Chapter 22 #2
“You never know unless you give one of them a chance. My son mentioned that you might be joining him and Emma for the singing this weekend, so if you go, you may take a liking to one of the young fellows while you’re there.
” Ida Mae’s gaze darted back to the Double Wedding Ring quilt hanging from the wall.
“As for the quilt, we won’t be tackling that kind of project today, given that it’s a bit more involved.
However, I do want to change things up for this afternoon.
Rachel, do you have any thoughts on what we might do today? ”
Emma shifted in her chair, tapping her right foot against the floor as she followed the interconnecting circles of the quilt on the wall with her gaze.
With its curving edges and abundance of vibrant fabrics creating the rings against the ivory background, it was undoubtedly a gorgeous pattern.
How many months would it take to complete the entirety of a quilt so beautifully made?
Would it even be possible for me to stitch together something so intricate? Emma wondered. Here I wanted to do more than just a patchwork pattern, yet I don’t even know if my hands would be steady enough for a quilting project like the beautiful Double Wedding Ring pattern.
Her attention lingered over to the pincushion casting shadows that threatened to cover the display shelf’s surface.
Emma found herself pondering over her sister’s words.
Rachel was correct that Ivan residing so far away from her would make it difficult for them to be together when she left, and this had been weighing on Emma’s mind even before Ivan had made their relationship official.
“Emma? Are you listening?”
She tilted her head to look at her sister and Ida Mae, who were both staring at her. “I’m sorry. What were you saying, Rachel?”
“I was asking if you’d be okay with trying to stitch together a Center Diamond?”
Leaning over the table, Emma drew in a breath and said, “I’m up to trying something different, Rachel, but that sounds a bit too much for a beginner like me.”
Rachel shook her head. “It’s actually one of the most straightforward patterns, so you should have no trouble understanding how to put it together.”
“Your sister’s right,” Ida Mae agreed. “This quilt pattern is comprised of a large square tilted on its side, which appears like a diamond in the center. Emma, I set out everything for you both while you were deep in thought. Your sister knows how to put this quilt together, so I’ll have her walk you through how to get started while I make us some tea. ”
Excusing herself, Ida Mae left the room, leaving the two sisters to themselves.
“It’s all right if you don’t want to, Emma,” Rachel said. “We could relax and wait for Ida Mae to come back with our beverage, and she could have us do something else.”
Sighing, Emma tugged on the ties of her kapp. “Since you said that the pattern is simple to follow, I might as well try my hand at it.”
“Good to hear.” With a grin, Rachel sifted through the fabric swatches Ida Mae had laid out for them on the table. “Might as well get started. Stitching together this pattern will help prepare you to make a quilt like the one hanging on the wall.”
“Do you really think I could make a quilt like that?” Emma questioned.
“Absolutely, and that’s not just me saying it because I’m your sister. I mean, look at how much you’ve improved your cooking skills. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you’ve been cooking and baking tasty treats for some time.”
“Ivan said almost the exact same thing to me.”
“If it’s not just me who believes it, then you know I must be speaking the truth. I also think you have been keeping a lot of your skills hidden from us,” Rachel stated.
“I’ve been keeping them from myself too, apparently.” Emma chuckled, allowing herself to pick up a square of blue from the pile as the tension in her shoulders slacked. “Do you think this would work for the center of the quilt?”
Rachel inspected the fabric, her eyes brightening as she nodded. “Good choice, Emma. That dark shade of blue will make the diamond stand out beautifully. Now we need to figure out the fabrics to use for the border.”
“I have the tea for you girls,” Ida Mae announced as she came into the room with cups in both hands. “How’s it going in here?”
“We’re making progress.” Rachel held up the material she was currently stitching. “We chose our fabrics, measured and cut them, and are now sewing together our blocks. Emma’s having no trouble following my instructions. She’s a natural.”
A flush of pink crept along the bridge of Emma’s nose. “I’m not as good as Rachel by any means, but I’m doing what I can.”
“Don’t be so hard on yourself, Sister. You’re doing just fine.”
Ida Mae bobbed her head. “I suppose it’s time to take a break and give you young women some time to rest your hands. A warm cup between your fingers should do the trick.”
As Ida Mae handed Rachel her tea, steam rose from the rim and came to rest on her face, which was still warm from the time spent in their grandmother’s garden.
As she sipped the chamomile tea, Rachel’s mind drifted to how things might be going with her folks back home.
She figured they probably missed having her and Emma around to help with the responsibilities in the home and around the property, but they probably were enjoying some well-earned time to themselves too.
Coming here and having time away from home is already doing me some good, Rachel thought as she lowered her cup, gripping the handle as she looked at the open window shade on the sewing-room window.
I wonder if Ida Mae’s right about me possibly finding someone while I’m here. I guess it wouldn’t hurt to go to the singing, but am I really ready to do that right now? I wouldn’t have to seek out a serious relationship with a man. Or maybe love will await me when I return home and least expect it.