Susan's
Sewing Machine

DRAFT

The Singer

Susan had always admired Wilhelmina’s Singer sewing machine. It was a vintage model, with a black metal body and a wooden base. It had a pedal that made it run smoothly and quietly. Wilhelmina had inherited it from her grandmother, who had taught her how to sew when she was a little girl.

Wilhelmina was Susan’s best friend and neighbor. They lived in a small town in the countryside, where everyone knew each other. They had met at the local quilting club, where they shared their passion for fabrics and patterns. They often visited each other’s houses to work on their projects together, or to chat over a cup of tea.

One day, Wilhelmina told Susan that she was moving to the city with her husband. He had found a new job there, and they had bought an apartment downtown. Susan was happy for her friend, but also sad to lose her company.

“I’ll miss you so much,” Susan said as they hugged goodbye.

“I’ll miss you too,” Wilhelmina said. “But we’ll keep in touch, right? And you can come visit me anytime.”

“Of course,” Susan said.

Wilhelmina looked at her sewing machine, which was packed in a cardboard box.

“Listen,” she said. “I want you to have this.”

She handed Susan the box with the Singer inside.

“What? No!” Susan exclaimed. “I can’t take this from you. It’s your grandmother’s heirloom.”

“It’s okay,” Wilhelmina said. “I want you to have it. You love it as much as I do. And I don’t have space for it in my new place anyway.”

“But it’s too much,” Susan protested.

“Please,” Wilhelmina insisted. “It would make me happy if you took it.”

Susan looked at the box, then at Wilhelmina’s face.

She saw the sincerity and generosity in her eyes.

She felt a surge of gratitude and affection for her friend.

She nodded slowly.

“Thank you,” she said softly.

Wilhelmina smiled and hugged her again.

“You’re welcome,” she said.

They loaded the box into Susan’s car and waved goodbye as Susan drove away.

Susan felt a mix of emotions as she drove home with the Singer beside her.

She felt sad to see Wilhelmina go, but also excited to have such a wonderful gift from her friend.

She couldn’t wait to unpack it and start sewing with it.

The Quilt

Susan unpacked the Singer sewing machine and placed it in the living room. She plugged it in and turned it on. It hummed softly, as if greeting her.

She smiled and ran her hand over the metal body.

She felt a connection with the machine, as if it had a soul.

She opened a drawer and took out a pile of fabric scraps. They were leftovers from various projects she had done with Wilhelmina. They had different colors, shapes and textures. Some were cotton, some were silk, some were wool. Some had floral prints, some had stripes, some had polka dots.

Susan decided to make a patchwork quilt with them. She thought it would be a nice way to remember her friend and their time together.

She sorted the scraps into piles according to their size and color. She picked up two pieces that matched and pinned them together. She fed them under the needle of the Singer and pressed the pedal.

The machine stitched them neatly and quickly.

 Susan repeated the process with more pieces until she had a long strip of fabric.

 She ironed it flat and trimmed the edges.

 She made more strips until she had enough to cover a bed.

 She arranged them on the floor in a pleasing pattern.

 She sewed them together into a large square.

 She added a layer of batting and a backing fabric to make it warm and cozy.

 She quilted it by hand with small stitches all over the surface.

 She added a binding around the edges to finish it off.

 She admired her work with pride and satisfaction.

It was beautiful.

It was colorful.

It was unique.

The Surprise

Susan folded the quilt and wrapped it in a brown paper. She wrote Wilhelmina’s name and address on it. She put it in a large envelope and sealed it.

She drove to the post office and mailed it.

She hoped Wilhelmina would like it.

She hoped Wilhelmina would be surprised.

She missed her friend a lot.

She called her every week to catch up on their lives. They talked about their families, their jobs, their hobbies. They laughed and cried together. They supported and encouraged each other.

They were still best friends, even though they lived far apart.

Susan waited anxiously for Wilhelmina’s reaction to the quilt.

She checked her phone every day for a message or a call from her friend.

She wondered if the package had arrived safely.

She wondered if Wilhelmina had opened it yet.

She wondered what she would say when she saw it.

One day, Susan’s phone rang. It was Wilhelmina.

Susan answered eagerly.

“Hi, Wilhelmina!”

“Hi, Susan!”

Wilhelmina sounded excited and emotional.

“Susan, I got your package today.”

“You did? Oh, I’m so glad!”

“Susan, I don’t know what to say.”

“Did you like it?”

“Like it? Susan, I love it! It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen! It’s so thoughtful and sweet of you! You made me cry!”

“Oh, Wilhelmina. I’m so happy you love it. I made it for you with all my heart.”

“I can tell. It’s amazing. You’re amazing. Thank you so much.”

“You’re welcome. You deserve it.”

“Susan, you’re the best friend anyone could ever have.”

“So are you.”

They both sobbed happily on the phone for a while.

They both felt closer than ever before.

The Visit

Susan decided to visit Wilhelmina in the city. She wanted to see her friend in person and hug her. She also wanted to see the quilt on Wilhelmina’s bed.

She booked a flight and a hotel online. She packed her suitcase and her sewing kit. She was ready for a new adventure.

She boarded the plane and flew to the city. She took a taxi to her hotel and checked in. She called Wilhelmina and told her she was there.

Wilhelmina was overjoyed.

“Susan! You’re here! I can’t believe it!”

“I know! Me neither!”

“Where are you staying?”

“At the Grand Hotel on Main Street.”

“That’s not far from me. Can I come see you?”

“Of course! I’d love that!”

“Great! I’ll be there in half an hour.”

“Okay! See you soon!”

Susan hung up and freshened up. She put on a nice dress and some lipstick. She looked at herself in the mirror and smiled.

She felt excited and nervous.

She couldn’t wait to see Wilhelmina again.

She heard a knock on the door.

She opened it and saw Wilhelmina standing there.

She looked beautiful in a blue blouse and black pants. Her hair was short and curly. Her eyes were bright and warm.

They hugged each other tightly.

They squealed with delight.

They cried with joy.

They were reunited at last.