Comment by simon gray on 1st mo. 5, 2013 at 7:03pm

my question - what precisely is it that you're led to?

are you led to the actual dress of the quakers of the late 17th / early 18th centuries, or are you led to dress in the same spirit of those quakers?

Comment by Jo on 1st mo. 6, 2013 at 10:21am

Simon, if it was "Modern Plain" I would not have such a problem with it, as that style is easy enough to "blend in" to society.

However what I feel drawn to is not "modern" in any sense of the word, it is sensible classic style long dresses, apron and cap. I am sure God has reasons for the why's and wherefore's of having me led to feel I need to dress this way, but it is presenting challenges for me in explaining to people.

I would like to know what/how others experience of switching to "plain dress" has been like for them.

Comment by Zaley Warkentin on 1st mo. 6, 2013 at 1:52pm

It isn't easy for sure Jo. I have felt called to plain dress since I was a child, though I never really understood what it was until about 2 years ago. Since then I have been making the gradual transition. Actually just this past Friday I was finally able to let go of the vast majority of my "modern" clothing to charity. (It had been sitting in boxes and bags in my basement for years) I have some clothes from King's Daughters as well :) It can be difficult dealing with the changing way in which people react to you. I worry that people often assume that I've adopted extreme and closed-minded beliefs that they associate with plain dress. That is not the case at all, but I often sense that people think there can't be any other justification for it. I haven't yet found a way to explain it. Most likely because I can't really explain it to myself...I just am, and it just is. I often feel more comfortable wearing the kerchief style covering in public instead of the kapp. I'm currently still moving between modern plain and traditional plain depending on the situation...slowly moving towards the traditional. This year has been particularly difficult, as I interact on a daily basis with many people in the Artistic community who don't approve of this type of thing.

Comment by Jo on 1st mo. 6, 2013 at 2:41pm

Thank you Zaley, it's helpful to hear from you. I sympathise with you on the "interacting with people who don't approve".

Insights from people who have been through, or are going through similar situations are very comforting I find.

Comment by Amanda Manouvrier on 1st mo. 6, 2013 at 5:36pm

Jo, there are a few called to plain dress in the UK. I have sent you a friend request and perhaps, if you choose to accept that, I could message you? in Friendship, Amanda

 

Comment by Bill Samuel on 1st mo. 6, 2013 at 8:10pm

See http://plainquakers.org/ - about a small grouping of plain Friends in the UK

Comment by Ray Lovegrove on 1st mo. 7, 2013 at 3:26am

I have made the switch to plain dressing and I live in the UK. As a male the change has not too radical ( my wife does not plain dress, but I imagine women's plain cloth are hard to find in the UK). I have found that careful, and ethical, shopping combined with some nifty needlework are the main requirements. Living in Wales is not like living in rural Pennsylvania, so I don't expect to meet too many other plain dressers in the run of everyday life. I have started a facebook page (link below) for plain dressers of all denominations which I hope will help to publicise the availability of plain dress for those who are making the change wherever they live. Blessings to you!

A Plain and Simple Place

Comment by Jo on 1st mo. 7, 2013 at 7:05am

Amanda, thank you, yes please message me :-)

Bill, thank you, it is good to know there are a group of us, albeit small.

Ray, thank you I will have a look at your page.

Comment by Chris Beauchamp on 1st mo. 7, 2013 at 11:52am

Dear One:

I have always had the leaning. . but perhaps didn't understand it fully because as you say, no one else was doing it.  Then about 12 years ago I received what I call my "Wallup-upside-my-head wake-up call". . . where suddenly I saw how I would actually need to live to be more authentic.     

Long story short, I lost pretty much all my friends, was ridiculed,  and on and on.  But I would not stray from it because it was my truth and I Had to do it.  My conscious awareness continued to grow thru the years and I see how many times people prefer to live in a world of their illusions as they perhaps cannot face life from any other way.  Perhaps they ridicule me because on some level I'm a reminder that they might do better, but then again, maybe not.    

I read beautiful books to soothe my mind and this site is a place where I am perhaps welcomed without revulsion.  Covering and wearing plain clothing also comforts me.  It helps me to know why I am really here - - to wake up - - and not for any other reason.  I don't have to do anything special to become who I already am. 

Being accepted as others is always a sensitive spot because it is very human of us to want to be accepted by those like us.  But until they can see from your perspective, they may be unable to do that. . . so you must live from your truth.  Be comfortable in it however as it is what is intended for you and for each of us..   in our own time. 

Comment by Allistair Lomax on 1st mo. 8, 2013 at 11:30am

Hi Jo,

There are affiliate members of Ohio Yearly Meeting in the UK who are also plain, (of which I'm one). We tend to rely on helpful Friends from the US transporting stuff ordered from Gohn Bros, as well adopting and modifying what we can get here. (I have the collars removed from the ordinary shirts that I buy). On a broader issue, plain living encompasses the whole approach to how we chose to live, as well as what we choose to wear. It is part of a plain life style. The UK has no  living tradition of plain christians, (unlike the US), so people will often be very puzzled or just assume you are Closed Brethren.

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