Greetings from Quaker Jane . . .
and welcome to my website where I share the openings, concerns, leadings and opportunities God has, in his great loving-kindness, provided to me. My name is Isabel, aka Quaker Jane. I am a Conservative Quaker in the tradition of Ohio Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends--which means I know that Christ has come to teach his people himself, experientially, personally, powerfully. I live with my husband Sebastian in Colorado. Read about How I Became a (Bonnet-required) Plain-dressing Quaker or visit our Sebastian and Isabel family page.Updates
Tabitha keeps me busy so that I am neglecting this website almost entirely. In photos below wearing same outfit at 18 months that fit her at 9 months. Miracle of size one modest dresses from Gehman's Country Fabric & More Some tricks I have learned: make it so that her cap ties to one side. Much easier to get it tied on the side than under her chin. Also, in winter weather for toddlers, tights and bloomers and leg warmers. Something to keep in mind when putting baby into car seats and high chairs, try tying things in front rather than the back. I actually learned that for myself first, that I could end up with a bruise on my back from a bow tie or knot if I sat against it long enough.
There is a new seasonal and practical entry about how I keep warm under Ask Ibbie.
A reader alerted me to an interesting-looking exhibit at the Clinton County Historical Society Museum in Wilmington, OH called "Simply Quaker: Women in Plain Dress--Forty-one traditional historic costumes that Quaker women wore between 1840-1900. Also, a reader pointed out the delightful range of headcovering options from Garlands of Grace. Some lovely offerings. Another reader pointed out the thorough offerings in historical cap patterns at Wm. Booth, Draper.
Photos of Tabitha in her new Brimmed Bonnet from Rachel's Modesty and her new dress from Gehman's Country Fabric & More.
Plain Dress
If thee is curious about what Quaker plain dress look like today, I have a collection of photographs of modern plain dressing Quakers. Thee can read about my plain dress witness and testimony here. For plain Quakers with no "uniform," the options seem to approach infinity. I share the evolution of my own plain dress style here. Here is where I go on and on about some examples of historical Quaker plain dress (women's) and plain dress and what I call modest dress and plain modern. Also, I have photographs of some early twentieth century and mid-1800s plain Friends as well as sharing my responses to people who are opposed to the discipline of plain dress In Defensiveness of Plain Dress. Also, Some photos of me in my plain maternity clothes.Ask Ibbie.
Readers' questions answered at "Ask Ibbie." This page also includes answers to FAQs and Responses to Some Common False Assumptions.Photos from Conservative Gatherings.
Martin Kelley's photos from the Conservative Gathering 2009, again hosted by Keystone Fellowship Monthly Meeting of Ohio Yearly Meeting in Lancaster, PA.Photos from the Conservative Quaker Gathering held 20th through the 22nd of Sixth Month 2008 at Stillwater Meeting in Barnesville, OH.
Photos from the Gathering of Conservative Friends from 2007 hosted by Keystone Fellowship Monthly Meeting of Ohio Yearly Meeting. Also, here's a photo of some interesting "graffiti" in the Lampeter Meetinghouse, where we worshipped.
Jesus, the Light that Lighteth Every Man that Cometh into the World
Jesus will Light the way for thee, if thee will but Listen to what he is telling thee in thy heart. It isn't just thy conscience speaking. Sometimes, I am told to turn left rather than right, when neither choice is wrong in an ethical or moral sense. One or the other becomes wrong when it is contrary to God's wishes for me. When that becomes apparent, I yield. If thee can let Jesus guide thee in thy daily life, he may set thee free.Some works of Kenneth Morse,
his Testimonies and Witnessings to the Truth
Kenneth Morse was born in Cleveland, OH, on 4th Month Seventh 1898 -- died
11th Month First 1982 in Baltimore, MD. He was convinced while
sitting on a porch swing about the year 1914, when he heard a voice that
said, "All war is wrong." (continued . . .)
Tools for Daily Guidance in the Life and the Way
I have been much exercised of late with the fundamental Christian witness of Love as it pertains to the essential Quaker witness to Christ as our Inward Teacher, True Source, and only Guide to the Truth and the Way. Here I share my searching of myself and the world on the subject.Some Thoughts on Spiritual Practices for Isolated Friends
A great many Conservative Quakers find themselves attempting a solitary Quaker practice. Here I offer up some practices and habits that may offer nourishment, grounding, hope.
