Last night eight people came to make squares for a wedding quilt. I love that two were men. We chatted as they copied templates and cut out pieces of the puzzle that is a basket block. They told me why they chose this fabric or that color, and I threaded machines as they came undone. Some of them had a cup of tea, others a piece of leftover birthday cake. They did not fit in the sewing room and spilled into the dining room. Part of the block is hand sewed and they shared spools as they sat with needles diving in and out of the fabric. 

"This is fun!" one woman blurted out as she ironed. Others chimed in agreement. They did not say as much but I think some of them expected frustration instead. Most of them were new to quilting. When questions came up I would step in with suggestions or a seam ripper. One or two covered small imperfections with buttons. Judging by their faces they were delighted to find out that they could do it. 

In the end there were a stack of lovely blocks, ready to become part of a whole that expresses community support for a bride and groom. 

In two weeks there will be a Marriage Conference in town. I cannot predict who will show up. But my hope is that even the ones who have a smidgen of anxiety about what actually happens will surprise themselves by finding out that it is fun. The caterers will provide tea and cake, and places to sit while we chat. We will talk about ways to deal with our imperfections, and come a step closer to becoming a world that gives a network of support for marriage.