Reveling in the complex

I’ve been working on this very challenging sewing project for weeks now (see picture). I found the fabric in London last year. It’s silk chenille and it’s a total pain to work with. Add to that the facts that I am lining a pattern that doesn’t call for lining and I’m adding fringe to pockets, sleeves and collar. My mother wants to know why I can’t just make something easy.

Silk chenille found in London – button found in some dumpy antique store

But, that is the gist of this story. I don’t do easy. I prefer hard. Sounds like a line from a Tina song, right? That is part of why I thrive on process and technology stuff in my consulting work. I like to have to figure out the complex, twisty and turney issues. I like working through the people issues too. And that is a whole different level of complexity.

For example, right now I am researching global generational communication needs. Because I am looking at it from a global perspective, I’ve moved beyond the typical categories of Millenials, Boomers, etc. Why? Because they don’t matter in other geographies and other cultures. What matters is what events and cultural experiences the group associates with. That is what creates the age bands. 

So, it is about “age-cohorts.” Complex, but fascinating. You can learn more from the IABC Research Foundation‘s report. Tonight, I think I’ll re-engage with my complex sewing project in front of some “Idol” drama.