Remnants and Relationships.
Fabric is one of my favorite things. I love looking at different fabrics almost as much as I love looking at a sunset. Similarly, I love to sew. When I find a project I'm excited about I can hardly wait to spend as much of my spare time on it.
I recently found a project, which sent me in search of fabric. On my trip to the dukas for veggies and cooking necessities I also took time to look for fabric. In my search I headed down the row of shops to a tailor. There are several, and the first one I came to often has extra fabric hanging in his closet of a shop. I quickly picked a few and started to ask him about buying them.
The interesting things about Kenyans is that they are not direct. Relationship is more important, so conversations aren't about getting to the point right away. I often forget this, coming from my direct American background. I immediately went to talking about price and the fact that I wanted to buy the whole piece of fabric in front of me. Thankfully, the Kenyan tailor was patient and let me talk until he finally helped me get to the fact that he wanted to keep some of the fabric, but understood I was looking for remnants. He quickly went to his pile of hiding remnants looking for good pieces of left over fabric. I am so thankful for the patience of Kenyans. Even when I am "pushy" they work to maintain good relationships with people and patiently help.
What happened next was so much fun. As I sat on his little stool he meticulously pulled piece after piece and showed me. After a bit her figured out my taste and just made a pile for me. I was a little worried when the fabric count got to 15. I really hoped I had brought enough money. When he quoted me the low price of $10, I had to give him more. I felt a little like an antique buyer. Sometimes the antiquing customer gives a price and sometimes the owner gives a price. If you have watched these kids of shows you know that sometimes the buyer gives a higher price so as not to rip off the owner. After watching one of these shows recently, I felt justified in paying more, :).
Although this experience is about the fun of hunting fabric, the lesson is one of maintaining relationships and patience. I was so humbled to see the way this Kenyan man took time to help me. I have much to learn.
I recently found a project, which sent me in search of fabric. On my trip to the dukas for veggies and cooking necessities I also took time to look for fabric. In my search I headed down the row of shops to a tailor. There are several, and the first one I came to often has extra fabric hanging in his closet of a shop. I quickly picked a few and started to ask him about buying them.
The interesting things about Kenyans is that they are not direct. Relationship is more important, so conversations aren't about getting to the point right away. I often forget this, coming from my direct American background. I immediately went to talking about price and the fact that I wanted to buy the whole piece of fabric in front of me. Thankfully, the Kenyan tailor was patient and let me talk until he finally helped me get to the fact that he wanted to keep some of the fabric, but understood I was looking for remnants. He quickly went to his pile of hiding remnants looking for good pieces of left over fabric. I am so thankful for the patience of Kenyans. Even when I am "pushy" they work to maintain good relationships with people and patiently help.
What happened next was so much fun. As I sat on his little stool he meticulously pulled piece after piece and showed me. After a bit her figured out my taste and just made a pile for me. I was a little worried when the fabric count got to 15. I really hoped I had brought enough money. When he quoted me the low price of $10, I had to give him more. I felt a little like an antique buyer. Sometimes the antiquing customer gives a price and sometimes the owner gives a price. If you have watched these kids of shows you know that sometimes the buyer gives a higher price so as not to rip off the owner. After watching one of these shows recently, I felt justified in paying more, :).
Although this experience is about the fun of hunting fabric, the lesson is one of maintaining relationships and patience. I was so humbled to see the way this Kenyan man took time to help me. I have much to learn.
Comments
Post a Comment