The Amish community in Shipshewana, Indiana, and its surrounding inhabitants, is the setting for Wanda Brunstetter’s latest Amish fiction novel, The Half-Sewed Amish Quilting Club.
Amish woman Emma Yoder decides to offer in-house quilting classes to supplement her income after the death of her beloved husband, Ivan. Advertising in the local newspaper and on store bulletin boards, Emma is surprised by the students drawn to her offer.
Six diverse people enroll in Emma’s class, each bringing their unique life story to the dynamic of the workshop. The six-week quilting course proves to be not only a craft learning experience, but life lessons as well.
Twenty-year-old Star Stevens joins Emma’s class in memory of her grandmother, who died two weeks ago of cancer. Going through her grandmother’s belongings, she finds an envelope detailing Emma’s prepaid quilting class in Star’s name.
Star, whose birth name is Beatrice Stevens, despises her birth name. Raised solely by a mother who left a trail of boyfriends, Star never knew her father. Star aspires to be a successful songwriter despite her mother’s discouragement.
A thirty-something couple, Pam and Stuart Johnston, are experiencing conflict in their marriage. Your marriage counselor suggests that you explore activities together. Having gone fishing (which she hates) with Stuart two weekends in a row, she convinces him that it’s her turn to indulge her taste, which is quilting.
Ruby Lee Williams is Pastor Gene’s wife; and they are experiencing tension with his congregation. Gene wants to build an addition to the church; however, members are against spending their limited funds. Ruby joins Emma’s class as a distraction from her problems, thinking that she will make a quilt for a local inmate or decorate her newly purchased house.
Paul Ramírez lost his wife of twenty-five years, Lorinda, in a car accident; and she is now the sole provider for her nine-month-old baby, Sophia. Lorinda’s sister, Carmen, blames Paul for her death. Paul enrolls in Emma’s class at her sister Maria’s suggestion of him learning how to complete the quilt Lorinda had started for Sophia before her death.
Portly, roofer, Jan Sweet, relies on her co-worker, Terry, for transportation to work. Convicted of DUI, she has three months left on her license suspension. His parole officer suggests that he find a creative outlet to bide his time. Jan notices the advertisement for Emma’s quilting class at a convenience store; and she signs up.
Widowed, Lamar Miller is in love with Emma; however, she avoids adoring her, using that she will never love again after Ivan. His defenses are weakened after a recurring episode of shingles. Lamar, an expert in quilting since his late wife owned a quilt shop, offers to teach one of his classes. Reluctantly, she agrees, with a surprisingly positive outcome.
“Half Sewn” refers to the group’s life struggles they face. Lamar tells Emma that he is teaching a “bunch of half-stitched quilters.” She replies, “What do you mean?” “They all have problems, Emma, and with the exception of Pam, none of them can sew that well,” she replies.
Scripture augments Brunstetter’s narrative to reinforce key messages: “I know I need to keep praying,” Paul said. “In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, he says that we should pray continually. It’s just that sometimes it’s hard, especially when we don’t see answers to our prayers.”
Amish culture is emphasized throughout the book: Emma uses a treadle sewing machine (vs. her students learning on a battery-powered machine), because the Amish shun electricity; and she refuses to appear in a group photo because the Amish view posing for photos as a sign of pride.
The book features glossy pages explaining the history of Amish quilting; quilt patterns that complement the narrative, including The double wedding ring, the starY The falling baby block; Angel Cream Pie Recipe by Emma Yoder; and discussion questions at the end of the book.
The Half-Sewed Amish Quilting Club entertainingly reminds us of the power of faith; and reflects whatever group you might be participating in: each person embodies a unique perspective on life, along with life challenges, many unseen. The musical, based on the book, opens this summer in Shipshewana, Indiana.
To discover more about the Amish community in Shipshewana, Indiana as a tourist attraction, visit: http://www.riegsecker.com.