Thompson W111.5.9 — Learning a trade in bed

Learning a trade in bed. Working independently, the lazy fellow spoils the materials received—starts making something big, which at the end turns to nothing. For example, begins with forging a plough: this becomes an axe, the axe a knife, and knife a needle, the needle—nothing. (Cf. J2080.) Lithuanian: Balys Index No. 2446*.