The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club (31 page)

“Our
son, Stuart.” Pam placed her hand on her stomach. “I carried him for nine whole months. I’ve also nursed him back to health whenever he’s been sick.”

“I realize that. When I referred to Devin as
my
son, it was just a figure of speech.”

“Whatever.” She stared out her window until another thought popped into her mind. “You know what, Stuart?”

“What?”

“Maybe Sherry and I will do something together—something she’ll think is really fun, like going to a baseball game. She likes sitting with you and watching the games on TV. Maybe then you’ll realize what it feels like not to join us.” Pam really didn’t want to take Sherry to a game, but it was the only thing she could think of at the moment that might make Stuart realize how she felt.

“Sure, go ahead,” he muttered. “You and Sherry can do whatever you want while Devin and I are camping.”

Pam clenched her teeth. She’d be glad when they got to Emma’s so she could make conversation with someone sensible—someone like Emma, who seemed to care about everyone’s needs.

Shipshewana

Emma hummed softly as she placed needles, thread, scissors, and six small quilting frames on the table in her sewing room. She was glad she felt well enough to teach the class today and looked forward to showing her students how to quilt the patterned pieces they’d already put together. It gave her a sense of satisfaction to teach others the skills she’d learned at a young age. And being able to listen to and offer helpful suggestions about her students’ personal problems made the class even more rewarding.

Glancing at the battery-operated clock on the far wall, Emma saw that she had about ten minutes before class started. That should give her just enough time to walk to the end of the driveway and get the mail.

With that decided, Emma hurried out the door. She was almost to the mailbox when a horse and open buggy pulled onto the shoulder of the road. Lamar was in the driver’s seat.

“Guder mariye,” he said with a friendly wave. “How are you feeling, Emma?”

“I’m doing better,” she replied with a nod. “What brings you by here this morning?”

“Just thought I’d stop and see if you were feeling up to teaching your class today.” His eyes twinkled when he smiled at her. “If you’re not, then I’m more than willing to take over for you again.”

Emma bristled. “I told you when you came by yesterday that I’m feeling better and can manage the class on my own.”

“I know, but today’s another day, and I thought even though you were doing better yesterday, you might not feel up to teaching the class today.”

“I’m fine,” Emma said a bit too sharply. She didn’t know why this man got under her skin so easily. She knew she should appreciate his concern, but at times like now, Lamar seemed overly concerned and almost intrusive. Emma’s irritation made no sense, really, because when Ivan was alive, she’d never minded if he’d shown concern for her well-being.

“I’m glad you’re feeling better, but since I have no other plans this morning, I’d be happy to at least give you a hand with your class.”

Emma shook her head so vigorously that the ribbon ties on her head covering swished around her face. “I appreciate your offer, but I’m sure I can manage fine on my own,” she said, pushing the ribbons back under her chin.

“Oh, I see.”

Emma couldn’t help but notice the look of defeat on Lamar’s face. Was it because he was lonely and needed something to do, or did he enjoy quilting so much that he really wanted to help? Either way, she wasn’t going to change her mind about this. She saw too much of Lamar as it was, and if she let him help in the class today, he might end up taking over the lesson. Worse yet, he might think she was interested in having more than a casual friendship with him.

Just then, much to Emma’s relief, Stuart and Pam’s SUV pulled onto the driveway.

Emma gave them a friendly wave; then she turned to Lamar and said, “Some of my students are here now, so I really must go.” Without waiting for Lamar’s response, Emma grabbed the mail from the box and hurried toward the house.

A
fter all Emma’s students arrived, they followed her into the sewing room and took seats around the table.

“It’s good to see that you’re back, Emma,” Paul said warmly.

Everyone nodded in agreement.

“How are you feeling?” Ruby Lee asked.

“I’m doing much better,” Emma replied. “Last week I was in a lot of pain and wouldn’t have done well if I’d tried to teach the class. I’m sorry I couldn’t be here.”

“Ah, that’s okay. It was nice of your friend Lamar to take over for you,” Jan said. “He seemed like a real nice fellow, but we’re all glad you’re feelin’ better and can teach the class today.”

“Yes, I appreciated him filling in for me, but I’m also glad to be back.” Emma smiled, looking at each one. “I missed all of you.”

“We missed you, too,” Star said sincerely. It was nice to see that even though she wore the black sweatshirt again, the hood wasn’t on her head. Emma also noticed that Star seemed more relaxed around the others than she had when she’d come to the first quilting class.

“Today I want to teach you how to do the quilting stitches on your wall hangings. So if everyone will lay their work on the table, I’ll tell you what we’ll be doing next.”

Once everyone had done as Emma asked, she explained that the process of stitching three layers of material together was called
quilting
.

“But before we begin the actual process, you’ll each need to cut a piece of cotton batting approximately two inches larger than your wall hanging on all sides,” she said. “The excess batting and backing will then be trimmed even with the quilt top after all the quilting stitches have been completed.”

Emma handed some batting to each of her students. “Now, in order to create a smooth, even quilting surface, all three layers of the quilt need to be put in a frame,” she continued. “For a larger quilt, you would need a quilting frame that could stretch and hold the entire quilt at one time. But since your wall hangings are much smaller than a full-sized quilt, you can use a frame that’s similar to a large embroidery hoop.” She held up one of the frames she’d placed on the table earlier.

