If You Could Design A Habit...

[CatherineM]

I was looking at a website looking for a clock clasp for a costume I'm making for a Celtic wedding. They had instructions on making medieval nun's habits for those who do SCA or medieval fairs. Wondered if anyone did that?

[IgnatiusofLoyola]

[quote name='CatherineM' date='02 May 2010 - 12:18 PM' timestamp='1272820692' post='2103641']
Lots of talk about color and design, but what about fabric? Would you go with all naturals like wool or would you go space age moisture wicking? I think supplex would make a really neat habit.
[/quote]

I've always been a "natural fibers" kind of gal, so I would probably go for a light wool, or even cotton or linen. (I've heard they have new ways of processing cotton and linen so that they don't wrinkle. However, knowing me, even a "wrinkle-proof" fabric would wrinkle on me.)

One thing I've always wondered about--Are long habits hot? As I understand it, some (many?) Orders that wear long habits wear additional layers of petticoats, etc. beneath the habit. A warm habit might be a godsend in an unheated convent in a cold climate, but I wonder about the many Orders that are located in warm climates.

One thing I HAVE always wanted to have an excuse to wear is a warm, wool, full-length cape, with a hood, for outside wear, that I THINK is worn by some Orders in cold climates. Unfortunately, for anyone other than a nun in a long habit such a cape might be a "little much." (Well, unless you are a student at Hogwarts. LOL )

[JTheresa]

Me too! I have always always wanted a cape. But, to my knowledge, capeas aren't typically worn by Franciscan sisters. The dominican capes I think are the coolest. Black and white. So cool. Although indo know that the Dominicans wear petticoats and stuff like that so I would assume that would get really hot in the summer. And for me, it would probably take me forever to remeber what to put on where. So luckily I'll have an extremely simple habit.

But I still want a cape.

[CatherineM]

I'm actually getting ready to make a cloak. I'm making a celtic costume for a wedding, and thought I'd better make a cloak to wear with it. I'm trying to decide on which clasp to pick. Here's what I've got it down to:
[img]http://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/pict/3503466037126464_1.jpg[/img][img]http://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/pict/3503466054266464_1.jpg[/img][img]http://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/pict/2506225444986464_1.jpg[/img]

[laetitia crucis]

[quote name='CatherineM' date='02 May 2010 - 09:35 PM' timestamp='1272846938' post='2103847']
I was looking at a website looking for a clock clasp for a costume I'm making for a Celtic wedding. They had instructions on making medieval nun's habits for those who do SCA or medieval fairs. Wondered if anyone did that?
[/quote]

While in university I played in a Renaissance ensemble -- we dressed in AWESOME costumes! And usually once every spring, a group of my friends and I would go to a Renaissance festival -- all dressed up. The cape I used for the Renaissance festival was black, but I also used a cape when I dressed up as a hobbit (I'm too short to be a elf ) for some LOTR fun times. It was that earthy greenish/grey like the ones in the films.

[quote name='CatherineM' date='03 May 2010 - 02:30 AM' timestamp='1272864612' post='2104075']
I'm actually getting ready to make a cloak. I'm making a celtic costume for a wedding, and thought I'd better make a cloak to wear with it. I'm trying to decide on which clasp to pick. Here's what I've got it down to:
[img]http://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/pict/3503466037126464_1.jpg[/img][img]http://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/pict/3503466054266464_1.jpg[/img][img]http://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/pict/2506225444986464_1.jpg[/img]
[/quote]


I really like this one: [img]http://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/pict/3503466054266464_1.jpg[/img]

[laetitia crucis]

[quote name='IgnatiusofLoyola' date='02 May 2010 - 11:33 PM' timestamp='1272854038' post='2103950']
I've always been a "natural fibers" kind of gal, so I would probably go for a light wool, or even cotton or linen. (I've heard they have new ways of processing cotton and linen so that they don't wrinkle. However, knowing me, even a "wrinkle-proof" fabric would wrinkle on me.)

