The Pattern Artist–a Review by Patsy Ledbetter
The Pattern Artist by Nancy Moser and published by Mustard Seed Press, 2nd edition, (2021), will enchant you. The characters are endearing and grow in their faith and character throughout the story.
Annie Wood is a talented young lady, who had been raised in a difficult family. Her parents were very negative and always complained about everything. Her father was a drunkard. When her brother was about twelve, he died from an appendicitis attack. The local vicar suggested she go into service at the age of fourteen. She began working for Lord and Lady Newly, the Kidds of Crompton Hall.
As the novel opens, Annie has just arrived in New York City. It is 1911. The Kidds have come to this city to visit their wealthy friends, the Friesens. They have brought along many of their servants including Annie who, after being in service for several years, has worked her way up to being upper housemaid.
Annie is very talented with sewing, alterations, and beadwork. Even though she has this talent, other servants have taken credit for her work. This frustrates her enough to consider running away with two of the Friesen’s servants, 17-year-old Iris and her thirteen-year-old brother, Danny. A footman, Oscar Grasston, shows Iris and Annie unwanted attention, threatening them with his advances. They are fearful of him, and decide for safety’s sake, they need to leave service. They plan to do this while the Kidd family is out at a social event. Annie leaves them a note, saying she is very thankful for all they have done for her, but she wants to find another job more suited to her talents.
The threesome set out on the streets of New York. They have to spend the first night in an alley when some of their money is stolen. The next morning, the young people discover they are right next to a bakery. It belongs to a family with seven children. The Tuttles are kind and offer them room and board in exchange for work. Iris will look after the Tuttles’ younger children, which suits her well. Danny will help Grandpa with deliveries, and Annie will work in the bakery and wash dishes.
Annie believes there is more out there for her than the type of work she is doing, so on her day off, she applies for a job in the sewing department at Macy’s. She becomes employed and tells the Tuttles she will now pay for her room and board. She has never used a sewing machine, so during her lunch breaks, a kind older lady, Edna Holmquist, offers to teach her. She soon discovers Edna is a widow with a son living far away. Edna dotes on Annie, enjoying her company and treating her like an adopted daughter.
During her first few weeks of working at Macy’s, Annie meets a wonderful young man named Sean Culver who works as a distributor for Butterick Pattern Company. He and Annie hit it off right away and within a month, he convinces her to consider working for Butterick. She has made some fashion sketches he is impressed with.
Soon, Annie is working for Butterick, designing patterns, and living with Edna, whom she considers to be a second mother. Edna teaches her from the Bible and shows her how she can become a child of God, accepting Jesus as her Savior. Sean is a man of faith as well.
There are more twists and turns to the plot, with some close calls. In the end, all works out well and the characters have grown in their faith. Annie is definitely interested in her career, but she realizes the most important person in her life is Jesus and her foremost desire to follow His lead. This novel is Book 1 of 3.
The Pattern Artist would be best enjoyed by readers 18 and above. I know you will enjoy it as much as I did.
Patsy Ledbetter has written poetry, short stories, devotionals, and book reviews for many years. She has also been a drama instructor, special needs teacher and substitute teacher. She and Kevin have been married for 41 years. They recently lost their oldest son Craig, age 33. They now have three children, Vanessa, Bethany and David. They also have four grandchildren, Elyse, Aurora, Hayden, and Molly. Kevin has been a music pastor most of his life and together they serve the Lord in a local church. Patsy loves to read, pray, and spend time outdoors and with family and friends. Her main desire is to bring glory to God through all the talents He has given her.
