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I am so clever at making trouble. Someone really needs to employ me soon or there’s no telling what ideas I might hatch. The world is in danger! 😆 So this isn’t going to be your usual post-disaffection garments question. I’m going to throw this out there because the thought seriously crossed my mind today.What if I buy cheap underwear and make the marks in them myself?
My old G’s are all worn out, so I really haven’t been wearing them much as I would like. The temple near me is closed for renovations. I can’t easily buy more. Sure, I know one can order online, but I am not going to get around to that. I really am strapped for money. I always like self-reliance ideas. And well … this idea intrigues me. Why not?
I had military G’s when I was in the Army. Back then, they still had the symbols sewn in. Other than that, the top looked exactly like the brown battle dress uniform t-shirt worn by everyone else. These days, I heard the symbols are printed (not sewn anymore) on the INSIDE so that nobody sees them when the camo top is removed (common in hot temps when doing hard physical work). The reason I bring this up is that G design gets modified to suit the needs of members.
I also am no longer a temple literalist, but I very much still enjoy and believe in the concepts and symbols as mediating important transcendent concepts. There’s also something about putting the symbols in the clothing myself that would seem like a meaningful ritual of sorts. Early members did this too. But there is really a strong sense that you have to buy G’s from the “one True” Church textile factory. I am not sure I really connect with that concept.
What do you all think? Am I totally and completely whacked thinking this?
No, you aren’t whacked thinking this. It certainly is heterdox within the current culture, and I’m sure the VAST majority of members would never think of it, but it certainly isn’t a break from the principle or history of the garment. I’m not sure I would go there personally, but that’s more because my wife wouldn’t agree at all. I’d probably ask someone in my family to help me buy them, since that’s something they’d do in a heartbeat – and they would feel of real service doing it.
I would say make sure your cloth is white and long in all the right places .. sleeves and shorts. Measure out the distance you would need to place the symbols correctly and sew with love. I guess it wouldn’t hurt to have some type of prayer before you begin and after if you want. I did hear something in Church I think about sewing your own garments. I believe I heard that you can ask someone “licensed” lol or something or someone with permission to help you and oversee you making your own garments. I thought I heard that they don’t want you to make your own on “Your own”. BUT then again “They” say alott of things .. If it means more to you why the heck not? I’m sure they don’t want to start trends of personalized garments so they are serious about members altering or making it on their own. I understand it BUT I also understand your situation.
I agree with Ray–I’d have never thought of it, and I am too lazy to sew in the markings. As you mentioned, the saints in the early days just took their undergarments to the temple, had the marks made, and then sewed in the marks. I don’t think there is anything wrong with your suggestion. I think most TBMs would find this concept repulsive and a sure sign of apostasy, but since when does Stage 3 understanding bother someone in Stage 5? I like it!! If you do it please return and report. I would like to know how it went. Could be a great experience. I agree that an element of my past finds this somehow “wrong.” I think most members would find this very strange and unnerving to hear. I don’t mean it is morally wrong, but that I am not allowed to do it. The thing is, knowing the history and development background, it is very much in line with how things were done for a long long time. You could even argue that part of the experience was lost when members started buying pre-packaged, ready to wear versions. The one thing that comes to mind is the TR question: “Do you wear the authorized…” So I guess from here the question would be does “authorized” mean manufactured in the main LDS facility — or does it mean everything is correct and in the proper place? Not that you’re worried about the TR question, but it is a point of reference. No question there is precedent here, although there’s no contemporary practice – however, there are patterns you can obtain to make your own, IIRC. This post reminded me of that recent L&O episode with the fundie LDS kid who had made his own bootleg garments with a sharpie on an undershirt. I assume some of you saw the episode. The role of Warren Jeffs (or his equivalent) was played by Colm Meanie (Chief Miles O’Brien to Trek fans). There is an “authorized” pattern, and it is acceptable to make your own with that pattern as your guide. It just isn’t done generally, so few people understand it can be done – including many local leaders who don’t read everything available to them carefully. Not that prices at the distribution center are outrageous or profit motivated, but I would assume it is much more common for members in less-affluent countries to make their own. I wish I knew of something enlightening to say, but I do want to thank you for being so entertaining!!! 
Valoel, I’ve been reading Mysteries of Godlinessby David John Buerger. On page 154, it states: Quote:Mormons today wear garments manufactured by the church’s Beehive Clothing Mills, which at various times have consulted non-Mormon fashion designers for pattern considerations. Members are permitted to make their own temple clothing provided it follows the approved design, although this is not encouraged. Upon approval of the stake or mission president, a handbook is loaned to worthy members who must make the clothing under the supervision or direction of the stake Relief Society president or mission president.36
Footnote 36 says,
Quote:Rose Marie Reid, Oral History, interviewed by William G Hartley, 1973. James H. Moyle Oral History Project, LDS archives; Ron Priddis. “The Development of the Garment,”
Seventh East Press, 11 Nov 1981, 5; Instructions for Making Temple Clothing and Clothing for the Dead(Salt Lake City, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1972), 1. “Mysteries of Godliness” has got to be one of my top ten picks for most informative books on Mormonism. Mine is packed in storage. I don’t think I am all that concerned with obtaining a pattern and making them completely from scratch. I can’t really sew anything beyond replacing buttons. I could sew the marks though. I think it will be a good exercise on contemplating the meaning and purpose beyond the literal form. I don’t think the actual pattern is that important (to me), more so the symbolism.
Great post, Valoel. I have considered making my own garment tops that I could wear over my bra. I have not been able to make any of the current tops work for me as I would like. When I wear them under my bra, the seams hurt and my bra doesn’t stay put. When I tried wearing them over my bra, they kept falling off my shoulders. So, I have been thinking about buying all white spandex type shirts with the little cap sleeves, sewing the markings in, and wearing over my bra. Its not like I am trying to avoid wearing the garment, I am trying to make it work for me and be more comfortable. So, I wouldn’t have a problem with what you suggest. You are trying to honor the directive to wear the garment. I believe that God knows our hearts and how we wear the garment is something that I believe is between us and the Lord.
As a side note, I continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers that employment will soon come your way. Hang in there!
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