Patchwork Family
Page 32
“Yes. I’m here.”
“We have six months until the wedding. There are eight bridesmaids and one flower girl. Do you think that would be enough time for you to get them done?”
“If we can get the fabric ordered right away.”
“I’ve already taken care of that. Laurie has chosen her colors and the fabrics she wants. We have only to determine how much is needed. Would you be able to meet with us at your home this evening to discuss it? I have patterns and swatches I can bring.”
“Certainly.”
“How does seven-thirty sound? Would that give you enough time to have dinner with your family?”
“Oh yes, that’ll be fine.”
“I was so excited when I saw the dresses you made. Do you think if there’s enough time for you to make me one as well?”
“I don’t see why not.”
“I’m looking forward to doing business with you, Mrs. Hubbard.”
“Thank you, and call me Annabelle.”
“Goodbye for now, Annabelle.”
She hung up the phone and sank down at the kitchen table.
Could this mean what I hope it means? Could I make a living sewing dresses for weddings and special occasions?
She retrieved a pad of paper and pencil from the drawer and started figuring out an estimate of time per dress, including fittings. She started playing with the charge per hour times the number of dresses to see what might make a reasonable profit and not make the dresses too pricy. She’d have to research what bridesmaid dresses were selling for and what styles were popular.
I can’t wait to tell Phil. Won’t Regina be amazed? This is so perfect. I’ve got so much to do before the kids get home!
Grabbing a coat and her pocket book, Annabelle headed out to the car, pad, pencil and phonebook in hand. She had all day to shop the stores. The possibilities were exciting. Maybe this was just the opportunity she needed. If it worked out like she hoped, the trust would remain untouched and could be used for the kids, to help them to get a good start in the world.
She backed out of the drive grinning, filled with hope.
(Please continue reading for more information about Bonnie Tharp)
About The Author:
Bonnie Tharp
Born and raised in Kansas, Bonnie Tharp spent much of her formative years in her grandmother’s kitchen as official taste tester. Although not much of a chef herself, she adores good food and believes all the best discussions happen at the kitchen table.
Bonnie Tharp’s award-winning women’s fiction novel, Feisty Family Values, (written under the name B.D. Tharp), was one of the 150 Kansas Best Books, a finalist for the USA News Best Books of 2010, and winner of the J. Coffin Memorial Book Award for 2011.
Additional publishing credits include magazine articles, essays and short stories for the following publications: Generation Boom, Women’s Focus, Active Aging, the Wichita Register, East Wichita News, Sheridan Edwards Review, A Waist Is A Terrible Thing To Mind (Anthology), National Association of Women Writers Weekly and the Kansas Writers Association newsletter. She’s had the honor of winning local, state, and national awards for her writing.
Bonnie Tharp graduated magna cum laude from Wichita State University with a bachelor of arts degree in communications, women & minority studies, and fine arts. While living with her husband and a spoiled Brittany Spaniel in the middle of the United States, Bonnie admits that when she’s not writing, she’s either reading or watching old movies.