Made with Love

Would one kind gesture be enough to right the wrongs of the past?

- Amanda Swift

Welcome to Pewsey Patchworkers, Annie,’ said Barbara, the group’s chairwoman. ‘I suggest you sit next to Sue. She’s a founding member so she’ll be able to tell you all the gossip.’

Sue looked up from her sewing and gave Annie a welcoming smile. Annie picked up her sewing gear and walked across the village hall towards her. The other half a dozen members of the group greeted her and introduced themselves as she walked past them.

‘Hi, Annie,’ said Sue as Annie put her sewing machine down on the table. ‘Help yourself to tea and coffee. We have lunch at one and start clearing up at 3.30.’

‘Lovely, thanks,’ said Annie. ‘How wonderful to have a whole day to sew!’

Sue smiled. ‘Yes, and it’s nice to have the company, too. Especially if you live alone like I do.’

‘Yes, same for me,’ said Annie. She sat down and looked over at Sue’s work. ‘What are you making?’

‘It’s a comfort quilt,’ said Sue as she finished sewing two pieces of material together. She held it up for Annie to see. It was a gorgeous patchwork of pink and lilac fabrics, all printed with flowers or hearts.

‘That’s so pretty,’ said Annie. ‘Is it for a grandchild?’

‘No – it’s for the local hospital. Some of us make quilts for a charity that donates them to hospitals. It’s nice for the children to have something personal. And they get to take them home afterwards as well.’

‘That’s a lovely idea,’ said Annie. ‘I might make one myself.’