I've been sick for a while. Getting better now.
While down, I have been re-reading a bunch of "classics" on fly tying. It's amazing to look at the grainy black and white photos of flies in the process of being tied. And most with the old Thompson A, or earlier static vises and other tools.
Now, one can go on YouTube or other sites and watch, in full color, and in close-up, experts tie beautiful patterns with all the tips required to replicate them.
In addition, the current tier has wonderful tools and materials to produce excellent patterns.
When I started, I relied on a few old books at the library and old fly catalogs to try to tie flies. I had to use old India neck hackle and fairly rudimentary tying tools and other available materials.
The current beginning tier sure has a lot to be thankful for.....I believe!