One thing I've always wondered about--Are long habits hot? As I understand it, some (many?) Orders that wear long habits wear additional layers of petticoats, etc. beneath the habit. A warm habit might be a godsend in an unheated convent in a cold climate, but I wonder about the many Orders that are located in warm climates.

One thing I HAVE always wanted to have an excuse to wear is a warm, wool, full-length cape, with a hood, for outside wear, that I THINK is worn by some Orders in cold climates. Unfortunately, for anyone other than a nun in a long habit such a cape might be a "little much." (Well, unless you are a student at Hogwarts. LOL )
[/quote]

In my former community, our habits were made from a cotton/polyester blend, I think. (You had to be careful when you ironed -- if you stayed too long on one spot. it would get shiny... ) The first summer in the habit is always an adjustment process, but after that I felt rather comfortable temperature-wise. You get used to the heat pretty quickly. In warmer weather most Sisters wore a t-shirt and underskirt/slip (usually made from cotton) underneath. Some even wore shorts under the skirt. When it was colder I think pretty much all of us wore long johns / long underwear / thermals as well as multiple pairs of socks. To say the least, I was always grateful that our habits were made to be somewhat roomy. Ah, and when we entered we had to bring with us a black sweater, black fleece, and a winter coat (preferably a darker color). So. We could wear those, too, when it was cold.

[size="1"]P.S. -- Now that we're on these topics, I am finally realizing [i]just[/i] how much of a geekbomber I really am. I had a Hogwarts uniform AND robes to dress up in with my friends for the book and film releases... aaaahahahahaa!
[/size]

[quote name='JTheresa' date='03 May 2010 - 02:14 AM' timestamp='1272863670' post='2104066']
Me too! I have always always wanted a cape. But, to my knowledge, capeas aren't typically worn by Franciscan sisters. The dominican capes I think are the coolest. Black and white. So cool. Although indo know that the Dominicans wear petticoats and stuff like that so I would assume that would get really hot in the summer. And for me, it would probably take me forever to remeber what to put on where. So luckily I'll have an extremely simple habit.

But I still want a cape.
[/quote]

We didn't have capes either. I always had cape-envy. However, perhaps you can somehow find a cape-like poncho sweater that you could bring with you? One year my mother found a black fleece cape-like poncho. Since I couldn't find a fleece before I entered, I was able to bring that one back with me. I [i]loved[/i] it. Definitely looked like a cape.

[JTheresa]

[quote name='CatherineM' date='02 May 2010 - 06:30 PM' timestamp='1272864612' post='2104075']
I'm actually getting ready to make a cloak. I'm making a celtic costume for a wedding, and thought I'd better make a cloak to wear with it. I'm trying to decide on which clasp to pick. Here's what I've got it down to:
[img]http://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/pict/3503466037126464_1.jpg[/img][img]http://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/pict/3503466054266464_1.jpg[/img][img]http://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/pict/2506225444986464_1.jpg[/img]
[/quote]

I really like this one too.
[img]http://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/pict/3503466054266464_1.jpg[/img]
It's really pretty.

[vee]

[quote name='JTheresa' date='03 May 2010 - 08:50 AM' timestamp='1272894645' post='2104151']
I really like this one too.
[img]http://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/pict/3503466054266464_1.jpg[/img]
It's really pretty.
[/quote]

Count me in on that one too.

[CatherineM]

I guess it's unanimous. That one looks like it has the easiest clasp too. I don't want to be fumbling around trying to snag the hook when it is really cold out.

[GraceUk]

[quote name='Lumiere' date='02 May 2010 - 06:58 PM' timestamp='1272841133' post='2103799']
[url="http://www.imqohm.com/Media.html"]These sisters[/url] don't have a pink veil, but a pink habit.
[/quote]

Thanks for posting that link. I do like those pink habits but I like the traditional style brown and black habits as well. The sister I saw the photo off had the same shade of pink. But pink veil and scapular but rest of robes a creamy white.

