I have a thing for folded napkins. Don’t ask me why or where it comes from, it just makes me feel good. My house could be in a state of filth unfit to grow penicillin with laundry piled to the ceiling and dishes in the sink…barely enough room on the table to eat a bowl of raisin bran…but, if the raisin bran comes with a cloth napkin folded up like a bishop’s hat, I feel just fine about the situation.
I first learned to fold napkins as part of an etiquette class I attended in middle school. It used to be called Miss Patty’s Charm School but then someone said charm schools were anti-feminist so she changed it to Miss Patty’s Lady Lessons. I’m telling you, there just ain’t no stopping progress.
Later in life, my ability to fold napkins in the shape of the Sydney Opera House was one of the key deciding factors in getting me hired as a hostess in a fancy restaurant, which later blossomed into a serving position, which later turned into a weekend gig helping out with catering jobs in private homes. In all three of those situations, not one person ever commented on my ability to pour wine or dish pasta, but golly, I can’t tell you how impressed people got when they found out I could fold napkins. They would get all excited and gather around to watch me do it, making special requests and ask me “What is that amazing thing?! Where’d you learn how to do that?!”
Then I’d think to myself, Gosh, this is what it feels like to be David Cassidy.
I have been thinking about doing a napkin folding post for some time but it’s one of those things that never quite comes across in still pictures. Then I saw this gal, Maria, and her video above. She covers a variety of the basics and does it with such grace and gentleness. Another Miss Patty’s alumna, to be sure!
Maria is a delight and that is one of my favorites of hers! Do you know she is basically famous in her You Tube niche? She is an ASMR whisperer. If you ever get tingles/chills that start with your head and travel down, that is ASMR. Not everyone experiences it but you should check out her videos to see if you do because it’s amazing.
Doode, I am allllll over ASMR. My favorite trigger is still Bob Ross but Maria is pretty awesome. Did you hear the story on This American Life last week? I think it was Andrea Segeil. Anyway, she did a whole radio show on it and reminded me of this video from Maria. Soothing and a DIY? Can’t beat that! I also love her scarf video…
Oh em gee! When I saw this post, I was like, “My worlds are colliding!” Do you ever talk about ASMR in real life? I just recently found out my coworker gets it! I originally found out about ASMR by looking for crafty videos. I’m glad you reminded me of this video because it’s an old favorite. I’m going to check out that This American Life, I’m so behind in episodes.
Doode, yes, I have told lots of people about it – it’s helps me sleep, so I’ll mention it in context. Most of them think it’s pretty weird to see the videos out of context…and I get that too. Some of the role playing stuff is weird. Fantasy ear wax cleaning? I don’t get it. No judgements here — but it’s not for me. But if I present it as something to help me sleep — people get it. Those CD’s of falling rain and whale calls were popular a few years ago for a reason — I think most people experience ASMR on some level. I think it taps the same nerve reaction as meditation, which is about as popular and established as it gets. Not everyone is sensitive to it, but they get that it’s a valid thing.
The This American Life piece was great because she broke it down into basic stuff and mentioned the same stuff I have loved for yearsssss — Bob Ross, home shopping network, pleasantness in general. It’s so soothing. I’m glad this is becoming popular! There are lots of us out there!
Ha ha so true, it’s the little things, great tutorial!
Ali of
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