The World of Sewing Literature

Born into a life of hard work, English housemaid Annie Wood arrives in New York City in 1911 with her wealthy mistress. Wide-eyed with the possibilities America has to offer, Annie wonders if there’s more for her than a life of service.

Annie chooses to risk everything, taps into courage she never knew she had, and goes off on her own, finding employment in the sewing department at Macy’s. While at Macy’s Annie catches the eye of a salesman at the Butterick Pattern Company. Through determination, hard work, and God’s leading, Annie discovers a hidden gift: she is a talented fashion designer—a pattern artist of the highest degree.

As she runs from ghosts of the past and focuses on the future, Annie enters a creative world that takes her to the fashion houses of Paris and into a life of adventure, purpose, and love.

Annie Wood, the housemaid-turned-pattern designer in The Pattern Artist, jumps at the chance to design her own clothing line when a wealthy New York couple offers to finance her endeavor. Joining the project is Annie’s new husband, Sean Culver, her best friend at Butterick, Maude Nascato, and a mother figure, Edna Holmquist.

Annie and her colleagues give up their careers, risking everything to follow a shared passion: clothes that are both fashionable and functional for modern, busy women in 1912.
 
Personal and financial setbacks test old relationships and new romances while threatening to keep the business from ever selling a single dress. No one said it would be easy. But the promise of the American Dream holds a deep hope for those who work hard, trust God, and never give up.

1919 New York City: World War I is over and the world tries to r recover and start fresh. The ladies of the dress store, Unruffled–Annie, Edna, Maude and Henrietta–have been friends for years. Their bond has grown, as has their dedication to their families, their business, and their desire to make their lives matter. Join these amazing women in this satisfying conclusion to the Pattern Artist Series.

Annie Culver: Annie and Sean have two young daughters. But Sean hasn’t returned from the war; he is missing. Annie tries to remain hopeful, and focuses on their dress store, Unruffled. She is caught off guard when a suave salesman gives her attention. She misses Sean beyond words.

Edna Holmquist: Edna is the matriarch of the group and oversees sewing the dresses for Unruffled. As she turns sixty, Edna considers a new beau. And someone else . . .

Henrietta Holmquist: Henrietta married Edna’s son, Steven, and they have two little boys. Steven has returned from the war, but he mentally and emotionally suffers from its affects. Henrietta has no idea how to help him. She struggles to handle his issues, her boys, and the bookkeeping duties of Unruffled.

Maude Ricci: Maude married the widower Antonio and is the mother of his two teenage children. With the war over, she gets the idea to offer wedding dresses to its customers. While using her creative side, Maude deals with her rebellious and talented daughter, Gela. A man from her past threatens her happy life.