Edited May 3, 2010 by GraceUk

[DameAgnes]

[quote name='GraceUk' date='03 May 2010 - 02:19 PM' timestamp='1272910769' post='2104235']
Thanks for posting that link. I do like those pink habits but I like the traditional style brown and black habits as well. The sister I saw the photo off had the same shade of pink. But pink veil and scapular but rest of robes a creamy white.
[/quote]

Guess you don't mean these, then.

http://www.mountgraceconvent.org/Pictures/newsletters/mountgracenewsletterpdfs/2009Dec.pdf

[alrichey53091]

[quote name='JTheresa' date='02 May 2010 - 05:34 PM' timestamp='1272836041' post='2103749']
OMGosh I would be sooooooo excited!!!!! Maybe we can push for it once we're on the council lol.
that would be soo cool?

Mght I ask which old habits you are speaking of?
[/quote]

hahaa wellll maybe like a full habit with a cord with three nots! A friend of mine was at the mother house a few months ago and she said that she was talking to Sr. Margret Mary about this and Sr. said that a lot of the younger sisters want the change but the older sisters don't sooo....I am def going to try and push it!! haha and It wold be really awesome if we could prostrate for our final vows

[JTheresa]

[quote name='alrichey53091' date='04 May 2010 - 03:03 PM' timestamp='1273025031' post='2105164']
hahaa wellll maybe like a full habit with a cord with three nots! A friend of mine was at the mother house a few months ago and she said that she was talking to Sr. Margret Mary about this and Sr. said that a lot of the younger sisters want the change but the older sisters don't sooo....I am def going to try and push it!! haha and It wold be really awesome if we could prostrate for our final vows
[/quote]
YES YES YES YES YES YES YES!!!!!! OMGOSH I AM SOOO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!

With the new vocation boom I'm sure we'll be getting more and more younger vocations who will also want to switch to the full habit and then they will be out numbered!!!
Or we could just let the older sisters keep the habits they have and we younger sister could have the full one. the older sisters already have a different (slightly) habit than the younger sisters anyway. We would probably get more vocations too, seeing that nowadays a lot of the women entering religious life want the [i]full[/i] habit, and so they don't really look too much into our community. I could be totally wrong.

This is so great. I'm so pumped. I'm might even go sketch out some ideas.

[alrichey53091]

[quote name='JTheresa' date='05 May 2010 - 12:16 AM' timestamp='1273032978' post='2105219']
YES YES YES YES YES YES YES!!!!!! OMGOSH I AM SOOO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!

With the new vocation boom I'm sure we'll be getting more and more younger vocations who will also want to switch to the full habit and then they will be out numbered!!!
Or we could just let the older sisters keep the habits they have and we younger sister could have the full one. the older sisters already have a different (slightly) habit than the younger sisters anyway. We would probably get more vocations too, seeing that nowadays a lot of the women entering religious life want the [i]full[/i] habit, and so they don't really look too much into our community. I could be totally wrong.

This is so great. I'm so pumped. I'm might even go sketch out some ideas.
[/quote]

I AM EXCITED TOOOOO!!!! I really do think that our community is going to get more and more vocations in the near future!! Let's pray!!!!!

[JTheresa]

Omygosh i just saw these Sister's habits and I fell in love!!! They have Saint Francis and Saint Dominic as their patrons!!! AAHHH!!! Why can't I have the best of both worlds?!?!?
Haha. just kiddin. I love His plan for me.

Here they are:
[img]http://www.sisterservants.org/images/DSC_0150_2.jpg[/img]

[img]http://www.sisterservants.org/images/DSC07199_000.jpg[/img]

[img]http://www.sisterservants.org/images/DSC02905_2_3_000.jpg[/img]

They have the style and a fifteen decade rosary like the dominicans (their foundress was a dominican) but the cape and scapular are brown plus they wear the three knotted cord like the franciscans!!! I love it!!

[CatherineM]

I think a runway of habits would be neat. Have it as part of a vocation retreat.