“That suits me just fine,” Jan spoke up. “‘Cause I’ve done some embroidery work before and know all about usin’ a hoop.”

Emma smiled. “It’s important when using this type of hoop to baste the entire quilt together through all three layers. This will keep the layers evenly stretched while you’re quilting. Just be sure you don’t quilt over the basting, or it will be hard to remove those stitches later on.”

Emma waited patiently until each person had cut out their batting. Then she said, “The next step is to mark out the design you want on your quilt top. However, if you just want your quilting to outline the patches you’ve sewn, then no marking is necessary. You’ll simply need to quilt close to the seam so the patch will be emphasized.”

Emma went on to tell them about needle size, saying that it was best to try several different sizes to see which one would be the most comfortable to handle. She also stated that the use of a snuggly fitting thimble worn on the middle finger of the hand used for pushing the quilting needle was necessary, since the needle would have to be pushed through three layers of fabric repeatedly. She demonstrated on one of her own quilt patches, showing how to pull the needle and thread through the material to create the quilting pattern.

“The stitches should be tiny and even,” she said. “Oh, and they need to be snug, but not so tight that they’ll create any puckering.”

Stuart frowned. “That looks way too hard for me. My hands are big, and I don’t think I can make tiny stitches or wear that thimble thing you mentioned. It was hard enough sewing the pattern pieces together on the sewing machine.”

“For now, rather than worrying about the size of your stitches, just try to concentrate on making straight, even stitches,” Emma instructed. “Don’t worry when you’re doing your best, and remember, I’m here to help you.”

“Okay,” Stuart mumbled. It was obvious that he still wasn’t comfortable using a needle and thread. But at least he was here and trying his best. Emma had to give him credit for that.

“Yeow!” Jan hollered. “My thimble fell off, and I just pricked my finger with the stupid needle! Think I’d do better without the thimble.” He stuck his finger in his mouth and grimaced. “That sure does hurt!”

Stuart snickered.

Jan glared at him. “What are you laughin’ at, man?”

“I’m not laughing.”

“Yeah, you were.”

“I wasn’t laughing at you.”

“I think you were.”

Stuart, red-faced and looking guilty said, “I was just thinking that a big tough guy like you with all those tattoos on your arms shouldn’t even flinch if he pricks his finger.”

Emma held her breath, wondering how Jan would respond.

“Well, what can I say,” Jan said. “I may be a big strong man, but I bleed like anyone else.”

Emma breathed a sigh of relief.

“I haven’t gotten the hang of using the thimble yet either,” Paul interjected, looking over at Stuart. “Even though I know it’s supposed to help, to me it just gets in the way and feels kind of awkward. You know what I’m saying?”

Stuart nodded and went back to work on his quilting project.

After the first hour had passed, Emma went to the kitchen to get some refreshments. It always seemed like things went better in the class after she’d given her students a snack.

When she returned to the sewing room, she served them coffee, iced tea, and some rhubarb crunch that she’d baked last night before going to bed. As they ate their refreshments, Emma asked each one how their week had gone.

Pam was the first to respond. “It was okay, I guess. Probably would have been better if Stuart and I hadn’t argued so much.” She cast a quick glance in his direction, and he glared at her.

“Knock it off, Pam. Nobody wants to hear about the problems we’re having.”

She dropped her gaze to the table and mumbled, “Well, we wouldn’t have those problems if we’d both stayed single.”

“You’ve made a good point,” he said with a nod.

Emma, feeling the need to intervene, quickly said, “Did you two ever stop to think how your life would be if you hadn’t gotten married?”

Neither Pam nor Stuart said anything.

“Think about it,” Emma continued. “If you hadn’t married each other, you wouldn’t have your two precious children.”

“I hadn’t really thought about it before, but that’s true.” Stuart looked over at Pam. “That’s somethin’ to be grateful for, right?”

She gave a slow nod.

“Just remember,” Emma said. “It’s important for you to work at your marriage if for no other reason than for the sake of your children.”

Pam’s chin trembled a bit. “Thanks, Emma. You’ve given us something to think about.”

Emma smiled, pleased that they’d made a little progress. She turned to Paul then and asked about his week.

“It went pretty well,” he replied. “It was nothing like the stressful one I had previously. I took Sophia shopping for new shoes yesterday afternoon, and I can’t believe how big she’s getting. Her shoe size actually went up a notch,” he added with a proud-father grin. “Plus, she’s growing out of her clothes faster than I can buy new ones.”

“That’s what kids do,” Stuart said with a chuckle. “They grow up way too quick. It seems like just yesterday when our two were babies, and now they’re both old enough for school.”

Paul smiled. “Sophia’s saying a few words now, too. She calls me ‘Pa-Pa-Pa,’ and has even learned the word
no
. It probably won’t be too long before she’s trying to walk.” Paul’s face sobered. “Too bad my wife’s sister won’t be around to see any of Sophia’s childhood.”

Emma went over to Paul and placed her hands on his shoulders. “I know it must be hard for you to have your sister-in-law cutting you and Sophia out of her life, but just keep praying for her and trusting that someday her eyes will be open to the truth, and she’ll make amends.”