Today on tuning in the U.S.A., we’re with Marilyn Stewart at a New York City boutique. Marilyn works as a salesperson in the shop. Sometime she makes clothes of her own design. Today a customer comes in looking for a coat. She doesn’t like the coats in the store, but she likes Marilyn’s sweater. It’s hand-made, and it’s perfect, expect for one thing.
Marilyn: good afternoon. What can I do for you?
Customer: Are you Rita mae, the owner?
Marilyn: No, I’m Marilyn Stewart. I work for Rita.
Customer: I see.
Marilyn: Rita will be away until next Monday. Perhaps I can help you.
Customer: A friend of mine told me about this shop. She said the clothes are original designs. And they’re well made.
Marilyn: we like to think so. What are you looking for?
Customer: I’m looking for a coat.
Marilyn: We have just a few coats left. Can I show them to you?
Customer: I’d like that. Thank you.
Marilyn: here is a zippered coat. It has a wide belt and two large pockets. Would you like to try it on?
Customer: I don’t like it.
Marilyn: it comes in several colors. In you size, I have a dark blue, a black, and a gray-green.
Customer: No, I’m looking for something different.
Marilyn: I’m soory. This is all we have until fall.
Customer: You are wearing a very nice sweater.
Marilyn: thank you. I made it myself.
Customer: It’s beautiful. Could you make me one?
Marilyn: Why, Yes. I could do that. And I could make it long, like a coat.
Customer: That’s a good idea! I’d like that. Is it wool?
Marilyn: No. it’s mix of wool and man-made materials.
Customer: Hmm. May I make a suggestion?
Marilyn: Certainly. Please do.
Customer: Your design is wonderful. And it’s well made.
Marilyn: Thank you. I care about my work.
Customer: Everything is terrific, but the material. It’s so ordinary. It should be better. Pure wool. Maybe even hand-spun wool.
Marilyn: Do you think so.
Customer; Close your eyes and picture it. Go on.
Marilyn: Yes. Maybe you are right.
Customer: Fine designs deserve fine materials.
Marilyn: Hand-spun-wool. I like that idea.
Customer: I don’t want it to be a bright color.
Marilyn: Hmm. I like your idea. And I can use wooden buttons. They would be nice.
Customer: perfect!
Marilyn: But may I be honest with you?
Customer: Of course.
Marilyn: I don’t know very much about wool. Maybe you can help me. Where should I look for wool? Do you have suggestions?
Customer: Well, wool has to grow on farms.
Marilyn: And you know of a farm?
Customer; There’s the Thompson farm in the Catskill Mountains. The Thompsons sell wood.
Marilyn: It sounds like an adventure! I’ll go there.