No matter how old I am, I tend to preoccupy myself with an insane amount of tasks to dodge boredom.
Time is never wasted in my book — I've always been out doing something. Throughout my academic career, I loaded my schedule with rigorous coursework and extracurriculars so there is not a moment to spare.
These days, I'm not so busy. I have a lot of free time on my hands because of social distancing — I'm stuck at home with nothing to do, without my friends and a proper schedule.
So, I did what every other person I see on social media has done — I picked up a hobby. But mine is not new, I've been sewing since I was a kid. However, I can safely say my art is a bit more refined now.
I started sewing when I was 11. My passion was sparked through YouTube. I would watch hours of content by Tammy Hallam on how to make plushies and other cute projects. These little animals and foods made of felt were inspiring to me. I did not just want to watch her make them, I wanted to do it myself.
I ran to Michael's and bought up practically the entire aisle, shoving multicolored fabric into my cart and signing up for the only rewards system I've ever actually used.
I would sit hunched over at my desk, flipping between tabs on my computer and cutting felt to fit templates. No matter how wonky they looked, I was proud of my work. I would give them to my family and friends as gifts or keep them for myself.
Boxes would fill with my creations and the more videos I watched, the more my knowledge expanded.
I eagerly learned the difference between a straight stitch and a back stitch. I was at the edge of my seat when Aiko from HappyFriendsShoppe made a jewelry box out of felt. I learned how to make bows, scrunchies and pillows.
In high school, I even had a business where I sold my homemade scrunchies to my classmates.
Then, sewing turned into embroidery. I started to stitch on my jeans, T-shirts or any surface I did not mind potentially tearing holes through. More YouTube viewing ensued.
Fast forward to today, and I feel like I am back where I used to be.
For three days straight, I hand-sewed masks for myself and my parents. I meticulously measured and cut the fabric, receding into a cat-like arch I've tried to rid myself of.
Then, my dad ventured into our attic to take down my sewing machine so I could make some more masks to send to my other family members. The untouched material shoved in the corner of my closet for nearly two years finally made a comeback.
Afterward, I scoured Amazon and other shopping sites for any semblance of a craft. I finally found an embroidery pack of two designs, one of which I breezed through in five hours. I am waiting for a rainy day to do the other one.
I am back on YouTube, Pinterest and now Instagram, looking for new tutorials and inspiration to craft. When I found an embroidery design of K.K. Slider from "Animal Crossing," I made it my mission to figure out how to do it.
I am happy I rediscovered my favorite hobby. Even though my fingers are numb from stitching and my back aches as a result of my seated position, I enjoy every second of it.
When I finished the first mask, I said to my mom, "Aren't you glad your daughter is crafty?"
She answered, "Of course, it's who you are."
With the hustle and bustle of my daily life, I lost touch with the things that brought me joy. I would look online at other people doing it, but never took the time to make it happen for myself.
Now, I can and I will.
If you have the time and ability to rediscover an old hobby, do it.
Trust me, it's worth it.
Reach the reporter at omunson@asu.edu and follow @munson_olivia on Twitter.
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Olivia Munson is a digital producer for The State Press. She previously served as editor of the publication's The Echo desk. In the past, she has worked for Arizona PBS, The Arizona Republic and The Entertainer! magazine.
