can all be used.

Is there anything that can NOT be incorporated?
I will try to incorporate anything you send. The most difficult things are those that are too large. If you send something with a large image, it can be photographed, reduced, and then transfered to fabric in order for it to fit.

What size do the pieces of fabric need to be that are sent to you?
The more items that are used in the wimple, the smaller each piece will be in the completed wimple. Typically the size I will use is no larger than three square inches - but is usually smaller - sometimes only 1"x1". I prefer to have pieces larger than needed as I sometimes use a fabric more than once in order to keep the colors balanced in the overall design. If you only have a tiny sample of fabric, that is fine – I have incorporated some very small pieces.

Should I be concerned about large items?
Yes, large items will draw your attention. Typically anything between three to five square inches (or larger) will dominate and be a center of attention. Sometimes you want this – others times you don’t.

Can you transfer images to fabric?
Yes, images (such as photos, document, etc.) can be scanned and printed onto fabric. The images can also be reduced or enlarged.

Can you change a color photograph to black and white?
Yes, I can also give your photo a vintage look by tinting it with a sepia tone. I then print the image on fabric.

What if someone sends me fabric that is worn, frayed, stained or ugly?
Don’t worry about it. I have included all sorts of fabrics in all types of conditions. Each piece of fabric, even if it is worn or stained has an important story to tell. In the end, each wimple is unique and beautiful.

Should I save pieces of each fabric for myself before sending them to you?
Yes. I encourage you to prepare an album to go along with the wimple. The album would contain letters explaining the significance of each item as well as samples of the fabrics. If you keep some of the fabric swatches you will be able to put the album together while I work on the wimple (see some sample pages of a wimple book at www.fernleslie.com/wimplebook.htm ).

What if I am sending you a charm or something that I can't keep a piece of?
If a piece is too small to cut a sample for yourself to keep, or if you are not able to remove a piece of it (i.e. jewelry, coins, etc.), you can take a photo of it before sending it to me. Or, if you like,I will take a digital photo of it for you and send it to you via email.

What are some of the most unusual items you have sewn into a wimple?
Some if the things I have added are: a large black plastic spider, a tiny bottle of beach sand, leather baseballs skins, candy wrappers, a chewed dog toy, a leather baby shoe, stones from Israel, a photo of the name of a great-grandmother on the wall at Ellis Island. I have included different types of documents that I scanned and transferred to fabric : passports, a birth certificate, a business check, foreign money. (The document is returned in its original condition). The list goes on and on.

Do I need to purchase the fabric for the border and back of the wimple?
You can send them to me or, if you like, I will supply these materials.

How much of the border and backing fabric would I need to purchase if I were to send them to you?
Generally a yard of each is sufficient. But it is best to check with me after finalizing the size of your personalized wimple.

If you choose the border and backing fabric, will I see them before you use them?
Yes, I will send you samples of all fabrics for your approval before constructing the wimple.

Will the leftover materials be returned to me?
Yes. Everything is returned at the time the completed wimple is sent to you.

How is payment handled?
50% of the cost is required before I begin fabrication of the wimple. The balance is due after you receive the completed wimple.

I would like a wimple made. What do I do now?
The first thing to do is to let me know you would like a wimple made and when you will be needing it. I work on only one wimple at a time and have dates blocked out well in advance of receiving materials. I will then send you all the information you will need.