Megan’s first labor of love goes to her brother Nicholas
Today Granddaughter Megan’s spring vacation here on Stauffer Avenue has come to an end. From rural Stauffer Avenue she is headed back to Eden Prairie southwest of the metro. How wonderful that at the age of 10 she still enjoys blending right in to our home and our schedules.
When Megan first arrived she announced she had a plan to make a blanket for her six-year-old brother. We have made one together in the past for her, but I believe she had forgotten how long we worked at it. We had a window of four days and Megan and I agreed we were not going to be like the sewers in China by working day and night. Of course the big surprise was that she was handed over her very own foot control to her very own sewing machine. Lots of hugs ensued. After Megan had drawn out on paper how she wanted the blanket to look it became my job to find the fabrics and supplies in my stashes.
Sleeping in was the first order of business followed by taking time for a French Toast breakfast while watching an episode of Scooby Doo on the cartoon channel. It was totally hands on after that. Megan experienced the challenges of threading the sewing machine and getting the bobbin wound. I cannot believe how quickly she took to it. I was a bit jealous at how easily she could thread the needle — steady hands and her little nose right up close and personal.
As each step was completed, “quality control” was asked to leave the work site as this was a teaching, as well as a learning, experience. There are many projects ahead to learn the theology of perfect seams. The smiles from Megan as she saw progress were more rewarding that any W-2 Form job could provide.
The birds will have lots of bright materials for their new nests
It wasn’t all work and no play. Megan poked into a supply of yarn and we agreed some of the yarn balls were too small to make anything good but they sure would work for making snippets of yarn for the birds to find as the nest building season was just getting started. As luck would have it, the early spring weather was chilly enough that winter coats were still needed. Not all the quilt batting went into Nicholas’ blanket. Though the snow is gone there are tufts of white in our yards. What bird wouldn’t like to have a bit of soft batting to weave into the their new home?
While goodbyes were said today to Megan, Nicholas is going to be watching his schedule for his time to visit Grandpa Dennis and me. We will find out what his wish list is for the visit and the planning will begin. This is a full service activity center. After all, Megan says my basement craft area is just as good as what the Michael’s stores have to offer. It’s a good thing.
In life, please give and have no memory of it, or take and remember it always.
