In the beginning of our pilgrimage we first started with sowing our tunics. Then by and by we began to also sew our shirts, pants, jackets, pouches, backpacks and sandals and eventually solid shoes. In 2012 for the first time we wove cloth for our tunics on simple self-made back-strap weaving looms.
Shekinah sewing a new shirt
Our appearance reminds many people of times gone by. We are not trying to imitate a particular way of dress of a certain time and culture, but we do like to make a connection with all of those ancients who, because of their integrity helped mankind make progress in the development of their understanding.
And although we are certainly not against wisely used technology, in the present world we see a strong need to return to simpler and more natural ways of doing things.
And although we are certainly not against wisely used technology, in the present world we see a strong need to return to simpler and more natural ways of doing things.
Making things ourselves teaches us patience and respect for the work of another person. Working to develop a skill helps us appreciate those who know a craft well.
We are very much opposed to the exploitive, in many cases cruel conditions, under which industrially produced items are made today.
Most clothing articles are purposely made to not last long to augment the sales.That and the constantly changing fashions contribute a large part to the appalling waste of natural resources in the world today and present the seeming necessity to mass-produce.
We try to make our few necessary clothes to last; and unless God shows us to give away or leave behind an item, we mend and keep them until we feel they cannot be mended well anymore.
We are very much opposed to the exploitive, in many cases cruel conditions, under which industrially produced items are made today.
Most clothing articles are purposely made to not last long to augment the sales.That and the constantly changing fashions contribute a large part to the appalling waste of natural resources in the world today and present the seeming necessity to mass-produce.
We try to make our few necessary clothes to last; and unless God shows us to give away or leave behind an item, we mend and keep them until we feel they cannot be mended well anymore.
We wear what we feel reflects our message, what is practical, what is comfortable, and what we like.
Click here for poem "The Pilgrim's Shoe"
We each carry a whole sheepskin. It serves as a matress to sleep on, a pad to sit on, as a windbreaker and a cover against the rain.
Excerpt from street interview, Cologne, Germany, winter 2015
Why are you
dressed that way?
dressed that way?