I remember reading a charming story in a quilt magazine one time, of a lady who made the most gorgeous award winning quilts using only the tools in her simple sewing basket. Needles, pins, thread, thimbles, ruler, tape measure, scissors, pencil, beeswax, awl for eyelets, and cardboard for templates/patterns is all the tools needed to turn out beautiful quilts. Some of these tools would be a one time purchase, and would be kept lovingly used and protected for the lifetime of the owner, then passed on to a daughter or granddaughter. I know from my own experiences that handsewing is a very peaceful pasttime, an almost mindless activity that calms the restlessness that can wear one down.
Everything the lady made was done entirely by hand from beginning to end, no machines were involved. That is simplicity.
That sort of simplicity is very appealing to me. Knowing that these tools, kept on hand and in good condition, gives comfort of and by themselves, because I know that if a severe emergency should exist, I could make or repair clothing, bedding, or shelter. Keeping the hands busy during times of stress, helps to alleviate that stress, as one feels useful - you are doing something positive and hopeful, when all around you is doom and gloom.
I feel the same way about the simplicity of woodworking tools. A toolbox of saw, hammer, drill, ruler, chisel and axe can build a house. When you look at the mansions, courthouses and other buildings built before the 1850's, before electrical power was available, they were all built by hand - power tools were not available. And at the time they made and built the most elaborate wood and stone carved interiors and exteriors - all by hand. The patience they had to turn out that kind of work and the quality of that work is quite amazing. The craftsmen took great pride in the ability to make a piece of beauty.
I like that ideal. Edey
