Sweet Sewing

B has repeatedly asked me to give her some sewing to do and I've always shied away from it.  I find myself trying to redirect her to something less...pointy.  While reading the Little House on the Prairie, she pointed out that Laura and Mary, who weren't much older than she was, were already working on patchwork quilts.  All she wanted to do was some simple embroidery [insert puppy dog eyes here].  As I tried to come up with new reasons as to why she should not be allowed to do it, I began to see the flaws in my arguments.  Why shouldn't she learn to sew?  What's the worst thing that could happen?  She could prick herself on the finger?  I do that many times a day (its a wonder all our blankets and clothing aren't blood stained!) and I like to think I'm still okay.  Besides, sewing is such a wonderful and therapeutic activity for me, shouldn't I want to share that with my daughter?  I want her to have as many outlets for expression and as many creative venues to explore as I can possibly give her.  Sewing is such a dynamic, practical and important skill; one that is getting lost among the internet, tv and consumerism.  There is something so beautiful about the gliding of a needle.  And lets face it, nothing beats the satisfaction and joy that comes with a completed project.

So after all this thought, I grabbed her some white cotton, an embroidery hoop, some floss and a needle and let her go at it.

 It was so sweet to watch her; brows furrowed in concentration, humming to herself as she emrboidered "trees" and "a cat".  As we sat together on the bed creating quietly, I felt completely at peace.  It made me think of all the mothers and daughters before us who did the same thing and how it was not only normal but expected for young girls to learn this skill.  And for good reason!

  I think we bonded more in those precious few minutes than we could have over hours in front of a tv.

And for the record, she didn't prick herself once.  Unfortunately, I can't say the same for myself...