If I was framing, it'd be hard for me to get used to an apron. When I worked for the Fone Co, I'd have occasion, much like the back room of a frame shop, to use various tools. We used a pair of +/- 6" longnose pliers, which would cut AND strip all the wire we needed to mangle. We also had a really small, narrow-bladed screwdriver, also about 6".
I tried various sizes and configurations of tool belts over the years, and ended up only carrying the long-noses, with only one handle(grip) in my back pocket. Also the screwdriver, and, if exploring unknown territory, a 6" pair of dikes(sidecutters), also in my back pocket.
When we started framing, we got some aprons once from, I believe, LJ. They were sorta burgundy, nice weight and very embroibable. But neither Janet nor I wore them. I agree with Kit. Maybe the back room folks might like aprons, but the jury's out, IMHO, on wearing them at the design table. If I were a customer, it just wouldn't 'feel' right for the person that was helping me spend my money to be wearing an apron.
I kept all the necessary implements of construction on my table. Glass cutter, glass nippers, Phillips and straight screwdiver, T-squares, straight edges and tape measure. That's where I did all my work, so that's where I kept my tools. Always had a cup, or a box for scissors, stapler, etc.
I used the small Stanley(non-speaking) 12' tape measure. The artist that shared our building would occasionally borrow the tape measure, and once in a while, it'd end up on the design table or the mat cutter table. After buying several tape measures, I had a brainstorm one day and tied some mason cord around the clip on the tape measure, and affixed it to the table via a screw underneath. That way, the tape, which I used most, was always there.
One morning I came in to the shop, and the artist, and Janet may have had a hand in it, had tied EVERYTHING, I mean EVERYTHING on the table down! Pliers, glass cutters, even the cup I kept various pens and pencils in. The pens and pencils as well!!! We all had a good laugh, but I kept the tape tied down, with enough slack in the cord to measure anything it would reach.
We had T-shirts with the shop logo embroidred on then as well as some regular button-up shirts that were the most comfortable.
I don't think I'd like the design person in an apron. Reminds me too much of Michaels or Wal-Mart.
[ 09-21-2004, 10:32 AM: Message edited by: CharlesL ]