[laetitia crucis]

[quote name='CatherineM' date='08 May 2010 - 02:28 AM' timestamp='1273296488' post='2106756']
I think a runway of habits would be neat. Have it as part of a vocation retreat.
[/quote]

Maybe with a "Name this Order/Community!" type game, too... I'd want to play!

[Cherie]

[quote name='JTheresa' date='08 May 2010 - 12:54 AM' timestamp='1273294496' post='2106732']
Omygosh i just saw these Sister's habits and I fell in love!!! They have Saint Francis and Saint Dominic as their patrons!!! AAHHH!!! Why can't I have the best of both worlds?!?!?
Haha. just kiddin. I love His plan for me.

Here they are:
[img]http://www.sisterservants.org/images/DSC_0150_2.jpg[/img]

[img]http://www.sisterservants.org/images/DSC07199_000.jpg[/img]

[img]http://www.sisterservants.org/images/DSC02905_2_3_000.jpg[/img]

They have the style and a fifteen decade rosary like the dominicans (their foundress was a dominican) but the cape and scapular are brown plus they wear the three knotted cord like the franciscans!!! I love it!!
[/quote]

Hehe I wore that habit for four years ... and those last two pictures, yep ... were taken by me! (I was the general photographer while I was there ... for ceremonies, a professional photographer we know would donate her services, but for any other pictures, it was yours truly!)

Edited May 8, 2010 by CherieMadame

[DevotedtoHim]

These are my favorites and I guess a compilation would be great:

*Just for the record, my habit HAS to have the wimple!

Cistercians in WI
Real Dominican Habit (like Lockport, also I think Menlo Park went back to real one)
Real Carmelite Habit (with wimple and chapel veil)
Benedictines in CT or in Vermont or the ones in the Midwest or CO (but don't forget I need a cowl for praying!)
Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Church (the ones that came back to Rome)
The Poor Clares (PCC's)

The only thing that is sort of missing from most habits is a nice, full, long skirt. I wish the Cistercians had a longer skirt! Also, I am pretty sure I would want to stick to a combination of black and white. Or white and black.

Katherine

[IgnatiusofLoyola]

[quote name='DevotedtoHim' date='11 May 2010 - 05:18 PM' timestamp='1273616304' post='2108990']
These are my favorites and I guess a compilation would be great:

*Just for the record, my habit HAS to have the wimple!

Cistercians in WI
Real Dominican Habit (like Lockport, also I think Menlo Park went back to real one)
Real Carmelite Habit (with wimple and chapel veil)
Benedictines in CT or in Vermont or the ones in the Midwest or CO (but don't forget I need a cowl for praying!)
Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Church (the ones that came back to Rome)
The Poor Clares (PCC's)

The only thing that is sort of missing from most habits is a nice, full, long skirt. I wish the Cistercians had a longer skirt! Also, I am pretty sure I would want to stick to a combination of black and white. Or white and black.

Katherine
[/quote]

I like wimples, too. As you get older, they would cover all the telltale signs of aging. LOL (My reasons are SO pious.) But, I've heard the stiff wimples can be very uncomfortable, so I'd go for one of the soft ones.

White, with a black cappa would be okay. But, black makes me depressed--I couldn't wear it everyday. (Although I do understand the meaning of black, and find that very beautiful.)

My ideal habit would be blue and white, in some combination. Also, I know nothing about "The Pink Sisters," but their habits make me happy every time I see them. (And, I look very good in that shade of pink. LOL) It would be a pleasure to wear their habit.

You can tell I'm not destined for the religious life! Besides, I have made "vows" to my two rescue cats with chronic diseases who would be VERY hard to place in a home--they need a lot of attention to pill schedules, vet visits, etc. If I left them behind, to me it would be like leaving dependent children behind to an unknown fate. (Although I completely support women who join Orders after their children are grown and self-sufficient.) So, I'm sort of like an unconsecrated hermit, who is living a life of celibacy, poverty, and total obedience to my cats. I'm such a saint--not!! [img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/saint.gif[/img]

Edited May 11, 2010 by IgnatiusofLoyola