I admire people that can or could sew their own clothes. My mom and sister did and I learnt a little when I was young but never got into it, other interests. Great coincidence that the little tailor shop is in the same building and good job on getting to know the owner and working with him.

I know what you mean with monotonous work. When I am at work I cannot really stand it because it feels, hmm, stupid and unproductive (though it needs to be done) but at home or e.g. in my art I sometimes love it because your mind can wander freely while your fingers do their job on autopilot.