“If only that were true,” Julia said. “The bad news is that many members of our cast and production crew need to refresh theirquilting skills. We’ve also recently signed on new actors who have never quilted before, and they absolutely must learn before we begin filming.”
“And you thought it would be wise to send them to quilt camp?”
“Yes, but I’m afraid we can’t wait until your regular season. March would be too late for our production schedule. Our performers need to look like experts on-screen, and that means intensive training—and the sooner they begin learning, the better.”
“But if March will be too late, how can Elm Creek Quilts help you?”
“Well, I’ve heard that you’re considering expanding your camp season into the fall.”
“Oh, you’ve heard that, have you?” said Sylvia, amused. “From Sarah or Summer, I assume. It’s true we’re considering it, but we haven’t made a final decision. If we do move ahead, it wouldn’t be until next season.”
“I had something a bit earlier in mind. What would you say to a practice run in November—and yes, I do meanthisNovember? I’m thinking twenty or so guests for a one-week stay. In the mornings, your teachers would offer classes in quilting fundamentals. The afternoons would be devoted to practice sessions, with an instructor or two on hand to offer assistance and advice. We’d want your usual fabulous meal service, of course, but you needn’t arrange any evening programs. If we want entertainment, we can provide that for ourselves.”
“My goodness,” Sylvia murmured.
“So, what do you think?”
“I think...” Sylvia paused. “I think it all sounds... very intriguing.”
“But doable, though? And maybe even fun?”
“Yes, indeed, but this is rather unexpected. I’d need to consult the other Elm Creek Quilters to make sure they’d be willing and able to participate.”
“Sarah and Summer are already on board.”
“Of course they are,” said Sylvia. “If I didn’t know better, I’dsuspect this was all their idea, and you’re only going along with it to send some work our way.”
“Not at all,” Julia said, perhaps too emphatically. “Summer didtell me about your financial difficulties, but I had already decided that quilting lessons for our cast and crew were long overdue. But while we’re on the subject of finances, I should mention what our producer has budgeted for our quilt camp excursion.”
Julia herself was said producer, but she left out that detail as she explained what she was prepared to pay for their week of quilt lessons, meals, and accommodations—a figure she was confident would pay for the roof and then some, with plenty left over to invest for future crises. She didn’t explain her reasoning to Sylvia, of course. It would sound like a bailout, and Sylvia would probably refuse it.
Even so, Sylvia seemed positively stunned by the grand total. “I—I hardly know what to say,” she stammered. “It’s very generous of you—”
“It’s not generosity,” Julia interrupted, before Sylvia decided it wastoogenerous. “I’d expect to pay that price anywhere considering the services we require, but I’d much rather work with Elm Creek Quilts. You’re the very best at what you do.”
“Thank you. I’ll be sure to pass along the compliment. As I said, I’ll need to discuss it with the others—”
“Of course.”
“But I’m sure we can accommodate your group.”
“Excellent,” Julia exclaimed, pumping a fist, then sinking back into her chair, lightheaded with relief. “When you’re all set on your end, call me back and we’ll discuss specific dates and whatever paperwork you need us to sign. I’d prefer to pay up front if that works for you. The studio’s accounting department could reimburse me later.”
That wasn’t exactly honest. The studiocouldreimburse her, but they probably wouldn’t, which was fine because Julia wasn’t planning to ask.
“An up-front payment would work very well for us too. I’m grateful, Julia. This truly is a windfall in our hour of need.”
“No, it isn’t,” Julia countered cheerfully. “It’s a job. I’m not mailing you a suitcase full of cash. Trust me, you and your staff are going to earn every penny. I won’t name names, but some of my colleagues are terribly clumsy with a needle.”
“If you say so, but thank you very much all the same.” Sylvia cleared her throat as if quite overcome. “Let’s chat again soon. I’ll share your proposal with the Elm Creek Quilters tomorrow, and if they’re willing—and I’m quite sure they will be—you and I can work out the details.”
“Excellent,” said Julia warmly. “I look forward to it. Call me anytime.”
With Sarah, Summer, and now Sylvia on board, it was all but certain that Julia’sAPatchworkLifequilt camp would be green-lit soon.
7
The following evening, Sylvia phoned with good news: The Elm Creek Quilters would be delighted to host Julia and her colleagues for an exclusive week of autumn quilt camp. Maggie Flynn, author of the pattern bookMy Journey with Harriet, would teach them how to piece blocks by hand, while expert traditional quilter Gretchen Hartley would join her for lessons about other stages of the quilt-making process. Their instructors would be available for extra tutoring outside of the classroom, and Anna del Maso-Bernstein, the manor’s exceptional chef, would prepare her usual excellent cuisine.
