Raise your hand if you're an "all"!

Years ago I wanted a pretty floral garden smock. I tried one on and, even though the sign said "One Size Fits All", I couldn't button it so I was obviously not an "all".... So since I couldn't find a pattern I liked with a square neckline I just made my own that fit...in fact I made several... When I used to travel speaking at garden shows and garden events, these smocks were great whether I was on stage or working our booth... Looking nice and being comfortable (meaning braless) at the same time is a good thing...

So many people commented on my smocks that I decided to make a few (later a lot) to sell... except I made them in three sizes.... aA (almost All), A (All), and AA (Ample All)... Even though there was a sign saying "Don't you hate it when it says "one size fits all" and you're not an all" and explaining my sizing system, I was amazed how many times I had to explain it after they read it.... They were probably "Alls" and never had a problem.. Each smock was one-of-kind, had layered pockets, and each smock had vintage buttons and no two buttons were alike.

But there inevitably was a woman who wanted the smock that wasn't her size and complained that I should have each material in all sizes and didn't get the concept of one-of-a-kind... Then there were the women who liked the material on one smock and the buttons on another and would I switch them... And even if they were an "all" their arms weren't. and some wanted sleeves shortened and others wanted sleeves let out..

But I can't complain because I sold a lot of them before I got bored of making them and I had a standard answer ready for difficult customers.... "You just keep shopping, dear, and I'm sure you'll find something much better in another booth... " I find smiling and gritting my teeth at the same time very difficult....