“Well, folks I think I’ve said enough. Now, I’ll hand the microphone over to Derek so he can show you his 10-minute video. And, while Derek’s setting things up, does anyone have any questions?”
As Hans looked about the audience, one person raised their hand. Surprisingly, it was Vera Hofflinger.
“Are your wives also at the Oak Crest retirement community?”
Sadly, no,” replied Hans. “Six years ago, our wives died tragically on a snow-covered highway while returning from a quilt show.
There was dead silence as the audience assimilated the devastating news.
“Okay,” said Derek, breaking the silence, “dim the lights, please, we’re ready to roll.”
And so, for the next ten minutes, the quilters were treated to a fascinating explanation of how amazing this long-arm quilting machine was. They were surprised to hear that the first ‘quilting machine’ appeared in 1871. Today, the long-arm machine head can be either hand-guided or computer guided.
Derek explained that the machine seen in the video belongs to both him and Hans. With their machine they could do many types of designs; also, custom work.
At the end of the presentation, the quilters gave the two gentlemen enthusiastic applause.
After Carole thanked Derek and Hans for coming and explaining what long-arm quilting was all about, she invited Emmy Lou Custer onto the stage for a brief announcement.
“Well, from the sound of your applause, fellow quilters, I’m sure you are as excited as I am to know that Derek and Hans will be members of the Random Sampler quilt guild. Not only that, but I’m setting aside the back room of my shop for their long-arm quilting machine.”
At this, there was more clapping.
“Now, said Carole as Emmy Lou handed her the microphone, I think its time for coffee, tea and some of those delicious edibles our social committee brought. So, let’s dig in and mingle, quilters.”
“Well,” Janice remarked as Carole joined the Birds of a Feather quilt bee, “I guess one could say, ‘All’s well that ends well.”
Everyone nodded their heads in agreement. The process was turbulent, but the outcome was certainly an evolution.
“We’ve moved into the future intact,” said Loretta.
“The only thing is,” Carole quipped, “I think my hair colour has also evolved. Tomorrow morning I expect to find several more grey hairs!”
