Page 76 of Threads of Kindness
“Then … yes.” Sunday’s voice trembled. “I’d love for you to make that dress for me.”
“I’ll grab my notepad,” the seamstress said. “Let’s get your measurements.” She stepped out of the room.
Sunday cleared her throat. “Before you get started, I need to make sure I can afford this. Do you know what it will cost?”
Anita gave her a figure.
“That can’t be right,” Sunday said. “That’s less than the one I ordered online. And your dress will be a custom-made wedding gown!”
Anita took her hand. “I’m only charging you for the materials. Archer’s Bridal will donate the labor.”
“You can’t do that,” Sunday protested. “That’s way too generous.”
“Because of you, my sewing machines are on exhibit at your library. That’s turned out to be the best publicity I could’ve hoped for. I’ve already had dozens of inquiries.” Anita took a deep breath. “You’ve heard about the possible archaeological dig in the basement?”
Sunday nodded. “It’s the talk of campus. I assume it’ll delay your grand opening. We’ll leave your machines on exhibit at the library until you’re ready to move them to the museum.”
“You see,” Anita said. “That’s more than kind.”
“Oh, for heaven’s sake,” Sunday said. “That’s what librariansdo.It’s no big deal.”
“It is to me,” Anita said. “I want to make your dream dress to repay your kindness.”
Sunday swept Anita into a tight hug. “This is the most special thing anyone’s ever done for me. I promise I’ll be here promptly for every fitting. Just say the word.”
“About that,” Anita said. “Judy had an idea. At first, I thought it was crazy, but the more I considered it, the more merit I see.”
Sunday pulled back and raised her eyebrows.
“She thinks we should sew the dress on the Singer machine on display at the library.”
Sunday shrieked. “That’s aterrificidea! People will find that so interesting. It’ll bring patrons into the library and generate more excitement for your museum.” She gasped. “Ican’t waitto tell Lyla!”
“I’m glad you agree,” Anita said, smiling.
“My office on the third floor is tiny, but it’s private,” Sunday said. “We could do fittings there if that works for you.”
“I was hoping you’d say that,” Anita said.
Sunday ran her hand through her hair. “We’ll put this all over social media! Let’s livestream parts of the sewing process, similar to the recent eagle cam.”
Anita chuckled. “I didn’t watch it, but I’m learning about it now. Joan and Judy had the same thought and were going on about it.”
“Perhaps they have other great ideas as well,” Sunday mentioned. “I’m pulling Lyla in on this as soon as I get back to the library. We’ll call Judy and Joan to see what else they’ve come up with.”
The seamstress returned, a tape measure around her neck and a notebook in hand.
“I’ll let the two of you get started,” Anita said. She turned to the seamstress. “We’ve decided to construct the dress at the library.”
The woman’s eyebrows shot to her hairline.
“I’ll fill you in later. When do you think we’ll begin sewing?” Anita asked.
“I called our vendor. Everything we need is in stock, and I plan to swing by after we finish the measurements. We’ll have the pieces cut by the end of the week, so you could start sewing on Monday.”
“Then Monday it will be,” Anita said with a nod.
“If I know Lyla,” Sunday added, “she’ll get the word out before the day’s over. Is there anything you need from the library?”
