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Weekend Reading: Phones are everywhere, how to take time off, and soft sandwashed silk
It’s been good to be back in the studio this week, although we’ve been met with a whirlwind of activity. Proofs have arrived for our next print run (yay!) and Kristen is leaving today to go on a cruise she won in a contest (!).
As for me, I’m headed up to Astoria this weekend for a writing workshop. Here’s hoping I come back with just a little more clarity than I left with!
Here are some good reads this week:
- The Cutting Class looks at Christpher Kane’s AW14 collection and declares it 9 collections in 1. They do an amazing job dissecting details and techniques on the runway. Undoubtedly one of my favorite fashion/sewing blogs.
- The Rodarte Star Wars collection is pretty amazing too.
- I like the idea of enhancing your wardrobe by borrowing from friends. I feel like naked lady parties are a great (and related) alternative as well. By the way, this gal has great style and is so cute.
- I wrote a short ode to Isabella for my friend Jen’s blog while she faced a pet emergency.
- How to sandwash silk from Elizabeth Suzann (via honeykennedy)
- How to take time off. I feel like sewing puts you in “learning mode,” and makes for a great way to relax in an active way. I’m trying to make better use of my time off lately by having more learning and social experiences, but I could probably do more helping as well.
- Design Sponge ponders what it means to practice mindfulness within the home.
- Are you addicted to your phone? Unfortunately, I’ve experienced a lot of moments like those depicted in the video lately. I’m trying to make a concerted effort to spend less time with my phone in my face, and it’s been surprisingly difficult.
[image: photo above from my instagram stream]
Comments
Sewing Princess
February 28, 2014 #
Thanks for the video! I will keep it in mind!
Isaboe Renoir
February 28, 2014 #
I don’t have that problem with my phone (it’s an 8 year old flip-type), but I do have that problem with my laptop. I tell myself I only need to look up A or B, or just want to “read the paper” over coffee in the morning, but sometimes the “ooh, what’s this, let’s click and see” monster gets a hold of me. I partially solved it by treating my laptop as a desk top, and purposely use a not-the-most-comfortable-chair at my desk. I also left my browser homepage blank because so often I’d open it up, see something, and what I wanted the computer for was completely gone from my mind.
I think too it has to do with the idea that your “phone” is for everything you do now, so many don’t even have a separate computer anymore. I spoke with a friend recently who lamented that her phone seems perpetually stuck to her hand; I offered her a few suggestions but she thought I was crazy. For instance, treat your cell phone as a regular phone – leave it plugged into the wall (via the charger) or leave it on a specific table and only talk there (I miss telephone chairs…) not in your pocket or purse; read real books instead of using your phone as an e-reader; play real games instead of only computerized versions (yes! solitaire was actually played with a deck of cards once, as was cribbage; chess and backgammon have real boards too, among many others); and I feel most importantly, stop talking and texting while you do other things (“yeah, I can talk I’m only driving” so I’ll say “oops, let me call you back I have to get the door/ tea kettle, etc. !”). I find when people take the time to pay attention while they talk or text, they suddenly don’t have anything important to say anymore… hmm….
Well, perhaps I digress… I definitely feel like the lady in the video, especially when people only seem to see me through the filter of their phone’s video/ photo function. (Hey, wait is that philosophically deep? People never really see me anymore!) Funnily, I’m a professional baker and often while I’m setting up a cake there are people between me and the cake trying to get pictures – can you wait until I’m finished please? Okay, now I’ve digressed… and I’ve finished my coffee, everyone have a great day!
Carolyn
February 28, 2014 #
My solution to maintaining a healthy relationship with my phone is simply to refuse to upgrade. I still have a dinosaur-era flip phone with no email, no internet, and no touch screen… and I love it. I keep it in my purse with the ringer off while I’m at work, and I’ll get back to anyone who calls/texts at the end of the day. I know I’m one of the last hold-outs, but I really have no desire to carry the entire internet in my pocket at all times. Sometimes being unplugged is a good thing. :)
Nina
February 28, 2014 #
Same here! My ancient phone does calls and text messages, nothing else. The idea of having Facebook etc with me 24/7 is completely appalling. (My boyfriend had to replace his phone recently but got a Nokia 105, intended for developing countries so super-long battery life and no frills at all.) We got on a crowded train together last week and were the ONLY people not frantically involved with our phone screens.
maddie
February 28, 2014 #
Finally! Someone who liked the Stars Wars interpretation of Kate and Laura Mulleavy’s latest collection!