As a prolific quilter, I need to use many dedicated tools to create projects with fabric. Rulers, scissors, and irons (if you want to think, rock, paper, scissors, go ahead and think that) run my little “production” company of T-shirt Quilts. I own a fleet of irons, a dozen (or more) rulers in many sizes, and an ample supply of scissors, glorious scissors, in all sizes and functionalities. Did I mention I love scissors?
While sewing a quilt top the other day with a construction worker handling siding supplies high up and on a ladder right behind me with only a large patio door between us, I paused for a spell to watch him work. I was amazed, if not mesmerized, by his methodical use of his tools, all placed strategically on a large leather belt around his skinny body.
While adjusting a piece of fascia board to the roof line, he pulled on a recoiling pencil in a prominent spot on his belt. He never looked at his belt as he reached for the tools to complete each task. In fact, he measured the piece of fascia board three times before he made the angular cut needed for the end piece. “Kenny” also took his time, not working fast or slow but rather disciplined and efficient. It took him almost six hours to work the patio alcove with precision, and I was thrilled to witness it!
Yet, his belt kept me intrigued the most. Of course, he had every single tool he needed for the job at hand right at his fingertips and blindly knew where and what he needed at all times. To me, it was very impressive. I even went outside and joked with him for a minute about his belt, and it would be a mean joke if someone moved one thing to another pocket on the belt! He smiled and agreed.
My friend Heat (Heather) said this, which I believe needs repeating: Things like this remind me that we are all [potentially] fascinating to someone. His coworkers probably think nothing of his belt, as they all have one, and that’s just part of the gig. But to someone with a different tool set, it’s mesmerizing.
It also reminds me that when someone is amazed by something that is very ordinary to me, it is worth the time and effort to participate in their wonder (like a child). We don’t have enough wonder as adults, and it’s glorious to be part of it for a moment.
As he and the rest of the crew finished up their weeklong house project (the house looks brand new thanks to them), using their many tools on and off their big leather belts, I will always keep in mind that having the right tools, no matter the medium or fabric, metal, glass, gutters, or vinyl siding, it can be all done with the right tools.
The photo below shows "Kenny" in front of the house. When I stopped to watch him work, I couldn't get the right angle with him on the ladder in the back of the house.
It is fascinating watching an expert do a job with the proper tools...no matter if it is applying siding to a house or using fabric to make a quilt. The right tools make the job so (sew) much easier.