Just one more reason…

Lately, my thoughts have turned to a little unicorn girl, though you probably wonder why.  It’s all about what we do for love, specifically, sewing.

We’ve been very busy with family activities and demands and are so grateful to live near our children so we can be closely involved in their lives.   Spending time with them is such a blessing.  So I’m not complaining.

But as I strive to find time to sew a little of this and that, to begin Vivian Rose’s 2nd birthday dress, and to tackle some long overdue home dec projects, I have given considerable thought to why I feel such a drive to sew these projects.  It reminded me of this post from almost two years ago and think it bears repeating.  I often find myself wondering just how that sweet little unicorn is. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So here is just one more reason…..

to sew.  Not that we need another one, but a recent event really gave me pause to think about sewing and why we do it.  It has taken me some time to digest and organize my thoughts, to say what I want to say, so please bear with me.

Laurel,3 days old in “gender neutral daygown,” made especially for her.

Like mothers and grandmothers before me, I was sewing for Laurel long before she was born.  The daygown shown above was made before we knew the gender of our first grandchild, but I couldn’t wait to start sewing for our long-awaited bundle of joy.  Announcement of a new baby will chase even the least productive needleworker to the sewing room.  The ambitious hopes and heartfelt dreams we have for baby’s future are in our thoughts with every stitch.

Last week  I had one of those gut-checks that make you stop and think.  This gut-check (or reality check) was initiated indirectly by Laurel, our first grandchild, just turned 9.    As we watched her portrayal of Lucy in a little production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe last week, I was overcome with gratitude for this loving, gifted, hearty, and hale child. I couldn’t help but think back to the day she was born.

Laurel, on the left with characters Susan and Peter

Of course, we were so pleased with her acting and clear, audible speaking. And we enjoyed the entire production.  But that’s not the point.

The playbill, as usual, featured ads placed by parents, congratulating and encouraging their children.  One caught my eye–a photo of a pretty little girl whose parents declared their pride in her dramatic participation now that she can hear, and looking forward to her future accomplishments.

Yes, this child, who appeared to be about Laurel’s age, apparently had been deaf her entire life until some recent surgical or technological breakthrough.  Though she had only  two or three short lines, one can only imagine her parents’ pride in their daughter.

At her birth, they undoubtedly had the same dreams for their baby as we had for Laurel.  But their baby girl would face daunting challenges requiring more hard work, dedication, and sacrifice than most children.

So what is the point, what is “one more reason to sew”?  I’m getting to it.

Costuming was the responsibility of each actor’s family.   Laurel was cute in a little plaid skirt, accessorized by Lucy’s signature dagger and  leather cordial pouch.  All the children were appropriately dressed.

But one costume stood out, head and shoulders above the others, that of the recently deaf unicorn.

And what a costume she had!  Dressed all in white, the unicorn wore a fur trimmed leotard with a plumed bustle that mimicked an equine rump.  A fluffy tail trailed to the floor. Black boots against her white tights shined like magical hooves.  Her headdress sported a silver horn and furry white ears.  It was a spectacular costume and was certainly not store-bought.

Can you imagine the love this child’s mother must have felt for her brave daughter as she stitched this elaborate costume?   Can you imagine the love felt by the little unicorn wearing it?

Love of a child, my friends, is one more reason–one very big reason– to sew. Whether it is a daygown, a button-on suit, a baptismal dress, a superhero tee shirt or a unicorn costume, we who sew can show our love for a child in a very special way.

Of course, I’m preaching to the choir here, but this experience really touched me.

Do you have any similar experiences you could share?  Or do you have one more reason to sew?

UPDATE:  My sweet friend Terri Click has written a blog post at The Thrifty Needle on this topic.  She has enlarged on my comments and beautifully expressed her thoughts.  Check it out here .