3/30/2010

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....

7 comments:

Angela said...

Too funny. I *love* your standard answer!

Anonymous said...

You begin my day every day. Today my chuckle was audible since I am not an ALL. Loved the sizing on the aprons. I'm so grateful for your blog. Thanks!

Susan Elliott said...

I love your closing statement...and can think of LOTS of times when it will come in handy. I can just hear all those picky ladies....

Lisa Boni said...

I'm definitely NOT an "all"... so I can really appreciate your sizing! Great smocks!

Debbie said...

Gerry, too funny, I always say, One Size Fits All and mine is a small! Debbie (Maine)

Cathy said...

1. Hey, I think all those ladies up and moved to Iowa and work with me now.

2. Any garment that you can wear w/o a bra is an excellent one. I like to clap on and clap off the lights when I am not all bound up ;-)

3. I'm not all there or all that or an all.

AA

Karen said...

I love it! The public is funny like that. Mine could never get the concept that I didn't have a store, we had a tent at reenactments. They would ask "where is your store?", and the answer was "you are standing in it." They would look at me so strangely, probably the same look you got about the sizing question!! LOL

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