the one hour dress


Recently I’ve been spending a lot of time on the internet. Let me clarify that. I’ve been spending more time on the internet than usual, which was already a lot. It’s not good. I mean, hey, I love the internet as much as the next girl, but things have gone overboard and I can feel it. It’s a double edged sword for me, as I have a really difficult time connecting to people in real life (one day I will write something about this introversion and shyness…one day…), and the web gives me a way to have social interaction. Such a conundrum.

Lately though, I just feel drained. I feel as if it is literally sucking the life and creativity out of me. My motivation has been lost somewhere in the ether to twitter and instagram and it makes me feel like I am no longer myself.

I’m taking a step away from the computer as much as possible, and diving into other things, into making and creating and contemplating.

I came across this pattern for a one hour dress and I thought it would be ideal to get me on the path away from the virtual and back to the real. It was indeed, as this simple one hour dress turned into a much much larger project (I stopped keeping track of how long it took after hour 4). Working at my sewing machine, I felt energized, and even with my mistakes and missteps, I forged onward, until it was done, and I was happy. I found a certain level of gratification in making something utilitarian like a dress that can be worn regularly.

It’s nothing particularly fancy, but it’s exactly the style I like. It’s comfortable. It has pockets. Most importantly, I made it. That in itself brings me a lot of satisfaction.

This weekend I hope to step away from the allure of the internet and continue to make things or simply enjoy a quite walk outdoors. I hope you’ll join me.

*I thought I should add that I do clearly see how it might seem hypocritical to write about getting away from the web on a blog, but my trouble lays in the consumption rather than what I put out there. It’s easy to get sucked into social media and arguments and articles, whereas my blog is my own space.

Comments
8 Responses to “the one hour dress”
  1. tamera jane says:

    If it were that sunny here I’d NEVER be on the internet. So jealous.

    The dress is adorable! Getting back into creating always takes more time than you think, but once it becomes habit again you’ll be speeding along on projects.

  2. anna says:

    it’s cute!! i know what you mean about the internet.. it’s been sucking up my life lately. i have to remember to go outside more!

  3. Amber says:

    Adorable dress. Seriously love it! I really need to learn how to sew. Not knowing is holding me back creatively!

    Also — of COURSE — I relate to you and social awkwardness.

  4. kc says:

    Cute! This is a good reminder to me to step away from the internet and do stuff. Sometimes it’s too easy to fall into the daily twitter chat and not get anything done.

  5. Amy says:

    I can completely relate to the social interaction issues. I tend to communicate better through e-mails and Facebook than I do in person. It’s frustrating, but no matter how much I try to change, it’s simply who I am! Now that it is warmer and sunnier outside, I try to add things like “take a walk” or “ride bike to library” to my to-do list. If it isn’t crossed off at the end of the day, it bothers me, so I usually end up outside – and it’a always wonderful!

    Your dress is so pretty! Nice job:)

  6. ashleyj says:

    i like the dress! where did you find the pattern? it looks like a great dress for the summer & a great project to get back into crafting.

  7. Vegyogini says:

    Looking great, Alix! I used to make my own clothes in my junior and senior years of high school and remember how satisfying that was.

    When you’re ready to write that post on introversion and shyness, I’ll be really fascinated to read it. I’m sure I’ll recognize some of myself in your words.

  8. Cortnie says:

    Man, I totally understand. Sometimes I feel addicted to browsing. I’m glad you’re taking a break – Love your dress!

    xo
    cortnie

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